[ParlTrack]

I welcome the Commission proposal for a regulation amending 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 citizens are exempt from that requirement, as regards the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union. The proposal is part of the legislative measures to adjust Union law to Brexit. It aims to clarify the situation of UK nationals when Union law ceases to apply to them as regards visa policy. The report recommends inserting the United Kingdom as regards British citizens into Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 (i.e. in the list of third countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement).

2016/11/22

. ‒ The purpose of the report is to adopt guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. The instructions were first taken together in 2010, underpinning the Europe 2020 strategy. In 2018, they were aligned with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, to drive reforms at national level and to serve as a compass for a renewed process of convergence across Europe. I voted against the report while the validity of the broad economic policy guidelines is not limited to any specific period. The employment guidelines need to be drawn up each year. The Commission considers that the employment guidelines adopted in 2018 should remain stable to ensure a focus on their implementation.

2016/11/22

The current evaluation of the social legislation in road transport in the EU has shown shortcomings in the current legal framework and problems regarding enforcement. Furthermore, several discrepancies exist between the Member States in interpretation, application, and implementation of the rules. This creates legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators, which is detrimental to the working, social and competition conditions in the sector. The Commission aims to amend the existing rules unsuccessfully to make the road transport sector fair, efficient and socially accountable, while at the same time to mitigate the excessive regulatory burdens on operators and preventing distortions of competition. Therefore I strongly oppose it since we need fair, equal conditions for all European drivers.

2016/11/22

The Commission’s aim is to adapt and clarify the social rules in the Union in road transport to improve business and working conditions in the sector. I voted against the report since I strongly believe that it will lead to a significant reduction of international road freight transport with negative consequences for the Eastern European economy.The most recent study by the European Commission highlights an acute shortage of secure parking places for trucks at the European level. It is clear evidence that negotiations on the mobility package are heading in the wrong direction, as the proposed rules on driving times and rest periods, and the banning of regular weekly rest in the cabin, will be impossible to observe.

2016/11/22

I am not supporting the Commission’s proposal, which is part of the Mobility Package, and so I voted against it. I believe it will lead to a significant reduction of international road freight transport, with negative consequences for the Eastern European economy. The report restricts Eastern carriers’ access to the EU transport market and seriously affects the fundamental freedoms of movement within the EU single market. Restricting cabotage is an EU departure from the road to the free market, and the provision on the obligation to return home is unacceptable as it affects the fundamental freedom of movement in the EU with a negative impact on transport efficiency and the environment, which is contrary to the EU’s objectives of reducing CO2 emissions from transport. The report restricts the liberalisation of the road haulage market and introduces more restrictive conditions for carriers and a ‘waiting period’ in the country of origin before moving to another. Cabotage is a concern and will have a significant adverse economic impact on the Eastern transport market.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the Commission proposal, which aims to extend common rules for the internal market in natural gas to gas pipelines from third countries. An integrated gas market is the cornerstone of the Energy Union and a key Commission priority. Directive 2009/73/EC (the Gas Directive) has made a significant contribution towards the creation of the internal market in natural gas. However, it does not explicitly set out a legal framework for gas pipelines to and from third countries. I voted in favour of the provisional agreement.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposal establishes the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for the period 2021-2027 and ensures that the Union budget will continue to support fisheries and maritime affairs policies.Europe’s maritime sector employs more than 5 million people, generating almost EUR 500 billion a year, with the potential to create many more jobs. The output of the global ocean economy is estimated at EUR 1.3 trillion, and that figure could more than double by 2030. Fisheries are vital to the livelihood of many coastal communities in the EU and are an essential part of their cultural heritage. Along with aquaculture, the fisheries sector also contributes to food security and nutrition. Therefore I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the Commission proposal, for which I voted, since its purpose is to establish a multiannual plan for fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The Western Mediterranean is one of the most developed sub-regions in terms of fishing in the Mediterranean. It accounts for around 31% of its total landing (EUR 1.35 billion out of a total of EUR 4.76 billion) and about 19% of the officially reported Mediterranean fishing fleet. Demersal fisheries are highly sought after by fishermen due to their high commercial value. They are complex and involve many species of fish and crustaceans. The main demersal species caught in the Western Mediterranean are hake, red mullet, giant red shrimp, deep-water rose shrimp, blue and red shrimp and Norway lobster.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Commission proposal for which I voted in favour of the provisional agreement. The purpose of the report targets strengthening the security standards applicable to identity cards and residence documents issued by the Member States to European Union citizens and their family members respectively. Identity card ownership is compulsory in 15 Member States from twenty-six EU Member States.In line with Directive 2004/38/EC, mobile citizens and their family members, who are not nationals of a Member State, also receive documents proving their residence in their host Member State. While these residence documents are not travel documents, residence cards for those family members of mobile EU citizens, who themselves are not nationals of a Member State, used together with a passport grant the holders the right to enter the EU without a visa when they accompany or join an EU citizen.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report for which I voted in favour of the provisional agreement. The report establishes a renewed framework to strengthen equality between men and women to labour market opportunities and treatment at work across the Union and to repeal Directive 2010/18/EC. This proposal for a Directive is part of a package of measures to deliver on the Commission’s commitment. It aims at addressing women’s under-representation in employment and support their career progression through improved conditions to reconcile their working and private duties. The current legal framework at the Union and Member States’ level provides limited provisions for men to assume an equal share of caring responsibilities with women. Reducing the gap is crucial to achieving greater gender equality.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the proposal is to provide a base for the governance of further automation of processes defined by Union excise legislation. Decision No 1152/2003/EC is the founding decision for the computerised system (Excise Movement and Control System – EMCS). At the moment, it covers only movements of excise goods under excise duty suspension.In order to allow the automation of the procedure for the movement of excise goods which have been released for consumption in the territory of one Member State and moved to the area of another Member State to be delivered for commercial purposes in that other Member State, Decision No 1152/2003/EC has to be modified. Since most provisions of the Decision are affected by that modification, the Decision should be recast in the interests of clarity. Given the objectives of the proposal, which I fully support, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The public sector information (PSI), e.g., meteorological data, digital maps, statistics, and legal information is a valuable resource for the digital economy. Therefore, the EU has been promoting the re-use of public sector information for several years. Directive 2003/98/EC on the re-use of public sector information (‘PSI Directive’) aims to facilitate the re-use of PSI throughout the Union by harmonizing the basic conditions for reuse and removing major barriers to re-use in the internal market. I voted in favour of the report which aims overall to contribute to the strengthening of the EU’s data-economy by increasing the amount of public sector data available for re-use, ensuring fair competition and easy access to markets based on public sector information, and enhancing cross-border innovation based on data.

2016/11/22

During the 2016 ICCAT Annual Meeting held in Vilamoura (Portugal), the contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties, entities or fishing entities to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) took a decisive step to address the alarming situation of Mediterranean swordfish (Xiphias gladius) by adopting a 15-year recovery plan in the ICCAT Recommendation 16-05. The proposal for a Regulation lays down rules for the conservation, management, and control of the Mediterranean stock of swordfish as to achieve a biomass corresponding to a maximum sustainable yield by 2031 with at least 60% probability of achieving that objective, therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I strongly support the Commission proposal that aims to maintain a high level of maritime safety and pollution prevention at sea, and it is essential to improve the level of knowledge and skills of the Union’s seafarers by developing marine training and certification in line with international rules.The training and certification of seafarers were regulated at the international level by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (‘STCW Convention’), which was revised in 2010. Further amendments to the STCW Convention were adopted in 2015 and 2016. An evaluation was carried out and concluded that the Directives are fit for purpose and, to a great extent, met the initial objectives and expectations. However, it also identified elements that have hindered the effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the own-initiative report on the tax treatment of pension products, including the pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP). The internal market for individual retirement savings products remains highly fragmented, particularly concerning tax reliefs. However, a study on the feasibility of a European Personal Pension Framework of June 2017 demonstrated that fiscal incentives are critical to the uptake of the PEPP.The report calls on the Council to elaborate proposals regarding incentives for PEPP savers to enhance the uptake of the PEPP.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposal to have an EU cross-border mechanism was first put forward by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council in 2015, leading to the creation of an informal working group of Member States to develop this tool. Following an EU-wide cross-border review in 2015-2017, the Commission published a Communication on Boosting Growth and Cohesion in EU Border Regions on 20 September 2017, setting out a 10 point action plan, with the Commission stating it would consider the options to take this new instrument forward.It is necessary to find a balanced approach and reduce legal burdens in order to boost and promote cross-border projects, make them easier for citizens and private and public authorities. Therefore, in favour of the report, I share the opinion that the latter foresees for the EU to reduce bureaucracy and legal obstacles for cross-border regions with the aim to create jobs and puts forward projects for citizens, leading to further social, territorial and economic cohesion.

2016/11/22

The Eurojust-Georgia Cooperation Agreement follows the model of similar agreements concluded by Eurojust in the past (for example, Eurojust-FYROM, Eurojust-US, Eurojust-Norway, Eurojust-Switzerland, and most recently Eurojust-Albania). The purpose of such agreements is to foster cooperation as regards combating serious crime, especially organised crime and terrorism.In favour of the report, I support the approval by the European Parliament of the Council’s draft implementing decision approving the conclusion by Eurojust of the agreement on cooperation between Eurojust and Georgia.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, the proposed Regulation will define a support framework and procedures for cooperation on clinical assessment of health technologies at Union level and common methodologies for the clinical assessment of health technologies. However, pricing and reimbursement of medicines will fall within the exclusive national competence of the Member States.I share the opinion that HTA shall be used to promote innovations that produce the best results for patients and society in general. It should enable health professionals, patients and health institutions to know whether or not a new health technology represents an improvement of existing health technologies in terms of benefits and risks.A coordination group composed of representatives from Member States’ health technology assessment authorities and bodies should be established with responsibility and proven expertise for overseeing the carrying out of joint clinical assessments and other joint work within the scope of this regulation. In order to ensure the high quality of work, members of the Coordination Group will be drawn from national or regional health technology assessment agencies or bodies responsible for that field.

2016/11/22

There is currently no comprehensive framework at Union level for the screening of foreign direct investments on the grounds of security or public order, while the major trading partners of the Union have already developed such frameworks.In favour of the report, the proposed regulation establishes a framework for the screening by Member States of foreign direct investments into the Union on the grounds of security or public order, for a cooperation mechanism between Member States, and between Member States and the Commission, with regard to foreign direct investments likely to affect security or public order. It also includes the possibility for the Commission to issue opinions on such investments.The Regulation is without prejudice to each Member State having sole responsibility for its national security and to the right of each Member State to protect its essential security interests. Nothing in this Regulation shall limit the right of each Member State to decide whether or not to screen a particular foreign direct investment within the framework of this Regulation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the Commission proposal to establish a European Fisheries Control Agency (codification of Council Regulation (EC) No 768/2005) and amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy. The new Regulation will succeed the acts incorporated and preserve the content of the acts meaning to bring them together with only such formal amendments as are required by the codification exercise itself.Moreover, organising operational coordination of fisheries control and inspection activities by the Member States and to assist the Member States to cooperate so as to comply with the rules of the common fisheries policy in order to ensure its effective and uniform application.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the Commission’s proposal, which aims to allow the automation of the procedure for the movement of excise goods. The proposal extends the Excise Movement and Control System to intra—EU movements of excise goods that are released for consumption. Moreover, it needs to simplify the procedure for proper monitoring and to provide a better base for the governance of further automation, where such automation is considered beneficial.The funding will be covered by the Fiscalis budget within the appropriations already foreseen in the official financial programming. No additional resources will be required from the EU budget. Moreover, this initiative does not intend to prejudge the Commission’s proposal on the next multiannual financial framework. The estimation of costs for administrations and economic operators are included in the impact assessment prepared for the recast of Directive 2008/118/EC.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Proposal for a regulation points to the law of cross-border transactions involving claims or securities. Moreover, it concerns situations involving a conflict of laws, to the third-party effects of assignments of claims in civil and commercial matters other than third-party effects to the debtor of the claim assigned. The conflict-of-laws rules laid down in this regulation should govern the effects of assignments of claims in respect of third parties, for example, a creditor of the assignor, excluding the debtor. By laying down common conflict-of-laws rules, the regulation will increase cross-border claims transactions, to encourage cross-border investment in the Union and facilitate access to finance for firms – including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – and consumers, therefore, I voted in favour of the regulation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ It is essential to increase the security and competitiveness of the Union’s economy and to ensure stronger protection of the euro against counterfeiting. The Commission’s proposal will help to prevent and combat counterfeiting and related fraud, thus preserving the integrity of euro banknotes and coins and strengthening the confidence of citizens and businesses in their authenticity and thereby enhancing the trust in the Union’s economy. The financial framework for the implementation of the programme shall be set at EUR 7 700 000 (at current prices) for the period 2021-2027. Therefore, I welcome the legislative resolution on the proposal to establish an exchange, assistance and training programme for the protection of the euro and I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

Singapore is a privileged gateway for EU businesses to the Southeast Asia region, and as a whole is a USD 3 trillion economy and a market of over 650 million consumers. The EU- Singapore agreement will eliminate virtually tariffs on all qualifying goods over a five-year transition period from the date of entry into force. It will address non-tariff barriers to trade such as double testing for cars and car parts. Singapore and the EU commit to developing and promoting international trade and their trade and economic relationship to contribute to sustainable development. Both recognised as inappropriate encouraging trade or investment by weakening or reducing domestic labour and environmental protection provisions. They aim to respect, promote and effectively implement the principles concerning the fundamental rights at work as well as will make continued and sustained efforts towards ratifying and effectively implementing the fundamental ILO conventions. The agreement encourages firms to operate responsibly and accountable, therefore I voted in favour of the agreement.

2016/11/22

I welcome Singapore and the EU commitment to developing and promoting international trade and their trade and economic relationship to contribute to sustainable development. Therefore, the Parliament recommends stronger language on environmental and social standards, also in connection to awarding public procurement and in the TSD chapter and to engage with the ILO to ultimately ratify the missing convention within a reasonable time frame. The Commission needs to allocate sufficient funds to support the participation of the civil society with the respect of EU standards including the precautionary principle.In addition, the Government of Singapore shall start to work immediately on the registration procedure on GIs and to ensure that the highest number of GIs are protected.

2016/11/22

The agreement aims to enhance the investment climate between the two parties. It will ensure a high level of investment protection while safeguarding the EU’s and Singapore’s rights to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives such as the protection of public health, safety and the environment. It is important to highlight that this agreement will replace the existing bilateral investment treaties between 13 EU Member States and Singapore. Such treaties are based on outdated investment protection provisions and feature the controversial investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). However, regrettably, the agreement still misses provisions on investors’ obligations, which should be strengthened according to Members.

2016/11/22

The agreement aims to enhance the investment climate between the two parties. It will ensure a high level of investment protection while safeguarding the EU’s and Singapore’s rights to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives such as the protection of public health, safety and the environment. It is important to highlight that this agreement will replace the existing bilateral investment treaties between 13 EU Member States and Singapore. Such treaties are based on outdated investment protection provisions and feature the controversial investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). However, regrettably, the agreement still misses provisions on investors’ obligations, which should be strengthened according to Members.

2016/11/22

The partnership and cooperation agreement with Singapore constitutes another stepping-stone towards enhanced political and economic involvement of the EU in South-East Asia, a fact that I welcome. The PCA provides the basis for more effective bilateral engagement by the EU and its Member States with Singapore. It covers the EU’s standard political clauses on human rights, International Criminal Court (ICC), Weapons of Mass Destructions (WMD), Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and counter-terrorism. In addition, it encompasses cooperation in areas such as health, environment, climate change, energy, tax, education and culture, labour, employment and social affairs, science and technology, and transport. The agreement further addresses legal cooperation, money laundering and terrorist financing, organised crime and corruption and contains provisions on cooperation in the tax area.

2016/11/22

I support the strengthening of EU-Singapore political relations through the PCA, which will offer a platform for enhanced dialogue in areas such as human rights, environment, climate change and tax matters. In particular, the EU should prioritise dialogue on the death penalty with a view to its eventual abolition, on LGBTI rights in order to ensure that the rights of the LGBTI community are fully protected in Singapore and on labour rights and ratification of the outstanding core ILO conventions. The agreement further addresses legal cooperation, money laundering and terrorist financing, organised crime and corruption and contains provisions on cooperation in the tax area.

2016/11/22

The Treaty aims to create a Transport Community in the field of road, rail, inland waterway and maritime transport and to develop the transport network between the European Union and the Western Balkans. The Transport Community shall work towards the progressive integration of transport markets of the South-Western Balkans into the European Union, based on the relevant acquis , including in the areas of technical standards, interoperability, safety, security, traffic management, social policy, public procurement and environment, for all modes of transport excluding air transport. Strengthening regional cooperation within the Western Balkans is a key element for political stability, security, economic prosperity and social development in the region. The TCT will also be a key instrument for fostering the reform process in the context of the Western Balkan Six initiative as well as the implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) as extended to the Western Balkans. It will replace the existing cooperation framework, the South East European Transport Observatory (SEETO), which has been in place since 2004. I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I welcome the own-initiative report on the Commission report, from 2018, on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The report renews its call for the adoption of a countrywide strategy on human rights and calls for additional steps to be taken to reinforce the protection of minority rights. In this respect, it stressed the need for the establishment of a national preventive mechanism for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, a state law on the rights of civilians tortured during the war. In addition, more efforts are needed to bring the conditions in prisons and police holding facilities into line with international standards and non-discriminatory access to justice throughout the country through a harmonized and sustainable system of free legal aid. More effective implementation of the legal provisions regarding equality between men and women, reducing pay gaps between men and women and enhancing access to the labour market for women, and for the combating of gender stereotypes in society. Finally, strong measures must be taken to further improve education, employment rates, health, housing and living conditions for Roma people and other minorities.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Commission proposal for a common provision regulation, which establishes common measures for the structural funds. The overall budget for cohesion policy (CP) in the 2021-2027 period is EUR 373 billion. The bulk of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF) investments will go towards innovation, promoting competitiveness, digital transformation and industrial adaptation, as well as towards a low-carbon, circular economy and the fight against climate change. CP will still be used to invest in all regions, as many of them – including in ‘richer’ Member States – struggle to achieve industrial transition, fight unemployment and hold their own in a globalised economy.I voted in favour, as the common rules will be more closely related to the overall objectives of EU policy, such as a greener, low-carbon, more connected, competitive and smarter Europe, a more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, and a Europe closer to its citizens.

2016/11/22

The Union is a community of law, and its values constitute the very basis of its existence. To promote common European values and rights, the EU has combined several instruments in a policy mix of legislation and funding. The proposed regulation – presented for a Union of 27 Member States – seeks to establish the justice programme. It lays down the objectives of the programme, the budget for the period 2021—2027, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding. The programme has the general objective of contributing to the further development of a European area of justice based on the rule of law and mutual recognition and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross-border proceedings. In concrete terms, the programme seeks to enhance the effectiveness of legislation by increasing knowledge, awareness and capacity of citizens, professionals and stakeholders. In order to achieve all these goals, this report increases the budget from EUR 305 million, as initially proposed by the Commission for the period 2021-2027, to EUR 316 million.

2016/11/22

The European Union is an example of supranational integration without equal. However, over the past few years, the Union has faced multiple crises, which have tested its resilience and capacity to act in a decisive and united manner. The heads of state or government who addressed Parliament in plenary during the debates on the future of Europe all acknowledged that there is a need to face the challenges of the future. In view of the multiple challenges facing the Union, Parliament called on the EU to promote a renewed spirit of cooperation and solidarity among its Members. The report, among other features, proposes major reforms on the way that the Commission, Parliament and the Council operate as institutions, with a view to increasing transparency and making EU functioning more effective and accountable, therefore I strongly support the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the regulation, due to the objectives of improving the efficacy and speed of judicial proceedings by simplifying and streamlining the mechanisms for cooperation in the taking of evidence in cross-border proceedings, while at the same time helping to reduce delays and costs for individuals and businesses. In addition, greater legal certainty, coupled with simpler, streamlined and digitalised procedures can encourage individuals and businesses to engage in cross-border transactions.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation, which seeks to improve the effectiveness and speed of judicial procedures by simplifying and streamlining procedures for the notification or communication of judicial and extrajudicial documents at Union level. At the same time, it helps to reduce delays and costs for individuals and businesses and encourages individuals and businesses to engage in cross-border transactions. The fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons concerned, in particular the right to the protection of personal data and privacy, shall be fully observed and respected.

2016/11/22

The proposal provides for temporary measures to regulate the transport of goods by road between the Union and the United Kingdom in the absence of an agreement on the latter’s withdrawal. It aims to allow UK operators to temporarily transport goods to the EU for nine months (until 31 December 2019), provided that the United Kingdom grants equivalent rights to the EU. The temporary measures should allow road hauliers licensed in the United Kingdom to carry goods between the territory of the United Kingdom and the remaining 27 Member States or from the territory of the United Kingdom to the territory of the United Kingdom with transit through one or more Member States. The Commission could suspend the application of the regulation when equivalent rights are not granted to the EU or when the rights granted are minimal, or to establish limits to the allowable capacity available to UK road haulage operators or to adopt other appropriate measures, such as financial duties or operational restrictions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which aims to establish interim measures to govern air transport between the Union and the United Kingdom after the United Kingdom withdraws from the Union, in the absence of an agreement. The proposed act would complement Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council so that basic connectivity is ensured, despite the fact that the regulation will no longer apply to the transport operations in question.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects of aviation safety with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the Union. The report sets rules and obligations concerning certificates governed by the regulation under discussion that shall apply to both holders and issuers of certificates.The competent authorities of the Member States or the Agency, as the case may be, shall take into account the examinations taken in training organisations, subject to oversight by the competent authority of the United Kingdom but which have not yet led to the issuance of the licence prior to the date of application referred to in this regulation, as if they had been taken with a training organisation subject to the oversight of the competent authority of a Member State.

2016/11/22

I support the Parliament consent to the conclusion of the agreement. The Commission proposal aims at formally concluding the compensatory agreements reached between the European Union and several WTO Members in order to obtain a consolidated GATS schedule of specific commitments covering all the Member States that were members of the European Union in 2006. The terms and conditions under which WTO Members commit access to their market to the services and service suppliers of other WTO Members are specified in their GATS schedules of specific commitments. The agreed compensatory adjustments constituted a satisfactory and balanced outcome of the negotiations and should therefore be approved on behalf of the European Union.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Commission’s purpose to strengthen EU rules on motor insurance to better protect victims of motor vehicle accidents. The proposal clarifies the scope of the Directive in the light of recent judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified that motor vehicles are intended normally to serve as means of transport, irrespective of such vehicle’s characteristics. In addition, it has clarified that the use of such vehicles covers any use of a vehicle consistent with its normal function as a means of transport, irrespective of the terrain on which the motor vehicle is used and of whether it is stationary or in motion.In order to ensure the same minimum level of protection at EU level for victims of motor vehicle accidents, the proposal harmonises at EU level the minimum levels of compulsory cover for personal injury and material damage, without prejudice to any higher amounts of cover prescribed by the Member States.

2016/11/22

According to statistics, the present decade is witnessing a visible and organised offensive at global and European level against gender equality and women’s rights, including in the EU and particularly manifested in a number of Member States. The main targets of this backlash appear to be common across countries and include gender mainstreaming, social and labour protection, education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, combating violence against women, LGBTI+ rights, the presence of women in political decision-making positions, and adequate funding for women’s organisations.The Gender Equality Index shows persistent inequalities with only marginal progress from 2005 to 2015, and stated that significant improvements are still needed in all Member States. Therefore, I welcome the resolution for which I voted in favour of strengthening public awareness and benefits of safeguarding women’s rights and gender equality and eliminating gender stereotypes for society, and to further support the development and dissemination of evidence-based research and information in the area of women’s rights.

2016/11/22

One in three Europeans develops cancer during his or her lifetime, and every year around 1.3 million people die of cancer in the EU. Breast cancer is the most common fatal cancer among women in the EU (16%), followed by lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, while prostate and lung cancers remain the most common among men. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report, where the Parliament invites the Commission and Member States to put in place a comprehensive EU strategy and evidence-based, cost-effective policies against cancer and related comorbidities. Stressing that, while responsibility for organising healthcare systems rests with the individual Member States, cooperation at European level, together with the efficient use of EU funds, can contribute to the development of an effective EU strategy against cancer and related comorbidities.Lastly, Parliament called on the Commission and Member States to fully implement the existing legal framework on the use of high-risk medical devices and their effect on women’s health, and further develop measures to guarantee the safety of breast implants, stating that an in-depth assessment of the risks associated with such implants is urgently required.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution, which notes that several cannabinoids, which make up the cannabis plant, can help to reduce certain symptoms affecting patients – such as chronic pain, inflammation or bacterial infections – and can stimulate bone growth.There is evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids may be effective in alleviating symptoms of mental disorders, such as psychosis or Tourette’s syndrome, and in alleviating symptoms of epilepsy, as well as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, cancer, and Crohn’s disease. EU Member States differ widely in their approach to legislation on cannabis for medical purposes, fact that can lead to difficulties for countries applying a more prudent approach.Whilst the policy landscape for medical cannabis is evolving in the EU and worldwide, misunderstandings still exist even among national administrations regarding the different uses of cannabis, with the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use often being confused with the need to provide legal access to cannabis for medical purposes to all patients in need.

2016/11/22

The right of petition should be a key element for a participatory democracy in which the right of every citizen to play a direct part in the democratic life of the Union is effectively protected. This right should enhance the responsiveness of the European Parliament towards the citizens and residents of the European Union. I am in favour of the own initiative report which calls on the EU institutions and Member States to promote the citizens’ right to petition and to raise public awareness of the EU competences and possible remedies that the European Parliament can provide while processing petitions.Moreover, it stresses the need for a continuous public debate about the Union’s fields of activity, its limits and its future in order to ensure that citizens are well informed about the levels at which decisions are taken and to prevent the ‘blame Brussels’ phenomenon used by some irresponsible Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report accompanying the consent procedure for the Protocol between the EU and Côte d’Ivoire. The Protocol’s aim is to enable the Union and Côte d'Ivoire to work together more closely on promoting a sustainable fisheries policy, sound exploitation of fishery resources in Ivorian waters, and Côte d'Ivoireʼs efforts to develop a blue economy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, as it shows that the Protocol to the 2013-2018 SFPA was effective, efficient, appropriate to the interests involved, and consistent with the Ivorian sectoral policy and a high degree of acceptability to stakeholders, thus lending support to the option of concluding a new protocol. I share the opinion that the new protocol would help strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance and contribute to improved governance of the fisheries in the region. In addition, through the financial contribution provided by the protocol, Côte d’Ivoire could sustainably strengthen its national fisheries industry, encouraging demand for local investment and industrial projects and creating local jobs.

2016/11/22

The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have negotiated a new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement. More broadly, the fisheries partnership agreement is part of a relationship under the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, which entered into force in 2000. While the current agreement will remain in force for an indefinite period, the protocol will apply for four years from the date of its entry into force or, as the case may be, its provisional application. I am in favour of the new protocol, as I share the opinion that it would enable the EU and Morocco to work together more closely on promoting a sustainable fisheries policy, while also supporting Morocco’s efforts to develop the fisheries sector and a blue economy.

2016/11/22

I welcome the agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean, as it demonstrates a precautionary approach to fisheries management in line with the CFP. It is part of the EU’s overall efforts to foster international ocean governance, including the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The agreement marks the first time that nations have worked together in such a proactive way to protect an ocean environment before commercial fisheries can occur. Ensuring that a science and management regime is in place before the start of commercial fisheries is of great importance for the ecosystem and the environment. The parties to the agreement are Canada, the Peopleʼs Republic of China, the Kingdom of Denmark in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Norway, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, and the European Union. They will meet at least every two years to review the implementation of the agreement and all scientific information.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Third Additional Protocol to the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part, to take into account Croatia’s accession to the European Union. This is in accordance with Article 6(2) of the Act of Accession of Croatia, according to which the accession of Croatia to the Global Agreement is to be agreed by means of a protocol to the Global Agreement concluded between the Council, acting unanimously on behalf of the Member States, and Mexico. On 14 September 2012, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Mexico with a view to concluding the Third Additional Protocol to the Global Agreement to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union. The negotiations were successfully concluded and the Protocol was signed.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the report on the establishment of the EU anti-fraud programme affecting the EU budget (2021-2027). Fraud and irregularities are affecting the EU’s financial interests, impacting all EU Member States. The implementation of the past Union multi-annual budgets has been accompanied by a set of measures to support the Member States and the Union as a whole in preventing and fighting fraud affecting the Union’s financial interests, and supporting mutual administrative assistance and cooperation in customs and agriculture matters. The proposal for the new programme aims at streamlining the financial support for these tools, for the duration of the next multi-annual financial framework 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This is the third multiannual management plan adopted under the reformed CFP, after the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Under the CFP, multiannual plans aim to ensure that stocks are exploited sustainably. They also contain measures to implement the landing obligation, technical measures, as well as safeguards for remedial action where needed. The Western Waters plan covers fisheries for demersal species from the north and west of Scotland over the Gulf of Cadiz down to Madeira in the South (North East Atlantic). Around 4 000 demersal vessels and 13 000 EU fishers are active in the area (2015 data). I welcome the plan, as it aims to restore and maintain demersal stocks in the Western Waters at sustainable levels, based on the most up-to-date scientific advice, while ensuring social and economic viability for the fishers operating in the region. Finally, I share the opinion that the latter is another crucial step towards the implementation of the 2013 CFP reform.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as the latter supports, complements and facilitates coordination of Member States’ action at cross-border level, increasing the availability and use of scientific knowledge on disasters, including in the outermost regions and OCTs and mitigating the immediate consequences that catastrophes may have on human lives and on cultural and natural heritage. I share the opinion that European civil protection capabilities should be accompanied by an increased commitment on the part of Member States in the field of prevention. The regional and local authorities shall be appropriately involved in any coordination and deployment activities carried out under this Decision. Moreover, I support the call on the Commission to coordinate the harmonisation of information and guidance on alert systems, including on a cross-border level, in order to carry out preventive actions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum requirements for water reuse since it lays down minimum requirements for reclaimed water quality and monitoring, and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks, for the safe reuse of treated urban wastewater in the context of integrated water management. In favour of the report, the latter aims to guarantee that reclaimed water is safe for its intended use, thereby ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment. I share the opinion that Member States shall ensure that water resources used for drinking water purposes are not contaminated with reclaimed water.

2016/11/22

An accurate definition of the different features of agricultural tractors based on the analysis of their technical characteristics is of utmost importance for the correct and complete implementation of this Regulation and of the delegated and implementing acts adopted under it. The proposal aims to upgrade to technical progress Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 by updating certain requirements and correcting certain editorial errors following feedback received by stakeholders and Member States in the first implementation period.With a view to correcting these certain terms, I voted in favor of the proposed amended text. The latter also foresees that the Regulation shall not apply to interchangeable equipment that is fully raised from the ground or that cannot articulate around a vertical axis when the vehicle to which it is attached is in use on a road.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, the latter establishes the single market programme in the framework of the multiannual financial framework from 2021 to 2027, bringing together six programmes and numerous actions, previously separate, under one coherent framework. I welcome the new programme’s focus on the single market, consumer protection and competitiveness, especially for SMEs, food safety, statistics and standards, since I believe it is important to introduce specific actions that aim at strengthening consumer protection, empowering consumers and promoting their interests, with a particular focus on new opportunities and challenges brought by digitalisation.Finally, I share the opinion that the single market programme will empower and protect consumers, and enable Europe’s many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take full advantage of a well-functioning single market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which aims to implement the definitive VAT system to improve the operation of VAT arrangements for cross-border B2B trade on goods within the Union. This proposal is part of a package of measures aimed at radically changing VAT rules by ending 25 years of a ‘transitional’ VAT system in the single market. It contains detailed arrangements to put the cornerstones for a simpler and fraud-proof definitive VAT system for intra-Union trade in place for intra-Union B2B supplies of goods. This definitive system could reduce cross-border VAT fraud by up to EUR 41 billion per annum.

2016/11/22

This joint resolution is the follow up of the Report on the fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism. In this report, the Commission was called for a series of actions to be implemented and assessed like for example EU programmes and funding opportunities, reform the European Structural and Investment Fund to provide financial support for the fight against anti-Gypsyism in a more proactive way. Member States for their side were called to end statelessness, ensure access to all the essential basic services, including healthcare, housing and education for example.I am in favour of the resolution, as I share the opinion that more efforts are needed in all area to ensure Roma inclusion. I support the call within to act and propose a Strategic EU Framework on National Roma Inclusion Strategies for the post-2020 period with a wider set of priorities, clear targets, timelines and indicators for monitoring.

2016/11/22

On the eve of the European elections, it is crucial to underline the key role played by European citizenship in the construction of Europe. Even though the principle of European citizenship is enshrined in the Treaties, its real implementation is still not reaching a full potential and it is therefore essential to reaffirm this priority. I voted in favour of the report, as I share the opinion that that European citizenship has not yet fully reached its potential, and therefore it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the principles of citizenship enshrined in the Treaties with a view to the improvement of their implementation.The report has the goal of reflecting on the institutional and political consequences of the Treaty provisions (in particular art. 9 TEU and 20 TFEU) on European citizenship, based on the principle that ‘every person who holds the nationality of a Member State is a citizen of the Union’. Moreover, the report underlines that the European citizenship is additional to the national one, and – with its combination of rights and duties – is a construction with no equivalent anywhere in the world.

2016/11/22

According to the Treaties, at least nine Member States can initiate enhanced cooperation. The procedure is depicted in Article 329 TFEU and requires the agreement of the Council, by QMV, on a proposal by the Commission and after having obtained the consent of the Parliament.Only four cases of enhanced cooperation have been adopted: the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, divorce law, property regime rules, the European Unitary Patent. Of these four cases, only one has started with implementation (divorce law). Additionally, it is worthwhile mentioning the other existing forms of differentiated integration in the Union: the Schengen Agreement, the single currency, opt-outs from the area of freedom, security and justice (UK, Ireland, Denmark) and CSDP (Denmark’s constructive abstention).Finally, I share the opinion that enhanced cooperation should be under the direct jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. However, this should not bring prejudice to the possibility to establish an arbitration procedure or a dispute settlement court of first instance that could be required for the functioning of a particular case of enhanced cooperation, unless the Treaty provides otherwise, and which should be specified in the legal act establishing the enhanced cooperation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union needs more checks and balances vis-à-vis the work of the Commission, including greater scrutiny of how it makes senior appointments. Parliament is the direct link with European citizens and it is essential that the proposals put forward here become legislation. I support the Spitzenkandidaten process whereby all European citizens have a direct say in choosing the Commission President.In favour of the report, it aims to reassess Parliament’s scrutiny role over the Commission and bring it up to date with the new institutional developments. Parliamentary oversight is a precondition for democratic legitimacy. Recent changes in the law-making process and the increased legislative role of the executive have created a need to reinforce parliamentary scrutiny procedures. I share the opinion that Parliament’s instruments need to be improved and better adjusted to the challenges specific to the EU institutional structure.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Lisbon Treaty confers the status of primary law on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union within the EU legal framework, giving it the same legal value as the Treaties. There is a general tendency to focus on avoiding its violation rather than on maximising its potential. I support the own-initiative report and the resolution whereby Members recognise the important steps made by the EU institutions to integrate the Charter into the EU legislative and decision-making processes and stress that all proposals for Union legislation must respect the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter.I agree that the Commission needs to strengthen its awareness-raising activities concerning the Charter, with the full involvement of civil society organisations, and to equip the Member States with practical guidelines, supporting them in the implementation of the Charter at national level.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Parliament appoints the Ombudsman at the beginning of the parliamentary term, for the duration thereof, from among persons who are Union citizens and who offer every requisite guarantee of independence and competence.I am in favour of the draft regulation. It aims to establish conditions under which a complaint may be referred to the Ombudsman on the principle of full, free and easy access. It allows the Ombudsman to handle complaints and to conduct own-initiative inquiries with a view to identifying repeated instances of maladministration and promoting best administrative practices within the Union. Furthermore, it enables the Ombudsman, on his/her initiative or following a complaint, to conduct inquiries following up previous surveys to ascertain whether and to what extent the institution, body, office or agency concerned has complied with the recommendations put forward. It also provides that the latter are obliged to supply the Ombudsman with any requested information. Access to classified information or documents should be subject to compliance with the rules on the processing of confidential information by the institution or agency concerned, and the Ombudsman and his/her staff are obliged to treat in confidence any information they have acquired in the course of their duties.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the own-initiative report since it underlines the need for investment in AI (artificial intelligence) in respect of social, ethical and liability aspects, and the fact that any AI model deployed should include ethics by design.AI is evolving rapidly and has been a part of everyday life for many years, leading to new business models and playing a key role in many sectors, such as industry, healthcare, construction and transport. The report highlights the need to address some undesired effects of malicious uses of AI, including against human rights, as in its use for surveillance and social control programmes in China, and the need for the EU to have its own value-based approach versus other models developed in Russia, China, etc. It also points out the dangers of using AI to influence elections.I also welcome the Commission’s proposal for the Digital Europe Programme and the budget of EUR 2.5 billion pledged for AI, as well as the increase in funding under the Horizon 2020 programme.

2016/11/22

The INI report deplores the poor implementation of the Directive stressing, in particular, the very little progress made in promoting the uptake of alternative techniques in the majority of Member States. Moreover, it points out the inconsistency of the National Action Plans and the lack of quantitative objectives, targets, measurements, and timetables. Special attention is remanded to monitoring environmental and health damages caused by pesticides, improving water quality, fostering and maintaining biodiversity and prioritising Integrated Pest Management (IPM). At the same time, increasing the availability of alternatives products, such as low-risk plan protection products, would contribute to sustainable agriculture and to expanding the farmer’s toolbox by increasing plant protection options. The report urges the Commission and Members States to ensure better coherence of the directive and its implementation with related EU legislation and policies, in particular the new common agriculture policy (CAP), by integrating the Directive’s objectives and requirements into the Statutory Management Requirements under CAP switch to practices and products with the lowest risk to human health and the environment among those available for the same pest problem.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the own-initiative report, which points out the effects of the Directive, and clarifies the rules on cross-border healthcare, ensures access to safe and high-quality cross-border healthcare in the Union as well as for achieving patient mobility following the case law of the Court of Justice. However, many Member States have not effectively implemented the requirements for guaranteeing patients’ rights. Therefore, Member States and border regions must deepen cross-border healthcare cooperation, in a more efficient and financially sustainable manner, including by providing accessible, sufficient and understandable information, to secure the best possible care for patients. Finally, the report calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest further in the development and promotion of accessible and visible National Contact Points (NCPs) and eHealth platforms for patients, which should provide user-friendly, digitally accessible and barrier-free information for patients and health professionals in multiple languages.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report, which proposes changes that touch rules governing the transparency of its Members’ financial interests in the form of a Code of Conduct. Among the proposes changes, members should adopt a systematic practice of only meeting representatives/lobbyists that have registered in the Transparency Register established by means of the Agreement between the European Parliament and the European Commission on the transparency register and they should publish online all scheduled meetings with them. The report defines also the conditions according to which a group of at least 50 citizens can request that the European Parliament asks the Authority for European political parties and Foundations to verify whether a given European political party or foundation fulfils these requirements.Furthermore, the report proposes that the amendments shall enter into force on the first day of the next part-session. Exception are making the amendments to the Code of behaviour as well as the amendments to Rules 196 (setting-up of standing committees) and 204 (Committee bureaux), which shall enter into force at the opening of the first part-session following the next elections to the European Parliament due to be held in 2019.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directives 2006/112/EC and 2008/118/EC, as the latter aims at addressing a request from Italy to include the municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the EU customs territory. The proposal brings a formal amendment of the VAT Directive, moving the two territories from Article 6(2) (territories not forming part of the EU customs territory excluded from the territorial application of the VAT Directive) to Article 6(1) (territories forming part of the EU customs territory excluded from the territorial application of the VAT Directive).

2016/11/22

In order to ensure the continuity of support to European farmers in the years 2019 and 2020, I share the opinion that it is necessary to make certain amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013. In relation to direct payments, some of the provisions in Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 (Direct Payment Regulation) do not cover calendar year 2020 since expenditure relating to calendar year 2020 is made in financial year 2021, which is the first year of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027. Those Member States would be faced with important changes in their direct payments and rural development envelopes with considerable effects on the payments to farmers under both pillars.Therefore, I am in favour of the report and I welcome the proposal to ensure flexibility between pillars in the year 2020 and the transfer of the product of reduction of direct payments to rural development: flexibility between pillars is an optional transfer of funds between direct payments and rural development. Member States should have the possibility to transfer funds between pillars in the calendar year 2020 (corresponding to financial year 2021).

2016/11/22

. ‒ This proposal is linked to the general objective enshrined in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union to protect the rights of the child. The Commission proposes that the Council adopt a decision authorising Austria, Cyprus, Croatia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania and the United Kingdom to accept, in the interests of the European Union, the accession of the Dominican Republic to the 1980 Hague Convention. Its purpose is to restore the status quo by means of the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained children through a system of cooperation among central authorities appointed by its contracting parties.As prevention of child abduction is an essential part of the EU policy to promote the rights of the child, the EU is active at international level to improve the application of the 1980 Convention and encourages third states to accede it.As regards parental abduction, the 1980 Convention is the international counterpart to Council Regulation No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIa Regulation), one of whose main objectives is to discourage parents from abducting their children to another Member State, by establishing procedures which ensure the child’s immediate return to the Member State of his or her habitual residence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This proposal is linked to the general objective enshrined in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union to protect the rights of the child. The Commission proposes that the Council adopt a decision to authorise Austria to accept, in the interests of the European Union, the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the 1980 Convention). Its purpose is to restore the status quo by means of the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained children through a system of cooperation among central authorities appointed by its contracting parties.As prevention of child abduction is an essential part of the EU policy to promote the rights of the child, the EU is active at international level in improving application of the 1980 Convention and encourages third states to accede to it.As regards parental abduction, the 1980 Convention is the international counterpart to Council Regulation No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIa Regulation), one of whose main objectives is to discourage parents from abducting their children to another Member State, by establishing procedures which ensure the child’s immediate return to the Member State of his or her habitual residence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This proposal is linked to the general objective enshrined in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union to protect the rights of the child. The Commission proposes that the Council adopt a decision authorising Austria and Romania to accept, in the interests of the European Union, the accession of Honduras to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Its purpose is to restore the status quo by means of the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained children through a system of cooperation among central authorities appointed by its contracting parties.As prevention of child abduction is an essential part of the EU policy to promote the rights of the child, the EU is active at international level in improving application of the 1980 Convention and encourages third states to accede it.As regards parental abduction, the 1980 Convention is the international counterpart to Council Regulation No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIa Regulation), one of whose main objectives is to discourage parents from abducting their children to another Member State, by establishing procedures which ensure the child’s immediate return to the Member State of his or her habitual residence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This proposal is linked to the general objective enshrined in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union to protect the rights of the child. The Commission proposes that the Council adopt a decision authorising Austria, Luxembourg and Romania to accept, in the interests of the European Union, the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Its purpose is to restore the status quo by means of the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained children through a system of cooperation among central authorities appointed by its contracting parties.As prevention of child abduction is an essential part of the EU policy to promote the rights of the child, the EU is active at international level in improving application of the 1980 Convention and encourages third states to accede it.As regards parental abduction, the 1980 Convention is the international counterpart to Council Regulation No 2201/2003 (Brussels IIa Regulation), one of whose main objectives is to discourage parents from abducting their children to another Member State, by establishing procedures which ensure the child’s immediate return to the Member State of his or her habitual residence.

2016/11/22

The Commission proposal aims to establish rules and procedures governing the EU’s association with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), including Greenland (Overseas Association Decision) for the period 2021-2027. These 25 islands are not sovereign countries, but depend on four EU Member States and are not part of the Union’s customs territory. In this context, the main source of funding is the 11th EDF, except Greenland, which is the subject of a specific decision financed from the EU budget (the Greenland Decision). Under the next multiannual financial framework of the Union for the period 2021-2027, it is proposed to regroup a number of external financing instruments into a comprehensive instrument called the neighbourhood, development and international cooperation instrument (NDICI) and to integrate the EDF into the EU budget. The association is the framework for policy dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest. It shall continue to be based on the three key pillars of enhancing competitiveness, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability, and promoting cooperation and integration between the OCTs and other partners and neighbouring regions. Actions under this programme are expected to contribute 20% of the overall financial envelope of the programme to climate objectives, therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

More than half of the EU Member States have not yet adopted national anti-fraud strategies (NAFS) and do not have specific laws against organised crime either, while the latter’s involvement in cross-border activities and sectors, affecting the EU’s financial interests, such as smuggling or currency counterfeiting, is constantly growing. Only a few Member States are using new technologies for all the major steps of the procurement process (e-notification, e-access to tender documents, e-submission, e-evaluation, e-award, e-ordering, e-invoicing, e-payment). I voted in favour as I share the opinion that all Member States should apply all forms of the public procurement process, as well as publicly accessible contract registers, available in online machine-readable format. Therefore, I welcome the creation of the EU’s anti-fraud programme, which will be implemented by OLAF under direct management. It is also important to ensure protection of whistleblowers, who play an important role in preventing, detecting and reporting fraud. Finally, I consider that OLAF should enjoy equal investigative powers in every Member State, including access to bank account information, and that evidence collected by OLAF should be admissible as criminal evidence by the judiciaries of all Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour of the report on the proposal for the.eu Top Level Domain (.eu TLD), which aims to repeal existing legislation (Regulation (EC) No 733/2002 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 874/2004). I believe that it is important to ensure that the.eu TLD continues to function properly and to adapt its legal framework to the changing online environment and market. Managed by an non-profit organisation, the .eu TLD is the eighth largest country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) and had over 3.8 million registrations in 2017.Moreover, I share the opinion that the proposed regulation aims to support the digital single market, building an online European identity and encouraging online cross-border activities, by promoting the competitiveness of the .eu TLD name. Through good management, the .eu TLD enhances the Union identity and promotes Union values, such as multilingualism, respect for users’ privacy and security and respect for human rights, as well as online priorities.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that the draft Commission implementing decision exceeds the implementing powers provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. GM oilseed rapes Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 × Rf3 has been made tolerant to glufosinate, which is no longer permitted in the EU as it has been classified toxic.I support the call on the Commission not to authorise the import, for food or feed, of any GM plant which has been made tolerant to a herbicide not authorised for use in the Union, in this case glufosinate. Moreover, use of any herbicide-tolerant GM plants should not be authorised without a full assessment of the residues from spraying with complementary herbicides, metabolites and commercial formulations as applied in the countries of cultivation. Any implementing decision regarding applications for authorisation of GMOs should be suspended until the authorisation procedure has been revised in such a way as to address the shortcomings of the current procedure, which has proven inadequate.

2016/11/22

The application covers the placing on the market of products containing or consisting of genetically modified maize MON 87403 for uses other than food and feed, with the exception of cultivation. Maize MON 87403 is genetically modified to increase the biomass through insertion of a truncated gene sequence derived from other plant species. This leads to the expression of a protein (AtHB17Δ113) which is intended to act in competition with a similar natural protein that controls gene regulation and growth of the plants. Despite EFSA giving the green light as regards the safety of GM maize MON 87403, I share the opinion that without a comprehensive understanding of the genetic modification it is not possible to fully evaluate the associated risks. The potential risks posed by this GM maize to human and animal health and the environment have not been adequately examined by the EFSA GMO Panel.

2016/11/22

Application of the complementary herbicides, such as glyphosate and glufosinate, is part of regular agricultural practices in the cultivation of herbicide-resistant plants and it can therefore be expected that they will be exposed to both higher and repeated doses, which will not only lead to a higher burden of residues in the harvest, and therefore in the imported product, but may also influence the composition of the GM plant and its agronomic characteristics.I share the opinion that it should not be authorised the import, for food or feed uses, of any genetically modified plant which has been made tolerant to a herbicide that is not authorised for use in the Union, as is the case of glufosinate. At the same time, I support the call on the Commission not to authorise either any herbicide-tolerant GM plants without full assessment of the residues from spraying with complementary herbicides, metabolites and commercial formulations as applied in the countries of cultivation. Any implementing decision regarding applications for authorisation of GMOs should be suspended until the authorisation procedure has been revised in such a way as to address the shortcomings of the current procedure, which has proven inadequate.

2016/11/22

The Venezuelan population is facing an unprecedented social, economic and democratic crisis, with more than 3 million people having migrated and the inflation rate exceeding. International and regional partners, including the EU, have committed to help to create conditions for a peaceful, credible and inclusive political process among all relevant Venezuelan actors. Supporting the call for the restoration of democracy through a credible political process, I welcome the call by the UN for an independent and full investigation to be carried out into the perpetrated killings, in line with its previously adopted resolutions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour since I consider important to ensure the proper functioning of the Union’s collective redress mechanisms, designed to secure adequate compensation for consumers affected by anticompetitive practices. I believe that it is necessary to take more ambitious steps to eliminate illegitimate obstacles to online competition in order to ensure barrier-free intra-EU online shopping, to monitor price caps in sectors such as online platforms for accommodation and tourism, and to ensure that consumers have cross-border access to a broad range of online goods and services at competitive prices.Competition rules should be seen in the light of wider European values underpinning Union legislation regarding social affairs, social market economy, environmental standards, climate policy and consumer protection. Finally, I share the opinion that when combating unfair trading practices through competition policy, it is necessary also to ensure a global level playing field that benefits workers, consumers and businesses, as one of the priorities of the EU’s commercial strategy.

2016/11/22

The Ignalina nuclear power plant consists of two High Power Channel Type Reactors (RBMK-1500 reactors), the same type as in Chernobyl. Since the decommissioning of this plant contributes towards increased nuclear safety in the region and in the EU as a whole, the Ignalina programme has as its general objective to assist Lithuania in managing the radiological safety challenges of the decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant.As an act of solidarity, and acknowledging the long-term nature of the decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant and the exceptional related financial burden, the EU committed itself, through Protocol No 4 of Lithuania’s Accession Treaty, to provide adequate financial assistance.Finally, I share the opinion that it should be an ethical obligation for each Member State to avoid any undue burden on future generations in respect of spent fuel and radioactive waste, including any radioactive waste expected from decommissioning of existing nuclear installations. National policies have to be based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

2016/11/22

The report underlines the concerns and shortcomings related to the proper implementation of the EIB’s mission and some governance practices. I voted in favour, as the latter stresses the need to achieve full implementation of best banking practices, by improving administrative capacity and internal procedures and ensuring clear separation of responsibilities in the management board.I share the opinion that it is very important to ensure transparency and disclosure of information on contracting and subcontracting systems concerning intermediaries and final recipients in relation to prevention of tax avoidance, fraud and corruption.

2016/11/22

In recent years a string of crimes against world cultural heritage have been perpetrated by warring factions and terrorist entities all over the world. Valuable artworks, sculptures and archaeological artefacts are being sold and imported into the EU from certain non-EU countries, with the profits potentially being used to finance terrorist activities.I voted in favour of the report, as the latter adequately addresses cross-border restitution claims of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts and wars. I share the opinion that insufficient attention has been paid at EU level to the restitution of works of art and cultural goods looted, stolen or illegally obtained, inter alia in armed conflicts, in particular in the fields of private law, private international law and civil procedure.

2016/11/22

The rules on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions represent a significant milestone in improving the functioning of the Single Market, both for companies and firms to exercise the freedom of establishment on one hand and provide adequate protection for stakeholders, such as workers, creditors and minority shareholders, on the other. The proposal should allow companies to carry out a cross-border conversion by converting the legal form they have in one Member State into a similar legal form in another Member State. The proposal also harmonises rules for the protection of creditors and shareholders and simplifies the procedure allowing any capital company to carry out a cross- border division.Therefore, I voted in favour as I share the opinion that it is of great importance to facilitate conversions, mergers, and divisions within the Single Market.

2016/11/22

The western Mediterranean is one of the most developed sub-regions in terms of fisheries in the Mediterranean. It accounts for around 31% of its total landing and around 19% of the officially reported Mediterranean fishing fleet.I voted in favour of the proposal for a regulation, as it aims to address the high levels of overfishing and the ineffective regulatory framework by introducing for the first time a multi-annual plan at EU level. I also share the opinion that the latter will play an important role in achieving the objectives of the CFP Regulation in western Mediterranean demersal fisheries, namely with regards to ensure that fishing activities are environmentally sustainable in the long term and managed in a way that secures economic, social and employment benefits.

2016/11/22

The interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of lost funds, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. The Fiscalis Programme should enable Member States’ capacity to combat tax fraud, corruption, tax evasion and aggressive tax planning to be strengthened, including by means of technical assistance for human resources training and the development of administrative structures. Such assistance should be provided in a transparent manner.In this line, I voted in favour of the report on Fiscalis as it strengthens the cooperation of tax administration by means of collaboration and information exchange, while also taking up priorities of fighting against tax evasion, tax avoidance and money laundering.And last but not least, I further share the opinion that in order for this to better protect the financial and economic interests of the Union and of its Member States, Fiscalis should also support Member States in their joint tax audit activities and in the setting-up of quality registers of beneficial ownerships.

2016/11/22

Nuclear safety is an important part of the EU’s external action. I voted in favour, as I welcome the objective of the proposed instrument to promote a high level of nuclear safety standards and radiation protection, building on the experience of nuclear safety activities within the Euratom Community. In particular, the proposed instrument promotes an effective nuclear safety culture.Moreover, I support the call to ensure the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, while also reducing the overall radiological risk to the public and the environment through the decommissioning and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I consider it important to facilitate the functioning of the internal market by streamlining payment practices across the EU. It is essential to develop a legal and business environment supportive of timely payments between companies and public administrations. In line with this, I welcome the call within the report for a combination of legal and voluntary measures involving the Commission, Member States and business associations with a view to improving payment practices.Moreover, as SMEs unfortunately often lack the capacity to invest in training, I also share the opinion that it is necessary to provide SMEs with specific tools, advice and training in credit management, as well as guidelines for overdue payment recovery in cross-border transactions.

2016/11/22

Fully democratic and highly transparent decision-making at the European level is indispensable to increase citizens’ trust in the European project and in the EU institutions, especially in the run-up to the European elections in May 2019. After a public consultation, in its report of February 2018, the Ombudsman found that the Council’s lack of transparency regarding public access to its legislative documents and to its decision-making process – specifically during the preparatory stage at Coreper and at working group level – constitutes an act of maladministration.I voted in favour, as I believe that it is crucial to enhance the democratic accountability of all EU institutions, starting with the Council, whose lack of transparency is a manifest case. A high level of transparency also acts as a safeguard against the spread of speculation, fake news and conspiracy theories, as it provides a factual basis for publicly refuting such claims.Finally, I share the opinion that the Council should take all measures to implement as swiftly as possible the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco enjoy historical relations and maintain close cooperation developed through a broad partnership that covers political, economic and social aspects and is strengthened by the advanced status and the willingness of both parties to develop it further. The agreement does not imply any form of recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, presently listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory.In addition, the agreement leads to the promotion of social and sustainable development, which make a key contribution to current economic, social and environmental development and to the potential creation of both low-skilled and high-skilled local employment opportunities. I voted in favour of the report, keeping in mind the fact that the Commission is called on to promote equivalency of measures and controls between Morocco and the European Union in the areas of sanitary, phytosanitary, traceability and environmental standards, as well as labelling of origin rules, in order to guarantee fair competition between the two markets.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco enjoy historical relations and maintain close cooperation developed through a broad partnership that covers political, economic and social aspects and is strengthened by the advanced status and the willingness of both parties to develop it further. The agreement does not imply any form of recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, presently listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory.In addition, the agreement leads to the promotion of social and sustainable development, which make a key contribution to current economic, social and environmental development and to the potential creation of both low-skilled and high-skilled local employment opportunities. I voted in favour of the report, keeping in mind the fact that the Commission is called on to promote equivalency of measures and controls between Morocco and the European Union in the areas of sanitary, phytosanitary, traceability and environmental standards, as well as labelling of origin rules, in order to guarantee fair competition between the two markets.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposal, which implements the World Trade Organisation panel report of 19 April 2017 – ‘Measures affecting Tariff Concessions on Certain Poultry Meat Products’. In dialogue with China the panel found that, when allocating quantities within tariff rate quotas (TRQs) to supplying countries under WTO rules, the EU should have taken into account as a ‘special factor’ China’s increased ability to export poultry products to the EU following the relaxation of sanitary measures in July 2008.In particular, the agreement grants China TRQs for two tariff lines setting an in-quota duty rate of 10.9% and an erga omnes TRQ for another tariff line with 8% in-quota duty rate.The EU needs to conclude this agreement in order to comply with the WTO panel report and to confirm, once again, through specific action its firm and unwavering commitment to multilateralism through the WTO and, in particular, to the WTO’s most efficient mechanism – its dispute settlement system.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is a concrete expression of EU solidarity with European workers who have lost their jobs. The Fund provides support to workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns caused by globalisation. I welcome the Commission proposal, which aims to align the Fund’s co-financing rate, which currently stands at 60%, with the highest ESF+ co-financing rates for a given Member State. In addition, the standard period for the implementation of EGF measures shall remain at 24 months. However, the proposal stipulates that the 24-month period shall be counted from the time the decision to mobilise the EGF is adopted and not from the date of application for EGF support. The EGF is not included in the budgetary ceilings of the multiannual financial framework. The maximum amount that can be used by the EGF for the period 2021-2027 is estimated at EUR 1.57 billion (in current prices), or an average of EUR 225 million per year.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Commission’s proposal tackles unemployment and persistently high rates of poverty, which remain a priority throughout the EU. The Commission proposes to allocate a total budget of EUR 101 billion (in current prices) to the ESF+ for the period 2021-2027. The financial envelope for the direct management strands of the ESF+ would amount to EUR 1 174 million in current prices, of which EUR 761 million for employment and social innovation and EUR 413 million for health.Moreover, Member States will allocate at least 25% of their ESF+ resources to the social inclusion policy area and at least 2% of their ESF+ resources to the specific objective of addressing material deprivation. Member States with a rate above the Union average of young people aged 15-29 not in employment, education or training (NEETs) shall devote 10% of their ESF+ to targeted actions and structural reforms to support young people. In the case of the outermost regions with a NEET rate above this threshold, this percentage shall be increased to 15%. Social and employment issues are a primary concern of European citizens, therefore I support the Commission’s proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the purpose of the proposal, which lays down the specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and external financing instruments for the period 2021-2017. As part of a major simplification effort, the Commission now proposes to adopt specific provisions in relation to the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) where one or more Member States cooperate across borders with regard to effective programming. Taking into account the special features of Interreg the specific objectives are to concentrate on better Interreg governance and a safer and more secure Europe. The proposed regulation also sets out specific percentages for thematic concentration.This proposal has no budgetary implications. The ERDF resources for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) shall amount to EUR 8.43 billion of the global resources available for budgetary commitment from the ERDF, the ESF+ and the Cohesion Fund for the 2021-2027 programming period.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The file is part of the Commission’s Brexit preparedness policy. In the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the Union, the EU is already negotiating with third countries to modify the EU’s WTO schedule where it contains tariff rate quota (TRQ) volumes. It is not certain whether these negotiations would be concluded before the UK will no longer be covered under the EU’s WTO schedule. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that, also in the absence of such agreements, the EU can proceed with the apportionment of TRQs.The Commission’s proposal lists how TRQs in the EU’s WTO schedule will be apportioned between the EU and the UK and gives the Commission the power to modify this apportionment later by delegated act, if necessary.

2016/11/22

The special committee on pesticides aims to provide recommendations necessary for achieving a high level of protection of both human health and the environment. The Committee was set in light of the concerns raised over the assessment and consequent re-approval of glyphosate.This included one of only four registered Citizens’ Initiatives, thus far, entitled: Ban glyphosate and protect people and the environment from toxic pesticides (1 070 865 signatories). The major point is the call for an immediate review of the approval of glyphosate in light of lack of transparency in the requirements for the renewal of the substance’s approval. The Commission holds that there are neither scientific nor legal grounds to justify a ban of glyphosate, and will not make a legislative proposal to that effect.

2016/11/22

I welcome the proposed Regulation that seeks to establish a dedicated financial programme for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and management of radioactive waste, with the focus on needs identified on a current basis. For the period of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, it will support Bulgaria and Slovakia to safely decommission their nuclear reactors that have been prematurely shut down, and the implementation of the decommissioning process and management of radioactive waste of the Commission’s own nuclear installations at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) sites, while ensuring the protection of workers, in particular as regards health impacts, the general public and the environment, therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The own-initiative report on the implementation of the Trade Pillar of the Association Agreement with Central America was the first region-to-region association agreement concluded by the EU. It is based on three complementary pillars, namely political dialogue, cooperation, and trade. The political dialogue and cooperation pillars have still not been applied as not all Member States have ratified the Agreement. The non-application of these two pillars creates an imbalance between trade-related issues and political issues, namely the EU’s core values, such as promotion of democracy and human rights.However, the INI report aims to fully implement all the provisions of the trade pillar, to identify and develop joint strategies towards the necessary modernisation of the WTO, to monitor the implementation of internationally agreed standards for the fight against money laundering and to strengthen labour inspections and enhancing social dialogue, inter alia.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Commission`s proposal, which targets to establish the InvestEU Fund as a single investment support instrument for Union policies for the period 2021-2027. With 1.8% of EU GDP, down from 2.2% in 2009, infrastructure investment activities in the EU in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis. While investment conditions in Europe have improved thanks to structural reforms by Member States, a more favourable economic situation and public interventions, notably under the European Strategic Investment Fund (EFSI), investment gaps remain considerable in Europe.I fully support the new InvestEU programme that shall have the capacity to shape an EU strategy to address the investment gaps in sectors such: new mobility models, renewable energies, energy efficiency, research and innovation, digitisation, education and skills, social economy and infrastructure, circular economy, natural capital, climate action or small and medium-sized businesses creation and growth. The Commission proposes to allocate EUR 15.2 billion to the InvestEU Fund. The EU budget could thus provide a guarantee of EUR 38 billion to support projects of strategic importance across the EU.

2016/11/22

I welcome the proposed directive, which lays down rules on the conditions and procedure for unrepresented citizens in third countries to obtain an EU emergency travel document (EU ETD) and establishes a uniform format for such documents. Moreover, the directive aims to establish the measures needed to facilitate consular protection for the most frequent type of consular assistance provided to unrepresented citizens, namely the issuance of emergency travel documents. This objective is to be achieved by establishing a standardised procedure of cooperation between the Member States for the issuance of emergency travel documents (ETD) in a uniform format based on improved security features. This will allow citizens to exercise their right to consular protection effectively and in a more secure environment, therefore I fully support the Commission’s proposal.

2016/11/22

One of the aims of the European Atomic Energy Community is to contribute to raising the standard of living in the Member States, including by promoting and facilitating nuclear research in the Member States and complementing it by carrying out a Community research and training programme. The Commission proposes a new five-year programme. It will pursue the current Euratom programme’s 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 specific objectives are as follows: improve the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, foster the development of fusion energy, support the policy of the Community on nuclear safety, safeguards and security. The programme shall also support the mobility of researchers in the nuclear field in the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be EUR 1.67 billion in current prices for the period 2021-2025.

2016/11/22

I support the annual own-initiative report on the control of the financial activities of the EIB (European Investment Bank). It underlines the main policy goals’ achievements in 2017, together with concerns and shortcomings related to the proper implementation of the EIB’s mission and some governance practices. The report reiterates the call by Parliament on the EIB to report on the state of play and the status of Parliament’s recommendations from its previous resolutions with regard to the impact of the EIB lending activities and results achieved. Moreover, it stresses the need to prevent conflicts of interests of the members of the EFSI Investment Committee and the provision of more stringent rules on conflicts of interest in the relevant Codes of Conduct of the Management Board and Board of Directors. Furthermore, the report underlines the support for greater transparency and disclosure of information on contracting and subcontracting systems concerning intermediaries and final recipients in relation to the prevention of tax avoidance, fraud and corruption.

2016/11/22

The own-initiative report underlines the importance of commitment to the process of completing the Banking Union and the need to ensure openness and equal treatment of all Member States participating in the Banking Union. In it, Parliament recalls 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. It stresses the importance of the commitment to the process of completing the Capital Markets Union and reminds that the Banking Union is open to all Member States that wish to join.It notes the establishment of EDIS (European Deposit Insurance Scheme) and ensures proper balance between risk-reduction and risk-sharing measures and tackles the problem of the high level of NPLs (non-performing loans) and level II and level III instruments. I voted in favour of the INI since it also points that we need a more unified approach towards prudential and anti-money laundering supervision and welcomes the Commission proposal to strengthen the role of the European Banking Authority in the fight against money laundering in the financial sector.

2016/11/22

The report emphasises that the strategic values of the Agreement extend beyond the sphere of trade as it provides a solid foundation for a deeper relationship, with a long-term commitment to human rights, social rights, the rights of indigenous peoples and peasant farmers, and of the environment. I welcome the fact that the agreement opens markets for, inter alia, goods, services, government procurement and investment, which when built upon the principles of sustainable development can create opportunities for formal and quality employment, and improved working conditions and living standards by liberalising and expanding trade and investment. Indeed the Agreement has led to a significant increase in EU agricultural exports to both countries, however the Commission is invited to closely monitor the effects of the agreement on food production for the local market and to keep the European Parliament informed on this matter.

2016/11/22

I welcome the own-initiative report, which stresses importance of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary system, the principles of equality before the law, the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair and public hearing. The report rejects any confusion made between immigration and terrorism, as well as any use of counter-terrorism measures for the purpose of controlling certain migratory movements. It condemns the abuses and human rights violations suffered by migrants and refugees, in particular with regard to access to territory, reception conditions, asylum procedures, immigration detention and the protection of vulnerable persons. The report calls upon to consider six main areas of intervention as empowering equality bodies to deal with issues that affect women’s rights, improving online safety, promoting gender equality in education and lifelong learning more effectively, improving data collection and the dissemination of knowledge on all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation, for which I voted in favour, since it establishes the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, to provide financial support for the purchase, maintenance and upgrading of customs control equipment. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Instrument for the period 2021-2027 will be EUR 1 149 000 000 at current prices.The instrument has the specific objective of contributing to adequate and equivalent customs controls through the fully transparent purchase, maintenance and upgrading of relevant, state-of-the-art, secure, cyber-resilient, safe, environment-friendly and reliable customs control equipment. An additional objective is to improve the quality of customs controls throughout Member States to avoid the diversion of goods towards weaker points in the Union. Furthermore, the instrument will contribute to the implementation of European integrated border management by supporting interagency cooperation and the sharing and interoperability of new equipment acquired through the instrument.

2016/11/22

The aim of the proposed Council decision is to approve the Status Agreement between the European Union and Albania on actions carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in Albania as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/1624 on the European Border and Coast Guard. The idea of a status agreement is to provide a legally binding framework for operations of the Agency in which team members with executive powers would be deployed to the territory of a third country. The agreement should cover all aspects necessary for carrying out the actions of the Agency in third countries.Furthermore, it should set out the scope of the operation, civil and criminal liability and the tasks and powers of the team members deployed. Status agreements must also guarantee full respect for fundamental rights and the establishment of dedicated complaints mechanisms to be used if fundamental rights were to be violated during the operations. That is why I am in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The INI report lays out an approach to make EU the world’s leader in the deployment of safe systems for automated mobility, increasing road safety and efficiency, combating congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions from transport, and gradually phasing out fossil fuels. I believe that there is a need to intervene effectively for the development of autonomous vehicles that are accessible for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility (PRMS) and to clarify who should bear the liability in the event of accidents caused by fully autonomous vehicles. In addition, the legislator must resolve those ethical aspects of self-driving vehicles before these vehicles can be fully accepted and made available in traffic situations. I support the report as it encourages the Member States and industry to further implement cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS), and calls on the Commission to support the Member States and industry in deploying C-ITS services, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Structural and Investment Funds and the InvestEU programme.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Commission proposal is part of the Mobility Package, and reviews Directive 2006/1/EC on the use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road. The Directive allowed Member States to restrict the use of hired goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above six tonnes for own-account operations and restricted the use of a vehicle which has been hired in a Member State different from the one where the undertaking hiring the vehicle is established.The proposal removes these restrictions and establishes a uniform regulatory framework across the EU, where Member States would no longer have the possibility to restrict the use of hired vehicles for own-account operations. In addition, while Member States may still limit the use of a vehicle hired in a Member State different from the one where the undertaking hiring it is established, they would have to allow its use for at least four months. This period would give transport companies enough time to meet peak or seasonal demand and replace defective vehicles. I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the adoption of the horizontal safeguard clause, which will strengthen the safety net for our domestic industry in cases where trade agreements can lead to a disproportionate surge in the level of imports. The safeguard regulation provides a safety net for European producers in case a new trade agreement brings with it an unexpected and sudden increase in imports that causes serious damage to an EU industry. In these cases, the EU could suspend market liberalisation or withdraw lower custom tariffs. The regulation will cover future free trade agreements. With the safeguard regulation in place and applying horizontally, there will be no need to legislate safeguards clauses with each new trade agreement. The measures themselves are meant to provide a temporary breathing space for a sector or area to make necessary adjustments to withstand subsequent imports.

2016/11/22

The proposal, which I am in favour of, establishes the customs programme in the framework of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) from 2012 to 2027. It is the successor of the Customs 2020 programme and dedicates an envelope of EUR 950 million to cooperation in the field of customs. The general objective of the proposed new programme is to support the customs union and customs authorities to protect the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States, to ensure security and safety within the Union and to protect the Union from unfair and illegal trade, while facilitating legitimate business activity. A major focus is also on the further development and maintenance of customs IT-infrastructure, as stipulated in the Union Customs Code, which entered into force in 2016.

2016/11/22

In accordance with Article 308 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the members of the European Investment Bank are the Member States, therefore the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU brings an end to the membership of the United Kingdom and its right to nominate members and alternate members of the board of directors. I voted in favour of the report. The function of the board of directors, since I believe we need a better e strengthening, allowing the nomination of additional alternates, and better use of alternate Board members and non-voting experts to enhance their support to the decision-making process of the board of directors, in particular regarding the analysis of financing proposals.

2016/11/22

Gender mainstreaming has a double dimension: it requires both integrating a gender perspective to the content of the different policies, and addressing the issue of representation of women and men in the given policy area. The report insists on the role of the EU, and in particular the EP, to promote gender mainstreaming. I support the objective of having an EU budget focused also on gender issues and calls to keep providing data in order to face reality.In addition, an enhanced cooperation and a stable relationship between the EP’s high—level group for gender equality and diversity and the rotating co-presidency of the Gender Mainstreaming Network. Since 2009, a network of Members responsible for gender mainstreaming in EP committees has been established as well as an additional network at staff level. The network meets regularly, information is exchanged on ongoing files of interest for the Members of the network, and best practices are shared. In the last legislature, the delegations have also appointed Members responsible for gender mainstreaming.

2016/11/22

I support the INI report, which calls on the Council to approve the Commission proposal while introducing some modifications regarding the Euratom contribution to the Joint Undertaking in both constant and current prices, and which will evaluate and eliminate overlapping responsibilities between the Administration and Management Committee and the Technical Advisory Panel with regard to project plans and work programmes.In addition, it will clarify the role and contribution of the United Kingdom in the light of its Euratom status and will include provisions regarding synergies and cooperation between ITER and the Euratom Research and Training Programme for the period 2021-2025. Finally, it considers cooperation with small and medium-sized private disruptive players, such as start-ups experimenting with new approaches and technologies, in the research programme and the network of organisations designated in the field of scientific and technological fusion research, for which I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

This is an INI report which stresses that public sector reform is essential to help Member States adapt to changing circumstances, increase their resilience to prevent future crises, develop eGovernment and improve service delivery across the Union. Ensuring that the financing of eGovernment deployment measures should also be envisaged in future programming periods and implementing reforms within the Member States to apply the principle of good administration in practice with a view to improving the capacity of regions that are lagging behind to access to finance are among top objectives of the report.In addition, promoting coordination, complementarity and simplification will avoid overlaps between specific operational programmes and other EU funding. Thus, encouraging within public administrations innovative processes that promote connectivity, digital transition and the provision of quality digital services for citizens, businesses and public authorities, while taking into account the rapid development of new technologies in these areas, determined me to give my positive vote for the report.

2016/11/22

I welcome the INI report that stresses that religion or belief is an important pillar of human identity and therefore requires proper recognition and addressing, while expressing its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of FoRB (freedom of religion or belief) worldwide. We urgently need to implement the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness. Furthermore, underlines the need for broader and more systematic training programmes, which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomat. In addition, asks for churches and religious communities and associations to be involved in this training process and calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes.

2016/11/22

This report looks at the impact of taxation policies on gender equality and gives recommendations to MS and the Commission on how to make taxation policies fairer and gender-sensitive. Taxation is considered in no way gender-neutral. Indirect taxation such as VAT exerts a gender bias, as women’s consumption patterns differ from those of men. The reports calls on MS and COM to carry out gender audits of fiscal policies in order to eliminate tax-related gender bias. Moreover, Member States are urged to introduce progressively individual taxation systems, while ensuring that all financial and other benefits linked to parenthood in current joint taxation systems are fully preserved. In addition, the report also condemns the outrageous situation that female hygiene products are still not considered as basic products in all Member States, and urges all EU countries to eliminate the so-called ‘care and tampon tax’ by applying a 0% VAT rate to these essential goods. Therefore I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I support the proposal amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards minimum loss coverage for non-performing exposures. The proposal on capital requirements (CRR) provides for a statutory prudential backstop against any excessive future build-up of non-performing exposures (NPEs) without sufficient loss coverage on banks’ balance sheets. The establishment of a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of NPEs is an important goal for the Union in its attempt to make the financial system more resilient. The ‘exposure’ shall include a debt instrument, a loan commitment given, a financial guarantee given or any other commitment given. The exposure value of a debt instrument that was purchased at a price lower than the amount owed by the debtor shall include the difference between the purchase price and the amount owed by the debtor. In order to allow institutions and Member States to improve the efficiency of proceedings and to recognise secured NPEs guaranteed by an eligible provider retaining their value for a longer period of time after the loan turned non-performing, it is appropriate to provide for a calendar of nine years. For other secured NPEs a calendar of seven years shall apply until full coverage has built up.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the Space Programme provides high-quality and up-to-date secure space-related data, information and services without interruption and wherever possible at global level. I believe that this programme is very important as it enhance the security, including cybersecurity, of the Union and its Member States, and reinforces its strategic autonomy, in particular in industrial and technological terms. It is very important to strength the European industrial and scientific ecosystem in the field of space, by establishing a coherent framework that combines the excellence of European training and know-how, the development of high-level design, manufacturing capabilities and the strategic vision needed in an increasingly competitive sector.

2016/11/22

I support the new initiative aiming to reinforce the Union’s capacities in areas that will be key for Europe to ensure its competitiveness in global markets. It is important to reduce the digital divide inside the European Union, to increase cohesion between different territories and to put more attention in areas and regions lagging behind. I also support the need for applications and actions financed under this fund to comply with ethical standards and a proper ethical assessment and respect the European digital identity. It is essential to invest in technologies if we want to remain competitive in the global scene and we need to shape these policies to our European values and ethical standards.

2016/11/22

The idea of the agreement is to create a single market for air transport in which European and US airlines to be able to provide air services without any restriction and which would include the domestic markets of both parties. The ratification and consent process of the Protocol is still on going. The Protocol provides for advances additional investment and market access opportunities, as well as strengthening the framework of cooperation in regulatory areas, such as safety, security as well as environment. It included also (Article 21) a mutual responsibility towards ‘further expansion opportunities’ that covers, among others, future progress relating to foreign ownership rules. It is important to strengthen EU-US regulatory cooperation, in civil aviation safety, to promote global safety standards, and to enhance the production of civil aeronautical products by taking into account the interests of all concerned actors: pilots, aircraft manufacturers, airport platforms, and airlines. The aviation industry consistently advocated closer cooperation, recognition and harmonisation between the two largest markets the US and EU), in order to reduce unnecessary transaction costs that add little or no safety value and in turn diminish the industry’s overall competitiveness.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as this proposal aims to protect the integrity of the Single Market and to ensure its proper functioning. It is important to make sure that the public finances within the Union are sustainable and that the national tax bases are not eroded. It is essential to fight against aggressive tax planning and to close the gaps that currently exist in the international rules, which makes it possible for some digital companies to escape taxation in countries where they operate and create value. This tax is one of the numerous steps we need to reduce income inequality and promote tax justice. Inequality is the challenge of our times and it must be urgently addressed to restore trust in politics and in the EU. It is crucial to have a common tax base for corporate taxation and a minimum effective taxation of companies across the EU.

2016/11/22

I welcome the proposal, which opens the road for a deep, international reform of corporate tax systems, in order to ensure that multinational companies are taxed. The EU cannot wait for an international compromise at OECD level, which under the current political circumstances, could take many years to come. In the digital era, the data has become a new economic resource in addition to labour. Too many multinational companies that heavily rely upon digital activities make tax arrangements allowing them to avoid or evade taxes, a new method needs to be developed in order to have an equitable and sustainable system of digital taxation, which will ensure digital companies to pay their taxes where their real economic activity occurs. It is also important the inclusion of sale of goods or services which is facilitated by using the internet or an electronic network as digital service within the scope of the Directive (e-commerce platforms).

2016/11/22

Blockchain technology offers the potential to improve trust and confidence in the current trade system by providing an immutable record of transactions. There are at least 202 government blockchain initiatives in 45 countries around the world and economies in the regions of the Asia-Pacific, the Americas and the Middle East, in particular. Blockchain may enhance and improve EU trade policies, enable customs authorities to automatically obtain information and reduce bureaucracy. Furthermore, it monitors the origin of goods and their manufacturing conditions, reduces the costs of transactions, insurance and logistics, removes intermediaries, increases trust between transacting parties, and combats contraband and the entry of illegal goods. Moreover it improves transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, reduces the cost of supply-chain management, improves the application of correct duty and VAT payments and revenue collection within trade policy, and reduces the total time goods are in transit by automating tasks that are typically accomplished manually.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as transfers of personal data between the EU and Japan for commercial purposes are an important element of EU-Japan relations in light of the ever-increasing digitisation of the global economy. Such transfers should be carried out on a basis of full respect of the right to the protection of personal data and the right to privacy, as one of the basic objectives of the EU is the protection of fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is important to take into consideration that Japan has recently modernised and strengthened its data protection legislation to align it with international standards, in particular with the safeguards and individual rights provided by the new European data protection legislative framework.

2016/11/22

I consider that it is important for all national authorities and government officials to proactively apply the new Financial Regulation, in particular Article 61 on conflicts of interest, in order to prevent harmful situations for the European Union, its Member States, democracy and the EU’s financial interests, and to serve as an example of working for the public good rather than personal gain. The obligation of national authorities is to ensure that the Union’s legislation on conflicts of interest is applied in all cases and to all people.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Annual Report on the Activities of the Ombudsman in 2017, supporting the recommendations made by the Ombudsman on a number of issues such as transparency over the decision-making process. I support the call for setting up a transparency register in order to better monitor and regulate lobbying activities. In line with this idea, I also share the opinion that higher ethical standards and rules are necessary for elected members and officials. These should be swiftly applied throughout the EU institutions, agencies and bodies and must be based on a legislative act. There is also an urgent need for the existing Code of Good Administrative Behaviour to be upgraded effectively, by adopting a binding regulation on the matter. I welcome the Ombudsman’s five-year strategy, ‘Towards 2019’, which aims to forge stronger relationships with the EU institutions, agencies and organisations, for the greater benefit of citizens.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report as it draws attention to the specific interactive nature of the petition process with citizens who, through their petitions, provide a useful source of information for detecting breaches, loopholes or inconsistencies in EU law.In return, citizens expect the EU institutions to bring added value in resolving their concerns. I am happy to see that improvements have also been made to the petitions web portal in order to facilitate the submission of petitions. Users of the web portal also have the possibility to support petitions. I voted in favour as I support the call on the Commission to improve the quality of its replies to the committee – including during committee meetings – in relation to petitions. There should also be enhanced cooperation with Member State authorities when it comes to responding to inquiries about the implementation of and compliance with EU law.

2016/11/22

In the framework of the annual budgetary procedure, Draft Amending Budget 6 represents a standard exercise aiming at updating the expenditure and revenue sides of the EU budget in line with the latest developments. I voted in favour of the report on the Council’s position on Draft amending budget No 6/2018 of the European Union for the financial year 2018: Reduction of payment and commitment appropriations in line with updated forecasts of expenditure and update of revenue (own resources). On the expenditure side, the financing of competitiveness for growth and jobs and the funding for sustainable growth are decreased respectively by EUR 48.7 million and EUR 44.7 million.As concerns the revenue side, this provision entails a revision of the forecast of traditional own resources, as well as VAT and GNI bases and the budgeting of the relevant UK corrections. The Union needs the necessary financial resources to meet the citizen`s expectations and to allow the Union to effectively tackle the numerous priorities and challenges in order to improve the day-to-day life of its citizens.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the report is to mobilize the EU Solidarity Fund to provide for the payment of advances in the general budget of the Union for 2019. In order to ensure the timely availability of sufficient budgetary resources in the general budget of the Union for 2019, the Commission proposes that the European Union Solidarity Fund be mobilized to the amount of EUR 50 million for the payment of advances. The decision should apply from the beginning of the 2019 financial year to limit the time taken to mobilize the Fund.The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to emergencies and to show its solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters therefore, I expressed my positive vote for the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I consider this agreement to have significant bilateral and global strategic importance, while promoting high standards, namely in the field of the environment, food safety, consumer protection and labour rights and human rights. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement is one of the most significant bilateral trade agreements concluded by the Union and it covers nearly a third of world GDP, almost 40% of world trade and over 600 million people. I believe that market access commitments in cross-border services, including e-commerce, maritime transport, postal services, energy and telecommunications, have the potential to give a significant boost to trade in services and will make it easier for EU firms to provide services on the Japanese market. From an economic point of view, it is very important to take into consideration that Japan is the world’s third largest consumer market, which means a positive effect in terms of GDP growth, income, trade, productivity and employment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union and its Member States, of a Protocol amending the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, to take account of the accession to the European Union of the Republic of Croatia. The purpose of the Protocol is to enable Croatia to become a party to the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Jordan, of the other part, and to define the linguistic adaptations to be made to the Agreement by reason of Croatia’s accession. The Protocol makes no substantial amendments to the Agreement between the European Union and Jordan.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support the ambitious and properly funded framework programme to take up on future challenges. Through science, innovation, and ground-breaking research, Europe can become more competitive and stay at the forefront of global research and innovation, creating quality jobs. At least 35% of the total budget under this programme would be allocated to support EU’s climate objectives. The Union should invest in research and innovation through Horizon Europe - a Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027 to support the creation, diffusion and transfer of high-quality knowledge and technologies in the Union, to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in addressing global challenges including the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change, and in developing, supporting and implementing Union policies, to support the uptake of innovative and sustainable solutions in the Union’s industry and society to create jobs and boost economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the priorities of Horizon Europe are very closely aligned with the Union’s general strategic priorities and its policies. The strategic planning are based on foresight activities, studies and other scientific evidence and take account of relevant existing initiatives at Union and national level. It incorporate inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral perspectives and ensure that all activities under Horizon Europe are coordinated in an effective manner. Reflecting the important contribution, research and innovation should make to address challenges in food, agriculture, rural development and the bio-economy. The completion of the Digital Single Market and the growing opportunities from the convergence of digital and physical technologies requires a stepping up of investments. Horizon Europe will contribute to these efforts with a substantial increase of spending in main digital research and innovation activities compared to the Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon 2020.

2016/11/22

The free movement of people, goods, services and capital have helped improve citizens’ prosperity and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness over the past 25 years. However, at the present, a deeper integration and greater efforts are required to strengthen the Single Market and overcome the persisting obstacles. The Single Market is a unique asset to preserve and boost Europe’s standing, values and influence worldwide. Today only 8% of SMEs offer goods and online services and only 15% of consumers make use of this possibility.The Single Market cannot be considered in purely economic terms, but must be seen as embedded in a wider legal framework granting specific rights for citizens, workers, consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses. I believe that we need a strategic and more holistic approach whereas the response to the challenges faced should be as much political as technical in nature.

2016/11/22

Terrorism is a major security challenge for European societies and we have the obligation to protect our citizens’ right to life and safety.Looking back at what happened in the last few years, especially in Europe, I’d like to underline a few of the errors and failures in the European system to counter terrorism. These include weak security systems, sharing intelligence failures, problems with different judicial systems, failures and low results in fighting radicalisation and fundamentalism, insufficient resources and, in many cases, a lack of police, intelligence and security institutions, accountability and funding, a lack of properly monitoring and defending EU external borders and so forth. Welcoming the report, I would like to add that the latter addresses the shortcomings mentioned above and focuses on strengthening the mechanism of cooperation and information sharing between European agencies and Member States’ competent authorities. Preventing and fighting terrorism has to stay a priority of the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as European security should be based on the ambition of common strategic autonomy. It is important to promote and protect universal values, such as peace, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including minority rights. The EU’s security environment is now more volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous than at any time since the end of the Cold War, confronted with interstate conflicts, natural disasters, terrorism, failed states, cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare.The current EU policies may no longer suffice to promote a stable and prosperous neighbourhood. The EU has a growing responsibility to safeguard its own security while defending its interests and values. At a time of increased international challenges, such as terrorism, instability in the Middle East, actions of external actors seeking to undermine the EU’s stability and security order, European citizens more than ever expect an effective common foreign and security policy from the EU and Member States, adequately backed up by financial resources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the EU’s strategic security and defence objectives can only be achieved through the closest coordination of the needs and long-term capability-building requirements of both the armed forces and defence industries of the Member States. The need for cooperation has been increasingly recognised in recent years, and I welcome the advances that have been made in this direction, although concrete results still need to be duly evaluated.I consider that the EU should also strengthen dialogue and cooperation with third countries in its region and with regional and sub-regional organisations. I believe that it is important to develop the necessary civilian and military capabilities, including through pooling and sharing, to deal with the comprehensive security challenges in and around Europe and its periphery. Nevertheless, I very much support the latest progress achieved in the Security and Defence field by the Union and I believe that these achievements open up the perspective for important structural changes in the future.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as it is essential to continue to strive to be the leading global actor in the universal promotion and protection of human rights. There is the need for increased coherence between the EU’s internal and external human rights policies, with gender mainstreaming in all its actions. The policies in support of human rights and democracy should be mainstreamed across all other EU policies with an external dimension, such as development, migration, security, counter-terrorism, women's rights and gender equality, enlargement and trade, in particular through the implementation of human rights conditionality.It is also important to increase coherence between the EU’s internal and external policies, as well as among the external policies themselves, as this is a fundamental requirement for a successful and effective EU human rights policy. I consider that a truly independent, pluralistic and dynamic civil society contributes to development and stability, ensures democratic consolidation, including separation of powers, social justice and respect for human rights, and promotes transparency, accountability and good governance, in particular through measures to combat corruption and extremism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the aim of the fund is ultimately to be able to be less dependent on external industrial military actors and it contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy in protecting and defending itself. The lack of cooperation between Member States in the field of security and defence and a fragmented market is estimated to cost between EUR 25 billion and EUR 100 billion per year. Most of the defence procurement is run on a national basis leading to a costly duplication of military capabilities. I welcome this fund, which would contribute to the establishment of a strong, competitive and innovative defence industrial and technological base and which go hand—in—hand with the Union’s initiatives towards a more integrated European Defence Market. I believe that the European Defence Fund is important due to support actions pertaining to both new and the upgrade of existing products and technologies. When applying for the Union funding, legal entities should be required to provide the relevant information to establish the absence of restrictions. In the absence of such information, Union funding should not be possible.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour, as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital services. The digitalisation of European industry and the modernisation of sectors like transport, energy, healthcare and public administration depend on universal access to reliable, affordable, high and very high capacity networks.Digital connectivity has become one of the decisive factors to close economic, social and territorial divides, supporting the modernisation of local economies, and underpinning the diversification of economic activities. I believe that the innovative infrastructure technologies, which help to transition to low emission energy and mobility systems and improve security of supply, seeking greater energy independence for the Union, are essential in view of the Union’s decarbonisation agenda.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Ukraine’s economic stabilisation and the progress achieved in implementing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which is very much focused on trade flows and trade irritants. I also welcome the increase in trade volume between the EU and Ukraine and the diversification of Ukrainian exports to the EU. Ukraine has been making progress on the path towards European integration, registering important achievements, but more difficult tasks still need to be addressed. The public support for modernisation and reform is suffering on account of people’s disappointment at deteriorating social conditions, uncertainty about the future, dissatisfaction with the government’s reform policy, the continuing power of the oligarchs and the persistence of endemic corruption in state institutions. Ukraine deserves particular praise for reforms in the areas of energy, health, pensions, education, public administration, decentralisation, public procurement, defence and security, and the banking sector, and for securing macro-economic stabilisation, but significant challenges remain, particularly in areas such as the fight against corruption, privatisation and judicial reform.

2016/11/22

The report underlines that the acquisition of digital skills needs an approach more anchored in lifelong learning and closer to the needs of different age groups and the demands of society. The great lack of connectivity in schools across Member States comes at a cost. Therefore, all remaining schools need to connect and to make use of existing EU programmers for this purpose.The report suggests that teachers and trainers should be at the core of the digital transformation and they therefore require adequate preparation and training, but not as an extra task on top of their daily activities.Furthermore, it encourages the Member States to promote and finance regional and local initiatives that support the transformation of teaching practices, to enhance innovation and to take steps in collaboration with businesses, education and training centres and civil society to identify existing skills gaps, expand digital literacy, enhance media literacy and establish a high level of digital connectivity and inclusion.I believe, moreover, that the Digital Education Action Plan is the first step towards a developed EU strategy on digital education, which can provide a more coordinated policy framework and simultaneously be adaptable to changing realities.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the report is to bring up to date the Unionʼs rules on the coordination of social security, since the right of EU citizens and their families to move freely and reside in any EU country is one of the four fundamental freedoms in the EU Treaties. This initiative is part of the European Commissionʼs 2016 labour mobility package and it focuses on four areas of coordination: inactive citizensʼ access to social benefits, long-term care benefits, unemployment benefits and family benefits.The proposal distinguishes between an economically inactive citizen and a job-seeker. Among its objectives, it establishes a coherent regime for long-term care benefits and sets out new arrangements for the coordination of unemployment benefits in cross-border cases, including a minimum period of three monthsʼ insurance in the Member State of the most recent activity, and extends to six months the minimum period for export of unemployment benefits.I fully support the objective of improving the opportunities for unemployed persons moving to another Member State to look for work and their prospects for reintegration into the labour market and of addressing skills mismatches across borders. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

The report aims to clarify the authorityʼs objective by focusing only on a limited number of tasks so that the Authority can be used efficiently where it can provide the greatest benefit. Therefore, the authority is to assist the Member States and the Commission in matters relating to the application and enforcement of Union law in the area of labour mobility and freedom to provide services in the internal market. It will strengthen access to information, compliance and cooperation between Member States. I am in favour of the report, since it will also enhance cooperation between Member States in tackling undeclared work and in situations in which the proper functioning of the internal market is at risk because of, inter alia, letter-box companies, fraudulent companies or the phenomenon of bogus self-employment.In addition to a high-level representative from each Member State and two representatives of the Commission, the Management Board is to include six representatives of the social partners at Union level, equally representing employersʼ organisations and trade unions, as well as three independent experts appointed by the European Parliament after verifying that there is no conflict of interest.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposal establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMFI) which allows Member States to re-commit or to transfer amounts within their national programmes, through revisions to these national programmes, in order to promote EU priorities in the areas of migration and asylum, including relocation. The proposal extends to six months the deadline for de-commitment of the remaining amounts so that Member States have sufficient time to review national programmes and make changes related to possible re-commitments or transfers of amounts. In practical terms, Member States shall re-commit 20% of those amounts to actions in national programmes for relocation. Priority is given to the relocation of unaccompanied minors, other vulnerable applicants and family members of beneficiaries of international protection. Member States shall receive, in addition to their allocation, an additional amount based for each applicant for international protection and beneficiary of international protection transferred from another Member State. Moreover, for the rest of this amount, where duly justified, it shall be possible to fund specific actions in line with the AMFI regulation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I fully support the LIFE programme, since is the only EU fund dedicated solely to environmental and climate objectives. It is targeted at a niche between EU programmes supporting research and innovation on the one hand and EU programmes financing large-scale deployment on the other hand. Moreover, the programme bridges the gap between the development of new knowledge and its implementation.The new proposal for LIFE 2021-2027 has a general objective to contribute to the shift towards a clean, circular, energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, including through the transition to clean energy, to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, thereby contributing to sustainable development.I voted in favour of the report, which aims to increase the role of merit criteria for the award of the funds, the flexibility of the co-financing rates for better adaptability, as well as measurable targets and performance indicators in particular for actions aimed at the protection of biodiversity. Furthermore, it promotes a greater awareness, better communication and good governance, and introduces elements more detailed inter alia to the award criteria and the multiannual work programmes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposal as the latter aims to improve workers’ health protection by reducing occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemical agents, to provide more clarity and to contribute to a level playing field for economic operators. Cancer is the number one cause of work-related deaths in the EU. According to the Commission’s figures, seven to twelve people die of work-related cancer every hour in the European Union.The provisions of the Directive apply to any chemical agent that meets the criteria for carcinogen, apply to any substance, mixture or process and sets a number of general minimum requirements to eliminate or reduce exposure for all carcinogens and mutagens falling under its scope. In favour of the report concerning occupational limit setting exposure values that needs to be drawn for the inhalation route of exposure for particular carcinogens and mutagens, I voted in favour. In line with the proposal, employers must identify and assess risks to workers associated with exposure to specific carcinogens at the workplace, and must prevent exposure where risks occur. Substitution with none or less-hazardous process or chemical agent is required where this is technically possible.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation of the General Food of Law, which aims to improve transparency, reliability, objectivity and independence of the studies used by EFSA in its risk assessment. Many stakeholders and citizens complain that the EFSA’s evaluations of authorisation applications are based on studies, data and information generated (and paid for) by the applicant for authorisation. I voted in favour of the proposal, which sets out which type of information can be considered confidential and the process to be followed for the processing of confidentiality claims. A Union register of commissioned studies on substances subject to a food law authorisation system is being set up, to be managed by EFSA. At the stage of submission of an authorisation application, when all studies are made public, according to the new transparency provisions, a consultation of third—parties will be launched with the aim of identifying whether other relevant scientific data or studies are available. A system of controls and audits by Commission inspectors in relation to studies is set up. There is a new possibility for the Commission to request EFSA to commission verification studies in exceptional circumstances.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Proposal for a Regulation, which aims to align certain provisions of the existing Regulation governing Cedefop with the Common Approach on Decentralised Agencies. Second, it aims to update its objectives and tasks, including technological developments linked to the increasing use of digital technologies. It also concerns new activities such as work on qualifications, in particular the European Qualifications Framework, on skills analysis and forecasting, and the validation of non-formal and informal learning, which should all be acknowledged. As the founding regulation of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational training (Cedefop), the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) were revised at the same time; inter-institutional negotiations were conducted in parallel. Transparency of the selection procedure will improve, as Parliament will also have the right to invite a candidate for the executive director of each agency for an exchange of views. Parliament enforced the role of the Directors and managed to ensure a better balance between men and women among the staff of the agencies.

2016/11/22

I share the proposal’s objective to revise the founding regulation of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). The revision will align certain provisions of the existing regulation governing EU-OSHA with the Common Approach on Decentralised Agencies. This revision will provide a clearer description of the role of EU-OSHA and it will update the mandate of EU-OSHA as a centre for the technical, scientific, legal and economic information and qualified expertise of use in the field of safety and health at work.Furthermore, the revision will provide for anti-fraud measures, conflict of interest policy, evaluation and review and the establishment of a headquarters agreement and will also harmonise the provisions on programming and reporting with the requirements set by the revised Framework Financial Regulation.I support the provisions of the report, according to which the Agency shall establish a strategy for relations with third countries and international organisations concerning matters for which the Agency is competent and establish a communications strategy which is coherent with and relevant to the strategies and activities of the Commission and those of the other institutions and agencies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The purpose of the report is to replace and repeal the Regulation establishing the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, and to repeal Council Regulation (EEC) No 1365/75. The reasons for the revision are twofold: it will harmonise certain provisions of the existing regulation governing Eurofound; and it offers the opportunity to update the objectives and tasks of the foundation, which was established in 1975.I am confident that the new objectives and tasks will better reflect developments and Eurofound’s current contribution to the development of social and work-related policies though the provision of relevant and high-quality research output in the field of employment, industrial relations and working and living conditions.The major battles with Council and Commission concerned the number of independent experts to be nominated by Parliament to the Management Board.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The automotive industry is a key sector and the Union needs to ensure preparedness for all possible outcomes related to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. This regulation will deliver an element of preparedness to deal with any possible adverse effects that the withdrawal of the UK from the Union may have on manufacturers of motor vehicles. I share the opinion that manufacturers should not be punished for having chosen a UK type-approval authority, while provisions for preparedness should fully respect the Union framework for type approval. I welcome the regulation.In order to ensure that the Union recognises type approvals issued previously by a UK authority, it will need to meet the demands of the industry by providing manufacturers with a legal framework within which they can apply to any EU27 type-approval authority. This regulation will ensure legal certainty for manufacturers in this situation, whilst maintaining liability for both type-approval authorities and manufacturers alike, and without otherwise altering or affecting in any way the current general framework of type-approval legislation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The current situation we face is that there is no provision in EU law as to how a refugee should actually arrive, and this has led to almost all arrivals occurring in an irregular manner. The persons fleeing have to engage in life-threatening trips, with the help of smugglers, for which they need to pay enormous fees and during which they are exposed to exploitation, ill-treatment and abuse.Member States are not required, under Union law, to grant a humanitarian visa to persons who wish to enter their territory with a view to applying for asylum, but they remain free to do so on the basis of their national law. The procedures for humanitarian visas should be similar to short-stay visas, with differences where necessary. Such visa applications should be decided on, after an interview, within 15 calendar days of the date of lodging the application and it should also be possible to apply by electronic means. It is recommended that humanitarian visas should be issued by means of a common sticker and should be recorded in the Visa Information System.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposal of the Commission to reform the EU’s common visa policy and to adapt the rules to the evolving security concerns, challenges linked to migration and new opportunities offered by technological developments. The proposal is based on an impact assessment focusing on the three main issues: insufficient financial resources, repeated visa procedures for regular travellers and insufficient levels of return of irregular migrants to some countries of origin. The proposal extends to six months the deadline for an application and due to their specific working conditions, seafarers may lodge their application nine months before the intended trip. Minimum deadline for lodging an application has been set to allow Member States time for proper assessment of applications and organisation of work. The general provisions on the limited number of supporting documents will not apply to nationals of third countries not cooperating on readmission on the basis of objective and relevant criteria.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Commission proposes a temporary application of the generalised VAT reverse charge mechanism. In the EU, VAT is generally collected along the supply chain, with the last amount collected when the goods are sold to the final consumer. For a long time now it has been claimed that VAT fraud could be tackled better by only collecting VAT at the final sale – the reverse charge mechanism. The proposal will allow temporary derogation from normal VAT rules to prevent VAT fraud better. Member States will only be able to use the generalised reverse charge mechanism (GRCM) for domestic supplies of goods and services above a threshold of EUR 17 500 per transaction, only until 30 June 2022 and under very strict technical conditions, and 25% of their VAT gap must be due to carousel fraud. Member States applying the GRCM will have to submit an interim report to the Commission no later than one year after they start applying the GRCM, giving a detailed assessment of its effectiveness, and will also have to establish appropriate and effective electronic reporting obligations on all taxable persons, particularly those to which the mechanism would apply.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Bulgaria and Romania met since 2011 all necessary conditions for the Schengen acquis. The maintenance of controls at the internal borders of Bulgaria and Romania has a negative impact on exports and imports to and from both Member States and on transport operations to and from some of the largest freight and passenger ports in southern Europe, resulting in financial losses and increased expenditure. I share the opinion of the rapporteur regarding the fear that the introduction of a two-step approach could have a negative impact on the future enlargement of the Schengen area. The division suggested by the Council decision to have two legal acts – one for the abolition of controls at air and sea borders and the other for land borders – would legally codify the current double standards in the Schengen area.I would like to reiterate that Bulgaria and Romania have all the obligations and responsibilities of fully-fledged Schengen members, but do not enjoy the benefit of free movement. The reintroduction of border controls could cost the European Union between EUR 50 million and EUR 20 billion in one-off costs and EUR 2 billion in annual operating costs. The Council needs to present as soon as (the text abbreviated according to Rule 183(1)) .

2016/11/22

. ‒ The report concerns the EU Member States’ military mobility to pursue their security and defence interests, and calls for Member States to develop national plans for military mobility by the end of 2019. The report stresses that the ambitious timetable laid down in the Action Plan should ensure that current mobility gaps are filled as soon as possible. The Action Plan describes a number of tasks that need to be accomplished at Member State level, e.g. achieving harmonised rules for cross-border movement permissions, which are a major obstacle to rapid movements, where the EU can only supplement Member States’ efforts.I welcome the Commission’s proposal on use of the Connecting Europe Facility and the substantial funds envisaged for dual-use military mobility projects to ensure that infrastructure is adjusted to take into account military mobility needs and I think that these dual-use projects will also be of considerable benefit for civilian use. Finally, the report urges both the EU and NATO to intensify their cooperation and coordination and share information more broadly to ensure that synergies are achieved, including better sharing of classified information between the two bodies as soon as possible to enable this.

2016/11/22

The report aims to ensure the right balance between social, economic, external and digital aspects of cultural policies with the cultural dimension as a cross-cutting priority, and guarantees consistency between the new Agenda and other programmes such as Creative Europe and Europe for Citizens. There is a need for doubling the budget for the Creative Europe programme, developing synergies and interactions with other EU funded programmes in order to create a holistic approach to culture and ensuring that funding allocated to cultural and creative sectors across all funding programmes amounts to at least 1% of the next MFF.There is also a need for the European music sector, which is seriously underfinanced. I welcome the idea of introducing a European year of cultural personality to celebrate the achievements of Europeans who have contributed to the flourishing of culture across the continent. In order to create links and enhance intercultural dialogue and peaceful relations we need immediate implementation of the Strategy for External Cultural Relations. I voted in favour of the report since I consider culture as an essential part of the political dialogue with third countries and systematically integrating culture into external action projects and programmes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour since I support applying the newest Euro standards to vehicles as ambitiously as possible. I support the well functioning of the internal market for type-approval of all types of vehicles. While the particularities of the market concerning certain vehicles produced in limited numbers, such as enduro and trial motorcycles, should be acknowledged, all other vehicles should have Euro standards.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as I support and promote respect for human rights. It is necessary to impose controls on exports of certain goods that could be used not only for the purpose of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, but also for legitimate purposes. These controls should apply to goods that are primarily used for law enforcement purposes and unless such controls prove disproportionate, to any other equipment or product that could be abused for the purpose of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour as it is very important for the Member States to continue showing solidarity when implementing transfer decisions in practice. I share the opinion that this proposal provides Member States with the possibility to use the funding for other actions defined in the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund Regulation, in addition to relocation and resettlement, which will need to be revised.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome this development-oriented trade agreement, which facilitates Samoa’s exports into the EU and offers asymmetric market access to Samoa, allowing it to shield sensitive sectors from liberalisation, while providing a large number of safeguards and a clause for infant industry protection. I expect the parties to the agreement, through a decision of the EPA Trade Committee, to enter into negotiations as soon as possible and to include a fully-fledged trade and sustainable development chapter that foresees a proper civil society monitoring mechanism. Due to this agreement, Samoa will maintain the current duty-free and quota-free access to the EU on all products; although such exports may appear quite limited in value, they are very significant for the Samoan economy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as funding will contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services with the aim of providing assistance for integrating the affected persons into the labour market. The steady decline is the consequence of the economic and financial crisis, which still affects the Greek economy (reduced household income, high unemployment). The European Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns or of the global financial and economic crisis, and to assist their reintegration into the labour market.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the report regarding the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders for reasons apparently related to migration, terrorism or ‘exceptional’ cases with regard to the maximum duration of internal border control. I believe that the latter does not seek to encourage internal border controls by lengthening the period for which those are permitted, but to have a common response to situations that may seriously affect EU public policy or its internal security.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union needs to facilitate growth, but also to uphold the highest standards in terms of social and working conditions and passenger rights. It is important to strike the right balance and to give the EU enough flexibility when negotiating international agreements and, at the same time, to uphold our essential EU rights and principles, in all cases. It could lead to opening the EU market to unrestricted wet-leasing of aircraft registered in third countries. In the long term, time limitations and seasonality might be dropped with wet-leasing becoming a permanent feature of the airlines’ business models.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the call upon the European Supervisory Authorities to investigate breaches of EU law. It is important to urge all Member States to conduct investigations of all financial institutions involved, and intermediaries, and for those responsible to be brought to justice – it is time to end impunity of corporate crimes. Member States must also look into their national taxation systems to address any remaining loopholes. New measures are needed to prevent abuse of divided arbitrage, and to broaden the scope of information to be exchanged between tax administrations.

2016/11/22

I consider that the principle of subsidiarity should be applied in all matters of substantive family law issues. This subject is very sensitive. The Member States should collect statistical data on the administrative and judicial proceedings concerning child custody and involving foreign parents, particularly on the outcome of the judgments, in order to develop a detailed analysis of existing trends over time and to provide benchmarks. It is very important to have a close cooperation and an efficient communication between the different national and local authorities involved in childcare proceedings, from the social services to the jurisdictional and central authorities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as WTO needs modernisation to address the challenges faced by the global trading system and to ensure that it remains vital, relevant and effective. This means revisiting both the rules and the processes of the WTO, to ensure that it addresses the challenges of 21st century trade realities. The system has to be flexible enough to accommodate different sets of ambition among its membership, rules have to be enforced effectively and efficiently and there should be checks and balances to ensure its Members pursue the objectives of market openness and non-discrimination.However, transparency is a key element in ensuring a stable and predictable trading and investment environment, but also to enforcing the rules. However, there is often poor compliance with notification requirements, while the monitoring work of the WTO regular committees is suboptimal.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report on Serbia, as it puts emphasize on the continued commitment of Serbia’s path towards EU integration. Moreover, the latter draws also attention to problems, such as media freedom, deteriorating conditions for freedom of expression, lack of transparency in the funding of political parties and election campaigns.I support the calls on the authorities to fully address and implement the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission. I consider important for Serbia to make further efforts to improve the situation of the Roma and to ensure consistent implementation across the country of legislation on protection of minorities.Serbia has contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, as well as peace and stability, and has remained committed to creating a functioning market economy and has continued to build a track record in implementing the obligations of the SAA.

2016/11/22

It is important to urge Kosovo’s authorities to deal with previously identified electoral shortcomings, including a lack of transparency and accountability of funding for political parties and campaigns and allegations of widespread voter intimidation, particularly within many Kosovo Serb communities. Nevertheless, corruption and organised crime, including drug and human trafficking, and cybercrime, remain issues of concern that require concerted efforts. It is needed for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report, which includes recent developments in the country and endorses the Commission’s recommendation and ensuing Council decision setting June 2019 as a date for opening accession negotiations in recognition of the encouraging reform efforts, and considers that the opening of negotiations would provide further incentives for democratisation and enhance scrutiny and accountability.Hungary needs to respect the independence of the Macedonian justice system and the rule of law in the country, re-evaluate the political asylum granted to Nikola Gruevski and proceed with his extradition to Skopje.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the report as it recognises the progress achieved by Albania over the past year. In examining the state of EU-Albanian relations, I consider it essential to emphasise Albania’s solid commitment to the EU integration process and I thus support the opening of accession negotiations in 2019. The opening of negotiations gives a tangible incentive for further developments and a positive prospect for the Western Balkans region as a whole.I share the opinion that Albania needs to keep up the reform momentum and intensify its efforts to consolidate the reforms achieved and continue preparing for EU membership obligations across all chapters. Therefore, there is a particular need to strengthen further the administrative capacity of the institutions and bodies responsible for the implementation of accession-related reforms, for the transposition of EU legislation into national law and for preparing for the EU accession negotiations.

2016/11/22

I supports the European integration of Montenegro and the whole Western Balkans region. Montenegro is a frontrunner in the EU accession process, but still a lot needs to be done in the area of rule of law, media freedom and the fight against corruption, domestic handling of war crimes cases, integrity of the electoral process, the fight against corruption, organised crime and the informal economy. The implementation and application of reforms remain a key indicator of successful integration. Is very important for Montenegro to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation (ex: on public and political participation of women and minorities) and policies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the academic freedom contributes to creating the space in which any open and stable society is free to think, question and share ideas. This is why is needed to raise awareness of the importance of academic freedom and to create opportunities to improve the capacity for its advocacy and defence. It is very important to create new initiatives within existing programmes, such as Erasmus+ and new EU-funded programmes to support the placement of at-risk academics and students with international protection status at European higher education and research institutions.

2016/11/22

It is very important to develop positive actions targeting women with disabilities, aiming at promoting training, job placements, access to employment, job retention, equal career paths, adoption in the work place and work-life-balance. Women with disabilities must have full rights over their lives and bodies and be free from multiple discrimination. It is essential to include full bodily autonomy rights, such as legal gender recognition, and also public investment for high-quality education for children and adults with disabilities as part of mainstream education.

2016/11/22

The proposed directive aims to replace the 1991 Written Statement Directive with a new instrument that ensures transparency about working conditions for all workers and defines new substantive rights to improve the predictability and security of working conditions, particularly for those in precarious employment. I am in favour of the purpose of the new directive to improve working conditions by promoting more secure and predictable employment while ensuring labour market adaptability. Since 2014, more than five million jobs have been created, of which almost 20% are in new forms of employment. The adaptability of new forms of employment to changes in the economic context has enabled new business models to develop.This initiative is one of the Commission’s key actions to follow up on the European Pillar of Social Rights, and it is expected that the combination of measures will show a substantial improvement of working and living conditions.In favour of the report, I welcome the plan, which extends towards forms of employment that are today often excluded, such as domestic work, casual workers (for instance those carrying out on-demand or intermittent work), short-term employees, domestic workers, platform workers or voucher-based workers.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation, as the latter aims at ensuring a high level of effective protection of passengers and encourage rail travel. Users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding those services and related matters both before and during and after the journey.Railway undertakings and ticket vendors shall provide this information, as soon as possible, in advance or at least at the start of the journey. That information shall be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility and shall be available publicly.Railway undertakings shall provide this information to ticket vendors and other railway undertakings selling their services.Furthermore, I support the increase in compensation, which means that a traveller who is delayed between the place of departure and the destination indicated on the ticket would be entitled to request compensation of: 50% of the ticket price for a delay of between 45 and 89 minutes; 75% of the ticket price for a delay of between 90 and 119 minutes; and 100% of the ticket price for a delay of 120 minutes or more.

2016/11/22

I welcome the Commission legislative proposal for a regulation on persistent organic pollutants (‘POPs’), which implements Union commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The term Persistent Organic Pollutants refers to a group of toxic chemical substances of global concern due to their potential for long-range transport, persistence in the environment, ability to bio-magnify and bio-accumulate in ecosystems, as well as their significant negative effects on human health and the environment. The proposal envisages to attribute some new tasks to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing the Commission with administrative, technical and scientific support in the context of the implementation of the Regulation. The Regulation aligns the original proposal foreseeing delegation for an unlimited period of time to the consolidated position of the Parliament, which provides for five years renewable under the control of Parliament and Council. DecaBDE is mainly used as a flame-retardant in plastics, electronics and textiles. I voted in favour since this could impact the plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles and electrical and electronic equipment.

2016/11/22

This report underlines the role of women at the care services within the context of the work-life balance proposal and emphasizes the importance of the availability of diverse, quality, accessible and affordable care infrastructure, and support for childcare and care for other dependants either at home or in home-like situations.Furthermore, the report analyses the types and the quality of services regardless of the differences between the users to which they cater (early childhood care and education, care services for the elderly to care for persons with disabilities, persons chronically ill, etc.), care services should be developed in a comprehensive fashion.In addition, I underline the need of investment of the public sector in care services as well as an awareness of the difficult situation of women working in this sector, having in mind the different familiar composition, which leads to needing care.I welcome this report since we need effective investments in public sector in care services as well as rising the awareness of the difficult situation of women working in this sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The EU needs new own resources based on common European values and policies. Additional financial resources are need to tackle current challenges. I agree with a text that dedicates financial resources, even though limited, to the main EU challenges, including migration, climate change and unemployment.However, I unconditionally reject clauses included in the report that refer to the implementation of a common consolidated corporate tax base (CCCTB) on which to ground a new own resource, and/or the call for the extension of potential new own resources through the setting up of a financial transaction tax (FTT).Equally, I remain unreservedly opposed to the articles that declare or imply that the unanimity requirement for the adoption of the MFF Regulation represents an unacceptable impediment to the budgetary process. On the contrary, I believe that the unanimity principle remains essential in safeguarding the interests of all Member States. In such a delicate process as drafting a long-term budget, unanimity remains an essential tool to anchor the mutual all-round acceptance of a final MFF agreement.My vote in favour of the resolution should therefore be seen as conditioned by the three reservations listed.

2016/11/22

Although the differences in the legal status of EU funds paid directly to final beneficiaries (which do not qualify as state aid) and EU funds indirectly paid through national authorities (i.e. from the state budget) are often well defined. The national or regional authorities do not take account of the fact that EU funds are not automatically excluded from the application of the state aid rules nor automatically qualify as state aid.Confusion is largely due to the fact that EU funds are caught by Article 107 (1) TFEU only if a public authority can exercise control over them. I voted in favour of this report because I believe that the Commission’s proposal to include two new categories in the enabling regulation (national funds combined with centrally managed EU funds and projects supported through the EU’s territorial cooperation programs), thereby modifying the GBER, will brings an administrative simplification.

2016/11/22

According to the latest figures, arms exports from the EU-28 amounted to over 27% of the global total in 2013-2017, which would make the EU collectively the second largest arms supplier in the world after the US (34%), with Russia following at 22%.With the setting up in 1998 of an EU Code of Conduct for Arms Exports, replaced in 2008 by the EU Common Position on Arms Exports, Member States have committed themselves to achieving high common standards and convergence in their arms exports controls.Let’s not forget that the insufficiently controlled exports of cyber surveillance technologies by EU companies can have on the security of the EU’s digital infrastructure and on respect for human rights.I am in favour of improving the implementation of the Common Position and particularly its consistency and my vote express the need of improvement of the export licensing risk assessment methodology, for more information-sharing and pooling of resources between Member States.

2016/11/22

The Commission proposal aims at strengthening national competition authorities (NCAs), granting them effective investigation, decision-making and sanctioning tools keeping in mind that some NCAs have not sufficient independence from political interference, as well as all the tools they needed to detect and tackle competition law infringements and only some NCAs were able to impose effective fines.In order to ensure that NCAs devote sufficient resources to the requests for mutual assistance and in order to incentivise such assistance, the requested authorities should be able to recover the related costs.I voted in favour of the report in order to have strong and effective enforcement of EU anti-trust rules, to ensure the protection of consumers and fair competition between companies in the internal market. This legislation also brings forward a stronger framework for the independence of national competition authorities, so that they can carry out their work without undue influence.

2016/11/22

The current paradoxical situation that we face is that there is no provision in EU law as to how a refugee should actually arrive, leading to a situation in which almost all arrivals take place in an irregular manner. Member States are not required, under Union law, to grant a humanitarian visa to persons who wish to enter their territory with a view to applying for asylum, but they remain free to do so on the basis of their national law.The persons fleeing need to engage in life-threatening trips with the help of smugglers, for which they need to pay enormous fees and where they are exposed to exploitation, ill treatment and abuse. At the same time, Member States are confronted with ever-stronger organised crime, which benefits from financial gain made by human smuggling.An estimated 90% of those granted international protection have reached the Union through irregular means. There are high costs, in human but also in social, economic and budgetary terms, associated with the status quo for the third-country nationals concerned

2016/11/22

Education aid accounted for 8.3% of total development aid in 2009, whereas its share had fallen to 6.2% by 2015. For the Member States, the figure fell from 11% to 7.6% over the same period. Aid allocated to basic education by the Union and its Member States decreased by 33.9% between 2009 and 2015, more than education aid in general (15.2%).I welcome the report, which aims to place education at the centre of EU development policies, since it is essential for the achievement of the SDGs, for economic development and reducing inequalities, for gender equality and for the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.The report also calls on the EU and Member States to devote 10% of their official development assistance to education by 2024, and 15% by 2030. I believe that the creation of innovative funding instruments leverages, and aligns with, existing funding mechanisms and initiatives for providing services for all and to develop fair, accessible and non-discriminatory national education institutions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This Directive reinforces the minimum right of consumers to have accurate, reliable and clear information on their energy consumption in a timely manner, which I am in favour of.The energy savings obligation has an important role in the creation of local growth and jobs, and they ensure that the Union can achieve its energy and climate objectives by creating further opportunities and to break the link between energy consumption and growth.I support the Directive 2012/27/EU, which establishes a common framework of measures for the promotion of energy efficiency in the Union, in order to ensure that the Union’s main objectives of improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 and by at least 32.5% by 2030 will be achieved.At Member State level, there would be no binding targets set by 2020 and 2030, and they would remain free to set their national contributions on the basis of primary or final energy consumption, or primary or final energy savings, or energy intensity.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This report is a part of the Clean Energy Package with the aim to ensure the fulfilment of the EU 2030 energy and climate targets. It contributes to a greater regulatory certainty in the absence of national binding targets on renewable energy and the energy efficiency.I support this proposal that aims to integrate and simplify planning, reporting and monitoring obligations of Member states through National Energy and Climate action plans with a specific emphasis on the EU targets on renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gases reductions. It also introduces long-term low-emission strategies as a means to assess progress in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.There is also an obligation for Member States with significant energy poverty to set policies and measures to address it and later to report on progress achieved and prepare strategies every 10 years starting in 2020 (and updating every 5 years) with at least a 30-year perspective.

2016/11/22

EU has long been a worldwide leader in the development of renewable energy. The 2030 framework for climate and energy sets out an EU target of at least 27% for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030. I believe that if no new policies are put in place, EU energy system projections indicate that current Member States and EU policies would only lead to approximately, 24.3% of renewable energy consumption in 2030.This level would be well below the minimum 27% EU—level binding renewable energy target and it would prevent the Union from collectively delivering on the commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Accordingly, the Commission indicates that reaching the EU—level target of at least 27% calls for a change in policies in the form of a Union—level framework leading to EU—, national— and regional—level measures.

2016/11/22

The multiannual plan for the small pelagic stocks of the Adriatic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Multiannual Plan for the Adriatic Sea’) is being established in accordance with the basic Regulation. Multiannual plans shall be adopted on a priority basis on the basis of scientific, technical and economic advice and shall contain conservation measures to restore and maintain fish stocks above levels that can ensure maximum sustainable yield. The Basic Regulation also provides that, before including measures in multi-annual plans, account must be taken of their economic and social impact. The Multiannual Plan for the Adriatic Sea is likely to have a major impact on fisheries management across the Mediterranean.I voted in favour of this report, considering that the ultimate goal is to achieve maximum sustainable production by 2020. In addition, the plan should provide measures to eliminate discards, to count fish below the minimum conservation reference size and to minimise, and where possible eliminate, the negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine environment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Approximately 8% of EU citizens belong to a national minority and approximately 10% speak a regional or minority language. I believe we need more effective tools in order to monitor and enforce respect for minority rights, as well as a wider protection system targeting minorities in the European Union, which needs to be accompanied by a robust monitoring mechanism. In order to protect the rights of minorities and to respect existing rights in the Member States, and to avoid double standards, we need a legislative proposal on minimum standards for the protection of minorities in the European Union.It is a statutory requirement that Member States have a legal system which guarantees non-discrimination for persons belonging to minorities. It is also necessary to adopt and apply targeted protection measures. Member States must take effective measures to ensure that minorities have access to healthcare regardless of nationality. We need measures to enable Member States to exchange good practices and apply solutions to tackle the problems facing minorities across the European Union, which is why I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This is an own-initiative report and addresses the potential of digitalisation for advancing development and humanitarian assistance, tackling poverty through increased use of new technologies. I am in favour of the report since digitisation plays an important role in facilitating development in several areas, such as governance, education, health, gender equality, economic growth and agriculture.The EU has the mission to promote and facilitate better coordination of development policies at all levels. Member States must provide technology education for their citizens and give the digital divide a central role. At the same time, the principle of policy coherence for development must be fully respected. The involvement of all actors is the key to putting this into practice. With such an inclusive approach, we can ensure that the digitisation process does not exclude anyone.Funding sources will have to be found because public funding will not be enough for a real digitisation reform process. Given its specialised skills and technological and innovative know-how, the private sector can also play an essential role. In a fast moving era towards digitisation, we need to make sure that European citizens are prepared and will benefit from technology.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I believe that it is a very good example of a due diligence system. In the case of the import of cultural goods at risk of illicit trafficking, I welcome the inclusion of a full list of mandatory due diligence requirements that were lacking in the Commission’s proposal. The regulation needs to be in line with the legislation on the export of cultural goods to ensure a predictable environment and a level playing field among art operators who either export or import cultural goods into the EU customs code.We need to continue our work on fighting tax avoidance and tax evasion: we cannot afford to lose billions of euros due to the lack of proper implementation by Members States of the Union Customs Code. Therefore, I support the establishment of a more thorough procedure for the import of cultural goods by means of import and export certificates, which would shift the responsibility to prove licit ownership onto businesses with the least possible burden.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I welcome the latter’s aim at initiating a reflection on means to better recover fraudulent assets perceived in the EU, which have been transferred to third countries.Most Member States have to rely on bilateral agreements to recover assets while there is no EU approach to this serious issue. As only a few EU on mutual legal assistance exist, I also share the opinion that we should conclude more of such agreements and that we should generalise the introduction of anti-fraud clauses to agreements signed by the EU.Moreover, I support the establishment of a standardised data collection method, which would be identical for all Member States, to enable detection of the transfer of fraudulent assets to third countries, with the aim of creating a central EU database as soon as possible, and as well advance with the application for membership of the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) as rapidly as possible.

2016/11/22

I support the start of the interinstitutional negotiations with regard to the ‘Unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain’, as it aims at reducing the occurrence of UTPs (unfair trading practices) in the food supply chain by introducing a minimum common standard of protection across the EU that consists of a short list of specific prohibited UTPs. According to a 2013 survey of agricultural producers and agricultural cooperatives based on a wide definition of UTPs, the estimated damage from UTPs amounted to over EUR 10 billion per year. In an agricultural policy environment that has become distinctly more market oriented, the good governance of the food supply chain has become more important for operators, in particular for agricultural producers.Therefore, I support the harmonisation of UTP rules in the EU food supply chain while introducing a common minimum protection standard in the EU to help achieve the objective of reducing the occurrence of UTPs.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency, I share the opinion that the final agreement foresees a number of improvements to the Commission’s proposal, concerning in particular the Agency’s revenue and sources of income.Moreover, I also support the call for matters relating to the structure and level of fees to be decided through the co-decision procedure, rather than through implementing acts.Finally, I believe that the present interinstitutional agreement facilitates the circulation of veterinary medicines throughout the European Union through better authorisation procedures and up-to-date retail regulations.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation, as the latter aims at ensuring a high level of protection of both animal and human health while securing the protection of the environment. Member States may impose stricter conditions, justified on grounds of public health, animal health and environmental protection, for the use and retail of veterinary medicinal products on their territory, provided that these conditions are proportionate to the risk and do not unduly restrict the functioning of the internal marketFurthermore, I share the opinion that the Union should be active in advocating the creation of an international strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance, in line with the recent Global Action Plan adopted by the WHO.In parallel, I support the call on the Commission to adopt guidelines supporting the Member States in the development of a harmonised system of digital prescription across the Union, including measures for controlling cross-border veterinary prescriptions.The European Parliament adopted amendments to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on veterinary medicinal products. The matter has been referred back to the committee while the vote on the legislative resolution has been postponed to a subsequent sitting.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I welcome the legislation applicable to medicated animal feed, which is an important update and goes hand in hand with the Veterinary Medicinal Products legislation and the earlier Animal Health Law of 2016. I share the opinion that the three pieces of legislation ensure an up-to-date regime, take major steps in helping the EU address the issue of anti-microbial resistance, and have a sound and coherent approach for future animal production and welfare.

2016/11/22

In voted in favour of the report. I believe that the latter reinforces the Commission’s proposal. The Eurovignette has not been so far an incentive to reduce CO2 emissions from the road transport sector and to achieve the Transport White Paper’s objective to move towards the full application of ‘user pays’ and ‘polluter pays’ principles. From that perspective, the Commission’s proposal to review the Directive is a turning point for the EU road charging legislative framework. The Commission’s proposal contains many ambitious measures in line with the EU Transport White Paper’s objective. Full application of the ‘user/polluter pays’ principle in transport sector should be guaranteed.

2016/11/22

As part of the second Mobility package released last November, the Commission proposed a revision of the so-called Clean Vehicles Directive (Directive 2009/33/EU on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles). The principal aim of the Clean Vehicles Directive is to influence the market in, and incentivise the production of, clean and zero-emission vehicles by using the public authorities’ procurement power to stimulate demand while also contributing to the decarbonisation of EU road transport and help member states meet their local air pollution targets.I believe that this proposal will help deliver clean air for our cities by putting cleaner and zero-emission buses on our streets. However, public authorities should be at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission mobility, setting an example to the rest of the economy. Also, the European Commission and governments should ensure local and regional authorities get enough funding to accelerate this transition and build the necessary infrastructure.

2016/11/22

This is the fifth proposal for a multiannual management plan under the reformed CFP, after the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Adriatic Sea and Western Mediterranean. Under the CFP, multiannual plans aim to ensure that stocks are exploited sustainably. They also contain measures to implement the landing obligation, technical measures, as well as safeguards for remedial action where needed. The Western Waters plan covers fisheries for demersal species from the north and west of Scotland over the Gulf of Cadiz down to Madeira in the South (North East Atlantic). Around 4 000 demersal vessels and 13 000 EU fishers are active in the area (2015 data).In favour of the report, I welcome the plan, which aims at restoring and maintaining demersal stocks in the Western Waters at sustainable levels, based on the most up-to-date scientific advice, while ensuring social and economic viability for the fishers operating in the region. The measures required to achieve those objectives must be in line with the CFP Regulation, thus contributing to meeting the challenges of managing fisheries at FMSY by 2020 and the full implementation of the landing obligation by 2019.

2016/11/22

In the context of the United Kingdom’s notification on 29 March 2017 of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the other 27 Member States, meeting on 20 November 2017 in the margins of the Council, selected Paris, France, as the new seat of the European Supervisory Authority. Having regard to Article 50(3) TEU, the Authority should take its new seat as of 30 March 2019. Therefore, the new premises should be ready and fit for the purpose of permanent relocation by 30 March 2019 and the headquarters agreement should reflect the responsibility of the French authorities to provide the most appropriate conditions in order to ensure the proper functioning of the Authority in the context of its relocation.Finally, I support the call for the Parliament to be systematically and on equal terms with the Commission and Council involved in defining and weighting the criteria for the location of all Union bodies and agencies and the call on the Commission and Council to launch a revision of the Joint Statement of 19 July 2012 on decentralised agencies with the aim of ensuring a strong involvement of Parliament whilst respecting in particular its co-decision power.

2016/11/22

In the context of the United Kingdom’s notification on 29 March 2017 of its intention to withdraw from the Union, pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (‘TEU’), the other 27 Member States, meeting on 20 November 2017 in the margins of the General Affairs Council in Article 50(4) format, selected Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as the new seat of the European Medicines Agency. Having regard to Article 50(3) TEU, the Agency should take its new seat as of 30 March 2019. To ensure the proper functioning of the Agency in its new seat, a headquarters agreement should be concluded between the Agency and the Netherlands before the Agency takes up its new seat.Finally, I support the call on the Commission to monitor the overall relocation process of the Agency to its new seat and assist the process within the limits of its competences.

2016/11/22

I welcome the adoption of the motion of resolution. Neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups operate in impunity in several EU Member States and this is one of the main reasons why their violent actions are increasingly a security threat that is unfortunately often under-reported by the media. The EU and its Member States do have a legal instrument to act, notably the Council Framework Decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, including the possibility for the Commission to launch infringement procedures against those Member States that have not complied with the provisions of the Council Framework Decision.Awareness of history is one of the preconditions for avoiding similar crimes in the future; downplaying Nazi crimes is a first step towards reawakening ideas from that era. If Europe is to become more integrated, this will necessitate not only a stronger European public sphere but also a common culture of remembrance.

2016/11/22

As imports of chicken meat from countries with lower environmental, social, food safety and animal welfare standards have increased, we need to ensure that imported chicken meat, meat products and preparations have been produced in line with the environmental, social, food safety and animal welfare standards of the Union. Therefore, I share the opinion that we need to encourage the uptake of alternative rearing systems for broiler chickens, with particular reference to those using traditional and/or broiler breeds that allow for higher welfare. Member States should better implement and enforce existing broiler chicken welfare rules.Finally, it is important to ensure transparency for consumers, by for example introducing, within an appropriate time-frame, mandatory labelling of chicken meat, meat products and preparations according to method of production (similar to the egg labelling system), country of origin, animal welfare, health effects and ecological footprint.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that, especially ahead of the upcoming EU 2050 zero-emissions strategy, we need to update our 2030 climate target, considering also the latest scientific findings and the need to provide for a comprehensive position regarding the main issues at hand at COP 24, as well as the EU’s overall climate ambition. The only way to address climate change is for every Member State and, of course, every sector to play their part. The EU should take a united and ambitious stance at COP24 in Katowice.

2016/11/22

The 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 14) is due to take place in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, from 17 to 29 November 2018. Two major items for COP14 are the mainstreaming of biodiversity in mining, energy, infrastructure, industry and health, and the process preparing the follow-up to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. I support the call for more ambition in global efforts to preserve and protect biodiversity. Indeed, it is of utmost importance to step up the efforts on the implementation of the current Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and to increase ambition and functioning for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. In addition, we have to emphasize the importance of ensuring sufficient financing for biodiversity, of moving towards more sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, of innovation, research and development in order to achieve the objectives of the 2050 Vision, and of capacity-building, increasing public awareness and involving all actors.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The latter represents an own-initiative report drawn by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on eurozone Member States’ employment and social policies. It brings forward recommendations on employment policies and on improving the balance between the economic and social dimensions of the Semester. Recommendations focus on reducing inequalities, promoting decent jobs and quality employment, encouraging sustainable growth and social investment. I strongly support the call on the eurozone Member States to incorporate the recommendations put forward by the European Parliament, and on the Commission to step up its efforts on implementing the social pillar and ensuring better coherence between social and economic recommendations in the Semester. Indeed, we need urgent and more decisive action and policy coordination to reduce inequalities, to promote equal opportunities and to ensure fair working conditions. More action from the eurozone Member States is also needed to ensure (access to) social protection and social inclusion. Steps must be taken to tackle unemployment and to fight poverty, especially in-work and child-poverty.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that the data breach in question shed light on the need to do more in order to restore trust and confidence in our democratic systems. Indeed, the abuse of algorithms, fake accounts and fake news for the manipulation of elections poses a serious threat to democracy and immediate action is needed from the companies that have built their business model on such algorithms. I welcome the resolution put forward, and I consider that the latter rightly puts the spotlight on the need of further action, such as competition rules to be upgraded with the view to reflect the digital reality, an audit to be carried out into the activities of the advertising industry on social media, as well as a thorough investigation into Facebook and its current practices so that the new consistency mechanism of the GDPR can be relied upon to establish an appropriate and efficient European enforcement response.

2016/11/22

Mutual recognition of diplomas and the outcomes of learning periods abroad allows Member States to intensify and accelerate their cooperation in education and training, while illustrating the concrete benefit of EU cooperation to citizens. Consequently, the motion of resolution asks for the improvement of recognition procedures for higher education and upper secondary education diplomas as well as for the outcomes of learning periods abroad. It calls on Member States to make a political commitment and put in place those mechanisms in line with the European Education Area. In parallel, the European Commission is invited to foster mutual learning and exchange of good practice such as the regular issuing of ‘statements of comparability’ of upper secondary school diplomas and the consistent use of the ECTS grading table. Furthermore, it puts the focus on new technologies in order to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve transparency and build trust to that end.

2016/11/22

Transport is the only major economic sector in the EU where greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990. It is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions, and this share is still growing. Road transport represents almost 75% of all energy used in transport and causes almost 73% of transport’s GHG emissions. In order to keep the increase in the global temperature to well below 2°C while pursuing the 1.5°C target as signed up to in the Paris Agreement, road transport needs to be fully decarbonised with zero net emissions by 2050 at the latest. I voted in favour of the report as the latter puts forward concrete actions to be taken in order to decarbonise the transport sector by 2050, while underlining the opportunities for the industry, technology and employment presented by the deployment of alternative fuels and corresponding infrastructure.

2016/11/22

The report represents an own initiative report based on the Commission’s reflection paper on Harnessing Globalisation (2017). While welcoming the Commission reflection paper on the issue and its focus on easing access to the positive effects of globalisation, it is of paramount importance to stress the need to counter the negative effects and to recognize the growing responsibility of the EU to contribute to answering these challenges in its global trade and external relations. A crucial objective of the report was to state that trade agreements must include strong and ambitious Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters, which should be binding and enforceable through the inclusion of a sanctions based mechanism. This was however removed from the report.

2016/11/22

Ahead of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union, the Union needs the necessary financial resources to respond to citizens’ expectations, to allow the Union to effectively tackle its priorities and the challenges it faces and to improve the day-to-day life of its citizens. I strongly share the opinion that cohesion policy plays a primary role in the development and growth of the Union and in the convergence between Member States and regions and that adequate appropriations for those programmes that represent a core policy of the Union have to be ensured. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, in particular Goal 3 on health, Goal 4 on education, Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 13 on climate action, require appropriate Union assistance and must be reflected in the Union budget for 2019, in line with the priority given to long-term efforts to eradicate poverty, as stipulated in Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

2016/11/22

. ‒ Since 2009, Parliament has not been granting discharge to the Council. This year once again, the Council did not provide Parliament with the information that had to be considered in order to grant discharge, and did not deem it necessary to reply favourably to the invitation from the Committee on Budgetary Control to its annual ‘other institutions’ discharge hearing. In April 2018, Parliament voted against granting discharge to the Council, thus automatically postponing the discharge decision to October. Against the backdrop of no significant improvement since April, Parliament maintains its position of refusing discharge.

2016/11/22

. ‒ While the European Parliament did not originally support the concept of a performance reserve when the current cohesion package was adopted, I share the opinion that it is important for the funds in the performance reserve to be spent as originally planned, on cohesion projects, and not to be diverted to structural reforms. This does not mean that structural reforms are not important: in other contexts, the Committee on Regional Development has supported an increase in the budget for structural reforms. However, local authorities and stakeholders are, in most cases, relying on the 6% set aside in the performance reserve in order to fund projects already planned within the current programming period.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The exchange of data among law-enforcement authorities in order to fight terrorism and cross-border crime is of paramount importance. The draft Council implementing decision constitutes a technical decision, which aims to authorise Ireland to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching and comparison of dactyloscopic data under the Prüm Treaty. Ireland has run a successful pilot project and fulfilled all the data protection provisions – the Commission has evaluated the results and found Ireland ready to take part in the Prüm system.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The exchange of data among law enforcement authorities in order to fight against terrorism and cross-border crime is of paramount importance. The draft Council implementing decision is a technical decision, which aims to authorise Ireland to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching and comparison of DNA data under the Prüm Treaty. Ireland has run a successful pilot project and fulfilled all the data protection provisions – the Commission has evaluated the results and found Ireland ready to take part in Prüm.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The draft Council implementing decision is a technical decision, which aims to authorise Croatia to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching of dactyloscopic data under the Prüm Treaty. Croatia has run a successful pilot project and fulfilled all the data protection provisions; the Commission has evaluated the results and found Croatia ready to take part in Prüm.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as I strongly support the directive targeting the main sources of macro-plastics found in Europe’s seas and beaches, which account for 70% of marine litter. This includes 10 single-use plastic products, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear. Plastic has become a plague for our planet, with eight million tonnes thrown into the oceans every year.On 28 May 2018, the Commission adopted a proposal for a new directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, which is part of the wider approach announced in the plastics strategy and of the circular economy action plan. The proposal includes new EU-wide rules targeting the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on Europe’s beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear.Establishing clear targets to reduce use of single-use plastics will lead to less littering, which most of the time ends up in our seas. Single-use plastics have a high environmental impact: they are not recyclable and are prone to littering, requiring intense clean-ups. Finally, consumers should be encouraged to choose reusable alternatives and the industry to create more sustainable products.

2016/11/22

Following an evaluation of the functioning of the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Commission proposed, at the end of 2016, to revise the legal instruments governing the SIS.The three proposals dealt with three aspects of the SIS, namely, the police and judicial cooperation aspect, the border checks aspect and a new returns aspect. Although there were three separate proposals, the SIS remains one single information system which operates as such with a single network for communication between the Member States.I support the updated legal basis of the Schengen Information System as it is a valuable tool for border guards when carrying out border checks at the external borders. Efforts to improve the functioning of the system should not, however, come at the expense of the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights.

2016/11/22

Following an evaluation of the functioning of the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Commission proposed, at the end of 2016, to revise the legal instruments governing the SIS.The three proposals dealt with three aspects of the SIS, namely, the police and judicial cooperation aspect, the border checks aspect and a new returns aspect. Although there were three separate proposals, the SIS remains one single information system which operates as such with a single network for communication between the Member States.I support the updated legal basis of the Schengen Information System as it is a valuable tool for border guards when carrying out border checks at the external borders. Efforts to improve the functioning of the system should not, however, come at the expense of the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights.

2016/11/22

Following an evaluation of the functioning of the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Commission proposed, at the end of 2016, to revise the legal instruments governing the SIS.The three proposals dealt with three aspects of the SIS, namely, the police and judicial cooperation aspect, the border checks aspect and a new returns aspect. Although there were three separate proposals, the SIS remains one single information system which operates as such with a single network for communication between the Member States.The proposed first-reading agreement provides that all return decisions should be entered into the SIS until such time as the return has actually been carried out, in order to allow for a consistent and coherent approach on return policy. The alerts added into SIS do not, in themselves, have any impact on the status of the third country national on the territory of Member States other than the Member State that issued the alert.I support the updated legal basis of the Schengen Information System. An effective returns policy should form part of the EU’s policy on migration and asylum but must not become the sole focus of policy in this area. A holistic approach must remain the aim.

2016/11/22

Directive 92/83/EEC on the structures of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages sets out the common rules on the structures of excise duty applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, defining and classifying the different types of alcohol and alcoholic beverages according to their characteristics and providing a legal framework for reduced rates, exemptions, and derogations in some sectors.It has been observed that the Directive has not kept pace with the challenges and opportunities offered by new technologies and developments within the alcohol industry. Some problems have been identified and inefficiencies persist, causing possible distortions of the internal market. The large variation in duty levels between Member States, which provides a strong incentive for tax evasion, and other weaknesses in the design of the tax necessitate the use of burdensome administrative procedures for both tax administrations and economic operators.I welcome the Commission’s proposal to update the excise duty system. The original Directive has not evolved with technological developments and tendencies, and in many instances, market operators have had to face undue bureaucracy, which burdens especially SMEs. Therefore, I support the Commission’s approach in addressing these issues and ensuring more clarity in the provisions of the Directive.

2016/11/22

The Commission published a draft decision to authorise the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize NK603 × MON 810 (MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 × MON-ØØ81Ø-6). The planned authorisation concerns 20 different products, only a few of which have been tested for safety, and several of which have not even been created yet. I share the opinion that the Commission’s draft implementing decision exceeds its implementing powers and is not consistent with Union law in that it is not compatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, which is, in accordance with the general principles to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, and environmental and consumer interests in relation to genetically modified food and feed, while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. Herbicide-resistant GMOs should not be authorised, because they could encourage the increase use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this has not been taken into account.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) has a key role in managing the challenges in the current migration situation. Therefore we need to make sure that its management is fully functional and efficient in order to be able to cope with the current and future challenges. It is the role of Parliament and the Committee on Budgetary Control to scrutinise budget implementation and point out problems. Those problems need to be tackled as soon as possible to improve the management of the EASO.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendation. The European Parliament was asked to give its consent to the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU) 216/2013 on the electronic publication of the Official Journal of the European Union. Pursuant to the Regulation which is being amended, the Official Journal of the European Union is published in electronic form. In order to guarantee the authenticity, integrity and inalterability of this electronic publication it has to bear an advanced electronic signature based on a qualified certificate and created with a secure signature-creation device. At the same time, the current EU legislation provides for the possibility of authenticating a document with an electronic seal. The main difference between the electronic signature and the electronic seal is that, in the former case, the signatory is a natural person, whereas in the latter case, the signatory is a legal person. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to introduce, for the electronic publication of the Official Journal, the option of authenticating a document by an electronic seal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendation. The agreement crowns the deepening of relations between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius, which is politically highly significant in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. The amending agreement ensures legal coherence as well as harmonisation among Member States, by adhering to the new definition of short-stay provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which gives a clearer interpretation of ʻshort-stayʼ. The amended visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership, but also to continue to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework.

2016/11/22

The amending agreement ensures legal coherence as well as harmonisation among Member States, by adhering to the new definition of ‘short stay’ as is provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which provides a clearer interpretation of the term. The EU’s political dialogue with the various ACP countries and the Seychelles in particular is gradually increasing. This agreement may allow us to continue our partnership under a clear legal framework. The amending visa exemption will continue to send out a positive message in support of the country and the efforts it is making.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which gives green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in Portugal, in regions of Norte, Centro and Lisboa.The application relates to 1161 redundancies in 2 enterprises, operating in the economic sector (classified under the NACE Rev. 2 Division 14 Manufacture of wearing apparel), during the reference period from 1 May 2017 to 1 February 2018.The EGF funding of EUR 4 65 883 shall contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 730 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in the 2 enterprises in the regions of Norte (PT11), Centro (PT16) and Lisboa (PT17), with the aim of providing assistance for integrating the affected persons into the labour market.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Access to good quality drinking water constitutes a subject of paramount importance for EU citizens. The Drinking Water Directive (Directive 98/83/EC) is one of the pillars of EU legislation in the field of water and provides a quality water supply in more than 99% of cases within the Union. However, it has been in force for twenty years and has not undergone a major overhaul since that date. The purpose of the revision is therefore to align drinking water quality standards with the most up-to-date scientific data, to tackle the areas of improvement identified by the Commission in its REFIT review and to adapt the legislative framework to better respond to emerging challenges, such as climate change and the circular economy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposal, which concerns funding for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) in 2018, is a technical amendment to the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR). The YEI provides support to young people living in regions where youth unemployment was higher than 25% in 2016, helping Member States implement measures to ensure that young people up to age of 25 receive a quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within 4 months of leaving school or being unemployed. The present proposal frontloads some of the 2020 appropriations for the YEI to 2018. An increase in the budgetary means (EUR 116.7 million) for the EYI in 2018 was agreed in the negotiations for 2018 EU Budget. This amendment to the CPR is nevertheless required because the YEI has a specific allocation which is specified in the text of regulation. The increase for 2018 cannot be implemented without this amendment and would otherwise be lost.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The objective of the Regulation is to streamline and align reporting obligations for environment-related legislation, updating specific provisions of 10 sectorial directives and regulations. The general aim is to increase transparency, provide an evidence base for future evaluations, and to simplify and reduce administrative burden for Member States and the Commission. Furthermore, by applying more widely the most efficient processes and by increasing the use of electronic tools, the proposal intends to better collect and process environmental data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. I share the opinion that the Employee financial participation (EFP) in companies should be encouraged, provided that: EFP remains voluntary; workers are sufficiently informed of and knowledgeable on the risks involved; employees are aware of the risk of losing both their job and the capital they invested; the scheme does not shift entrepreneurial risk to workers; EFP is embedded in a system of workers’ involvement, for example in company decision-making; the scheme does not replace or diminish normal basic remuneration, is not a substitute for fair and decent pay, nor an alternative to public pensions or to collectively agreed pension schemes; and participation does not affect employees’ social security benefits or their right to take collective action.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In favour of the report. I believe that the latter is very well balanced and thus, I welcome the call within for fair public procurement, which takes into account social criteria, workers’ rights, environmental criteria and SMEs, as well as those using publicly procured facilities.Moreover, I share the opinion that the Commission should swiftly finalise the Guidance on Public Procurement of Innovation and the Guide on Socially Responsible Public Procurement, in order to facilitate the implementation of the respective legal provisions in the Member States. Better and more clearly organised guides and other tools could help Member States with the implementation of the public procurement framework.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In favour of the revision, the latter will ensure that the mandate of Eurojust complies with the Treaty of Lisbon and takes account of new developments in the area of criminal justice cooperation at EU level, most notably the decision to create a European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). A strengthened Eurojust should help in ensuring better and more efficient judicial cooperation across the EU in the fight against serious crime, including terrorism.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I believe that the latter ensures effective freezing and confiscation of criminal assets across the EU, making the EU more secure by combating crime financing, including terrorist activities.As such, it will be easier for the authorities to freeze and confiscate illegally obtained assets across borders. The new rules will allow police to deprive criminals from the proceeds of crime, while confiscation can be used to compensate victims or boost law enforcement activities. The rules will bring in mutually recognised laws across the EU, thus making it easier for national authorities to tackle an issue that goes beyond national borders.Finally, it is essential to ensure that these new tools could only be used for their intended purpose, while protecting fundamental rights and strong procedural safeguards.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I believe that the adoption of the latter represents a major step towards achieving a European Digital Single Market with increased competition for cloud services and more choice for consumers. The new rules will encourage more flexibility in the market for cloud services, ensuring that businesses are free to choose the most cost-effective locations for IT resources, to switch between service providers, and to be free to make full use of cloud services without endangering the protection of personal data.

2016/11/22

L’internalisation croissante des activités commerciales et des chaînes d'approvisionnement renforcent le rôle joué par les entreprises quant au respect des droits de l'homme, tout en conduisant à une situation dans laquelle des règles ainsi que de la coopération internationale sont devenues nécessaires.Avec un soutien fort pour un traité international contraignant sur les entreprises et les droits de l’homme, j’insiste sur le fait qu’il faut continuer à inviter l’Union Européenne et les États membres à participer d’une manière constructive au processus d’élaboration du dernier et à garantir une position cohérente sur ce sujet «à tous les niveaux», dans toutes les politiques, relations et accords commerciaux, tout en incluant «des règles concernant la responsabilité des entreprises dans les violations des droits de l’homme» dans les accords de commerce et d’investissement.En effet, il faut continuer à appeler l’Union européenne à renforcer ses efforts pour rester un chef de file au sein des enceintes internationales sur le sujet des entreprises et des droits de l’homme, en s’assurant que chaque État membre développe un plan d’action national, et en veillant à s’impliquer dans les discussions en cours à l’échelle régionale et à l’échelle internationale.

2016/11/22

Traditional own resources, comprised mainly of duties on imports from outside the EU and sugar levies, account for around 12.8% of the EU’s own resources. However, the significant threat posed by customs fraud still persists across the EU, because of legal loopholes, lack of cooperation – among administrations and among Member States – and lack of harmonisation and standardisation.As there is an overall concern about how EU resources made available from Members States are scarce, I share the opinion that besides calling for new EU own resources, it is also important to ensure that there is no leakage of our traditional own resources.Especially, considering the increasing trade flows in the context of globalisation and new technologies (e.g. online commerce), we need to cooperate effectively in customs matters.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The VAT gap, defined as the difference between the amount of VAT revenue actually collected and the theoretical amount that is expected to be collected, has been increasing, reaching the amount of EUR 151.5 billion in 2015 in the EU-28. This illustrates the need for an urgent and comprehensive reform of the VAT system towards a definitive VAT regime, in order to facilitate and to simplify cross-border intra-Union trade and to make the system more fraud-proof.I voted in favour as I support these measures as transitional, intended to harmonise and simplify certain arrangements for businesses. Finally, I emphasize on the importance to adopt and implement this proposal as soon as possible, in order to reduce administrative burden for European businesses and to reduce the VAT gap in the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of this proposal is to prolong the possibility for Member States to apply the reverse charge mechanism to combat existing fraud in supplies of goods and services included in Article 199a of the VAT Directive and the possibility to use the Quick Reaction Mechanism (QRM) to combat fraud. The purpose of the measures foreseen in Articles 199a and 199b is to allow Member States to quickly tackle problems of the Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud. The measures included in Articles 199a and 199b of the VAT Directive have been useful as temporary and targeted measures. Their expiration on 31 December 2018 would deprive Member States of an efficient tool to fight fraud.It is therefore proposed to prolong the measures included in Articles 199a and 199b until 30 June 2022, the date on which the definitive regime for intra-Union B2B supplies of goods should enter into force.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 389/2012 on administrative cooperation in the field of excise duties as regards the content of electronic register. The proposal 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 Member State. The proposal amends the scope of Article 19 of the Regulation to include two new categories of economic operators: certified consignors, who are registered as consignors for excise goods that have already been released for consumption, and certified consignees, who are registered as consignees for excise goods that have already been released for consumption.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on health technology assessment (HTA) and amending Directive 2011/24/EU. The proposed regulation will define a support framework and procedures for cooperation on clinical assessment of health technologies at Union level and common methodologies for the clinical assessment of health technologies. HTA will be used to promote innovations that produce the best results for patients and society in general. I fully share the opinion that cooperation between HTA authorities has to be based on the principles of good governance, objectivity, independence and transparency, while taking into consideration that trust is a precondition for successful cooperation.

2016/11/22

Je partage pleinement l’opinion que la création d'emplois, la protection de l'environnement et la lutte contre le changement climatique vont de pair. C'est pourquoi il faut continuer à plaider pour une proposition ambitieuse et à la fois réaliste, qui protège l'environnement et les emplois, tout en assurant une transition équitable pour les travailleurs et les régions touchées par les changements.Le renforcement des normes de performance en matière d’émissions pour les voitures particulières neuves et pour les véhicules utilitaires légers neufs est susceptible de réduire les émissions de CO2. Dans le même temps, les normes adéquates peuvent donner la possibilité aux consommateurs de réaliser des économies de carburant considérables. En outre, la transition sauvera des emplois en Europe, renforcera la compétitivité industrielle de l’UE, soutiendra l’innovation technologique et contribuera à la lutte contre le changement climatique, conformément aux engagements pris dans l’Accord de Paris.

2016/11/22

Suite à la proposition de la Commission visant à modifier la directive TVA (directive 2006/112 / CE), dans le but de donner plus de flexibilité aux États membres pour établir les taux de TVA, je salue les modifications proposées dans le rapport, car elles soulignent que les taux réduits devraient bénéficier en premier lieu au consommateur final, tout en poursuivant des objectifs sociaux et environnementaux. Par conséquent, je partage l'avis que les taux réduits et les exemptions devraient s’appliquer seulement aux produits ayant un impact positif sur l'intérêt général, présentant des avantages culturels, sociaux ou environnementaux évidents, et ne devraient jamais être appliqués aux produits nocifs ou de luxe. En ce qui concerne les PME (petites et moyennes entreprises), je soutiens la proposition de la Commission visant à créer un portail d'information sur la TVA de l'Union, complet, multilingue et accessible au public, sur lequel les entreprises et les consommateurs peuvent rapidement et efficacement obtenir des informations précises sur les taux de TVA dans les différents États membres, y compris les biens concernés ou les services bénéficiant de taux réduits ou des exemptions.

2016/11/22

I welcome the resolution on the International Financial Reporting Standards 17, which comes in response to the potential contradictions of IFRS 17 with European legislation regarding insurance contracts, especially between the new norm and the EU prudential legislative corpus.On the one hand, I share the opinion that it is necessary to guarantee that IFRS 17 will not be a constraint for small and non-systemic companies (SMEs) while defending a high quality of disclosure and reporting and including sustainability and long-term objectives in line with the Paris Agreement. On the other, I believe that we need to ensure and support an IFRS 17 that is more conducive to the European public good, with more involvement of the EP on its implementation.IFRS 17 is supposed to provide consistent principles for all aspects of accounting for insurance contracts. While it is expected to take effect on 1 January 2021, if endorsed by the EU, it still raises serious concerns of compliance efforts by insurance companies and, as such, we certainly need to make the implementation process less complex and less bureaucratic.

2016/11/22

Distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) are computing technologies that reduce the number of intermediaries in a whole range of transactions as well as it allows full transparency and encryption of these. It replaces central registers and the costs of intermediation that are linked to them. By operating in a decentralised fashion and reducing the number of intermediaries who validate each transaction, significant costs reductions and velocity of operations can be achieved.In favour of the resolution, I welcome the emphasis that it puts on the number of potential gains for the economy, the need for the EU to lead this technology and ensure an open-minded, progressive and innovation-friendly regulation vis-à -vis DLT.Blockchain is a forward-looking technology that we expect to change the quality of our life, empower SMEs and improve business models in most industrial sectors.

2016/11/22

Rural, mountainous and remote areas constitute 80% of EU territory, are home to 57% of its population and account for 46% of gross value added. The European economy, cities, industry (including tourism) and citizens largely depend on these areas for food, land use, energy, water, clean air and raw materials. In favour of the resolution, I support the call within for a better coordination of EU policies to ensure the development of rural territories.Moreover, I also share the opinion that the EU Agenda for Rural, Mountainous and Remote Areas should 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. Therefore, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) spending should continue to be linked with cohesion policy with a view to facilitating integrated and complementary funding in rural areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The proposal in question contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts without any change in their substance.

2016/11/22

The Mediterranean Research and Innovation Partnership (PRIMA) represents a public-public partnership that brings together the research capacities of the Union and the participating Mediterranean countries to facilitate the development and implementation of innovative and integrated solutions to make agri-food and water management and supply systems in the Mediterranean area more efficient, secure and sustainable. I voted in favour, as I share the opinion that cooperation with third countries in this area constitutes a fundamental tool for science diplomacy that could also help to address shared goals for both sides of the Mediterranean.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the agreement. According to a study launched by the Commission, an open agreement with Canada would generate an additional half a million passengers in its first year and, within a few years, 3.5 million extra passengers might be expected to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Agreement. The Agreement could generate consumer benefits of at least EUR 72 million through lower fares and would also lead to the creation of new jobs. The agreement eliminates all restrictions on routes, prices, or the number of weekly flights between Canada and the EU. Airlines will be free to enter into commercial arrangements such as code-share agreements, and to establish their tariffs in line with competition law. The agreement encompasses provisions for the phased market opening (in four phases) linked to the granting of greater investment freedoms by both sides.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Italian Government requested that 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 (the ‘excise directive’) applies. However, Italy wishes to continue the exclusion of the two territories from the territorial application of Directive 2006/112/EC (VAT Directive) on the common system of value added tax, as Italy considers it to be essential to maintain an even playing field between economic actors in Campione d’Italia and Switzerland. This proposal only requires a formal amendment of the VAT Directive, moving the two territories from Article 6(2) (territories not forming part of the EU customs territory excluded from the territorial application of the VAT Directive) to Article 6(1) (territories forming part of the EU customs territory excluded from the territorial application of the VAT Directive).

2016/11/22

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund was created in order to provide additional assistance to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. On 20 July 2018, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of the Netherlands to support the reintegration into the labour market of workers made redundant by twenty enterprises operating in the economic sector.The application was sent to the Commission on 23 February 2018 and supplemented by additional information by 4 May 2018. The Commission finalised its assessment on 20 July 2018 and has concluded, in accordance with all applicable provisions of the EGF Regulation, that the application meets the conditions for a financial contribution from the EGF, as referred to in Article 4(1) of the EGF Regulation. I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

. – The current Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive established the main rules for TV and video-on-demand services. The Directive is currently being adapted in order to keep pace with the challenges of the digital age, and it puts forward rules for all kinds of videos, including those disseminated on social media or video platforms.The new Directive proposes an expansion of its scope to regulate all audiovisual media. I share the opinion that it is of particular importance that online services are subject to similar standards as traditional TV broadcasters, as well as to fight for ambitious regulations regarding barrier free access and media competencies and the online protection of minors. The reform ensures that minors will be protected against dangerous and non-age appropriate content that is freely accessible on the internet.

2016/11/22

I welcome the agreement between Eurojust and Albania as it is intended to increase cooperation in the fight against serious crime and provides, among other things, for liaison officers, contact points and information exchange.With Albania being an EU Candidate Country since 2014, and given the acknowledged areas of cross-border crime on which cooperation between the EU and Albania is needed (notably, on the illicit drug trade, money laundering and human trafficking), such a cooperation agreement is in the best interests of both the EU and Albania.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I welcome the spotlight put on the need to apply the regulation also to the Union agencies’ carrying out activities with regard to data protection regime.Therefore, I support the call for all EU institutions and bodies, including the Court of Justice, to be subject to independent supervision by the EDPS, which should be appointed by common accord for a period of five years. To this end, the EDPS and the national supervisory authorities shall cooperate in the framework of their responsibilities in order to ensure effective and coordinated control.At the same time, I underline the importance of aligning the regulation with General Data Protection Regulation, while ensuring that the Union is maintained at the same standards as the Member States regarding data protection, by respecting the principle relating to the processing of operational personal data and prohibition of treatment of particular categories of data.

2016/11/22

Accessing and understanding information about public administration and completing procedures with public authorities can be difficult and frustrating, especially in cross-border situations. I welcome the single digital gateway as I believe that it will significantly help citizens and companies to access information and administrative procedures online, for example, when applying for study loans or registering a car. It will pool together national and European-level information, procedures and assistance services into a single entry point on the ‘Your Europe’ portal, through which citizens can easily find and access what they need.The single digital gateway is also another important step in easing citizens’ interaction with public administration. It implements the ‘once only’ principle, which will enable citizens and businesses to submit information to a public administration only once, after which this information can, at the user’s consent, be re-used in other procedures, while making sure that this principle is implemented fully in line with the new data protection rules.

2016/11/22

The way plastics are produced, used and disposed of today has devastating environmental, climate and economic drawbacks and potential negative health impacts on both humans and animals.I very much welcome this report, which tackles successively the need to move from design for recycling to design for circularity, the creation of a genuine single market for recycled plastics, prevention of plastic waste generation, as well as innovation and global action. A stable internal market for secondary raw materials is indispensable for safeguarding the transition to a circular economy, therefore the obstacles this market confronts with have to be fully addressed, while laying the ground for a level playing field.Indeed, the EU Plastic Strategy constitutes a necessary step forward in the EU’s transition towards a circular economy and as well as a crucial tool towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goal to prevent and reduce marine litter. Preventing the generation of plastic waste upfront and boosting our plastics recycling performance are both essential.Moreover, I strongly share the opinion that the plastics strategy should also be used as a lever for encouraging new, smart and circular business, production and consumption models covering the entire value chain.

2016/11/22

I believe that truly circular economy products must be designed for upgradeability, durability, reparability, reusability and recyclability, and with minimal use of substances of concern. In line with the 7th EAP (Environment Action Programme) I support the development, without any further delay, for a Union strategy for a non-toxic environment.As such, implementation of chemicals, product and waste legislation may present a challenge, nevertheless it is imperative to identify and clarify the interlinkages, to ensure coherence and to exploit possible synergies.

2016/11/22

Antibiotic resistance is a widespread problem; we can call it even one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Bacteria that were once highly responsive to antibiotics have become more and more resistant, becoming a massive threat to human and animal health.Since the discovery of penicillin by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928, antibiotics have transformed modern medicine and saved millions of lives. Many decades after the first patients were treated with antibiotics, bacterial infections have again become a threat.As such, I support the measurable and binding AMR objectives proposed within the report, regarding both the European One Health Action Plan and national action plans, in order to enable benchmarking. I share the opinion that it is necessary a clear commitment of the EU and its Member States to launching a cross-cutting global strategy to combat AMR, covering important policy areas such as international trade, development and agriculture. Lastly, I support the call on the Commission to implement collaborative research programmes with third countries to reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

2016/11/22

The mobility sector plays a key role in the European economy and society. With the development of automated cars, digitalisation and the necessity to develop cleaner transport, the sector is undergoing profound changes which affect all aspects of our societies.In favour of the report, I support the call within the latter to manage and facilitate the transport transition in a way that makes the optimal use of the new opportunities from the point of view of all users of mobility sector. Safety and security of transport users remains of paramount importance.

2016/11/22

Le rapport relève que les objectifs et les instruments du règlement, tout comme sa mise en œuvre, ne sont pas toujours suffisamment alignés sur les politiques européennes dans des domaines tels que l’agriculture, la santé, le bien-être animal, la sécurité alimentaire, la qualité de l’eau, le changement climatique, et l’utilisation durable des pesticides.Il est inacceptable que le principe de précaution ne soit manifestement pas appliqué dans le cadre général de l’analyse des risques relative aux pesticides et que les exigences relatives à l’approbation des phytoprotecteurs et des synergistes n’aient pas encore été appliquées.Par conséquent, je soutiens fortement l’appel adressé à la Commission lui demandant d’apporter des améliorations quant à la transparence du processus réglementaire, y compris l’accès aux données des études sur la sécurité soumises par les producteurs lors des demandes d’autorisation de mise sur le marché des produits phytopharmaceutiques au sein de l’Union.En effet, je partage l’avis qu’il est bien nécessaire de réviser la procédure actuelle afin d’améliorer les évaluations, de renforcer l’indépendance des autorités chargées de conduire les études, tout en évitant des conflits d’intérêts et en rendant la procédure plus transparente.

2016/11/22

Des études démontrent qu’en dépit d’une appellation commerciale, d’un emballage et d’un aspect commercial apparemment identiques, certains produits circulant sur le marché unique font état de compositions clairement différentes à l’égard de leur recette, des matières premières de base utilisées ou de la proportion de ces dernières dans le produit. Par conséquent, je salue l’engagement pris par la Commission d’élaborer une méthode de test commune et de recueillir d’autres éléments de preuve fiables et comparables, ainsi que de mettre à jour la directive 2005/29/CE sur les pratiques commerciales déloyales. Tout type de discrimination existant entre les différents marchés des États membres est inacceptable. De plus, ce problème de double niveau de qualité met en jeu les principes de fonctionnement du marché unique européen ; c’est pourquoi, une solution à l’échelle de l’Union, se traduisant par des mesures exécutoires, est pleinement nécessaire.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposal aims at introducing a derogation from Union rules concerning bottle sizes, for single distilled shochu, a spirit drink produced by pot still and bottled in Japan that is traditionally sold in bottles of four go or one sho that correspond to nominal quantities of 720 ml (one go corresponds to 180 ml) and 1800 ml, respectively, and that are currently not among the nominal quantities permitted in the Union under Directive 2007/45/EC laying down rules on nominal quantities of prepacked products.This proposal is an amendment to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation and labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks. The EU has finalised negotiations for a trade agreement with Japan. An agreement in principle was reached on 7 July 2017 and negotiations were finalised on 8 December 2017. On 18 April 2018, the text of the agreement was presented by the Commission to the Council. Once approved by the Council, the agreement will be sent to Parliament, aiming for its entry into force before the end of the current Commission’s term of office in 2019.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Sharing the common goal to develop safer air transport, in 2011, the European Union and the United States of America signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the United States of America and the European Union in civil aviation research and development. The cooperative activities conducted so far under the MoC address air traffic management (ATM) systems, in particular cooperation in the field of research and development (R&D) between the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) project, the technological component of the Single European Sky (SES) initiative and NextGen, the programme managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Cooperation under the MoC has now reached a high level of maturity. This led the two parties to explore the potential for extending the scope of cooperation to topics relating to the deployment of ATM systems. On this basis, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate with the FAA concerning an amendment to the MoC to extend its scope to cover deployment. The Amendment was negotiated between the Commission and the FAA and it is built on the same objectives and principles that underlie the existing MoC.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of the Protocol is to enable Croatia to become a Party to the Agreement on Air Transport between Canada, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, and to provide for the necessary ensuing linguistic adaptations made to the Agreement due to Croatia’s accession. The Protocol makes no substantial amendments to the Agreement between the European Union and Canada.

2016/11/22

The evolution of digital technologies has transformed the way protected subject-matter is created, produced, distributed and exploited. New uses have emerged together with new actors and new business models. In the digital environment, cross-border uses have also increased, while consumers benefit from new opportunities to access copyright-protected content.Performers and authors have to be fairly remunerated for their works. These new rules will make it easier for them to sell their content throughout the European Union by achieving harmonisation of rules across Member States.I welcome the efforts aiming to ensure that authors are entitled to fair remuneration for their creative endeavours and associated with the commercial success of their works. We have to ensure that authors are remunerated both for direct and indirect revenues coming through use of their work and ensure that trade unions and other representative organisations will be able to initiate dispute resolution mechanisms on their part.However, the area of copyright is highly complex, due to the presence of numerous stakeholders who have different interests but nevertheless need each other. Here we need a balance between the interest of right-holders on one hand and the fundamental rights of consumers on the other.

2016/11/22

I welcome the agreement as it is another important tool in the fight against money laundering, organised crime and terrorist financing. It focuses on tightening the rules on declaring cash when more than EUR 10 000 is taken out of or brought into the European Union.I share the opinion that the latter will improve the existing system of controls with respect to cash entering or leaving the EU, by ensuring that the latest developments in international standards on combating money-laundering and terrorism financing developed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are reflected in EU legislation.

2016/11/22

The Report on Countering Money Laundering by Criminal Law is one part of three proposals agreed in the last year aimed at tackling terrorist financing. The main elements of the proposed directive are to establish minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in the area of money laundering, as well as common provisions to improve the investigation of those offences and to ensure better cross-border cooperation in the fight against money laundering. In favour of the report, I consider important that the latter also ensures that tax crimes are included as ‘predicate’ offences, criminalising negligence and creating minimal sentences for aggravating circumstances.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that providing machines with the discretion and power to end human life raises strong legal, ethical and moral issues and that machines and robots cannot make human-like decisions. There is a pressing need for an internationally agreed working definition of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS).Indeed, as underlined within the resolution, the Parliament has constantly advanced calls for the immediate development and adoption of a common position on autonomous weapon systems, for a ban on the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons allowing strikes to be conducted without meaningful human involvement.In this regard, I support the calls on the HR/VP, the Member States and the European Council to put forward a common position on autonomous weapons system, that guarantees meaningful human control over the critical functions of weapons systems, including during deployment. Moreover, I strongly believe that multilateral efforts have to be enhanced so that normative and regulatory frameworks are not outpaced by technological developments and new methods of warfare.

2016/11/22

The EU-US partnership has prospered for more than six decades, and has been the cornerstone of efforts to ensure peace and stability, including for the building up of the multilateral trade system, while being the fundamental guarantor for global stability.Constructed on a solid foundation of common values, the transatlantic partnership needs to continue its commitment to the rules-based multilateral international order. Both the EU and the US face common challenges and threats, and they should continue to play constructive roles by jointly addressing regional conflicts and global challenges based on the principles of international law.As such, further to recent unilateral decisions of the US, I welcome the call on strengthening the partnership, especially through fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation on all elements of this partnership. The EU and the US are not only partners, they are allies and friends, and we have to remain committed to a strong transatlantic relationship, which should be given a new impetus with regard to our cooperation on bilateral, multilateral and global levels.

2016/11/22

I welcome the spotlight on the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, being founded on a shared commitment to openness and working together as part of a rules-based international system. Most importantly, both the EU and China are committed to establishing a transparent, just and equitable system of global governance, sharing the responsibility for promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development.China is one of our key partners in tackling climate change and global environmental challenges; consequently, I welcome the aims to work together to speed up the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.I support the call for a cooperative and constructive approach to effectively reach the potential of EU-China trade and, the call for the Commission to intensify cooperation and dialogue with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Finally, I would like to welcome the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY) and its economic and cultural significance, especially as it coincides with the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposal relates to the import of seeds from non-EU countries. It puts forward the proposal to add Brazil and Moldova to the list of countries whose control systems are recognised with regard to certain species of seeds. For this purpose Council Decision 2003/17/EC on field inspections and equivalence of seeds in non-EU countries would be amended.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, as I welcome the new proposal on the VAT scheme for small enterprises. This should facilitate cross-border operations for small companies, while increasing VAT compliance. Moreover, the proposal is also in line with the proposed definitive regime for a single VAT area in Europe and the introduction of the mini one-stop shop, allowing companies operating cross-border to declare their VAT obligations at one single point of contact.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, as I support the proposal to submit cyclopropylfentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl to control measures across the Union, taking into account the dangerous nature of these substances. Indeed, the available evidence and information on the health and social risks that the substances pose, given also their similarities to fentanyl, provides sufficient grounds for subjecting cyclopropylfentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl to control measures across the Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Within the framework of the EU budgetary procedure for the financial year 2018, the European Union Solidarity Fund is to be mobilised to provide the amounts of EUR 2 258 225 to Bulgaria, EUR 2 535 796 to Greece, EUR 16 918 941 to Lithuania and EUR 12 279 244 to Poland, in both commitment and payment appropriations. The proposed mobilisation is intended to provide financial support in order to deal with the damage caused by floods in Bulgaria and Lithuania, earthquakes in Greece and storms in Poland.

2016/11/22

Within the framework of the EU budgetary procedure for the financial year 2018, the draft Amending Budget No 4 intends to increase the budget line dedicated to the assistance to Member States in the event of major natural disasters by EUR 33 992 206, both in commitment and payment appropriations. The proposed increase is supportive and complementary to the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for providing financial assistance to Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania and Poland, following a series of related natural disasters. I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the outcome. I welcome the highlight on the positive contribution of EU cohesion policy to Northern Ireland, especially in the context of its peace process, reflected also in the Commission’s commitment to future funding in the draft multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027. I share the opinion that the case of Northern Ireland is one of the concrete examples of the EU cohesion policy’s bridge-building capacity between communities. I believe that the success of this specific case should encourage the EU to further use cohesion policy as a means to tackle conflicts in the future, while overcoming mistrust.

2016/11/22

The report puts an emphasis on the major role of cohesion policy and the ESI Funds as the most important source of direct investment in Greece. I welcome the measures’ impact on the consolidation of economic activity, the normalisation and consolidation of the turnover and working capital of a significant number of businesses, including the creation and preservation of jobs, and the completion of important production infrastructures. Recalling the importance of adequate structural reforms, I welcome Greece’s efforts while underlining the importance to further continue to make full use of the assistance offered under the Structural Reform Support Programme. Welcoming the outcome of the report, I voted in favour of the latter.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The latter stresses that chronic mental and physical health problems, including disabilities and illnesses, need preventative reintegration and rehabilitation policies to maintain jobs, to keep pension and social security systems sustainable and to improve people's social psychological well-being. I strongly support the call to put in place functioning legislation with effective overview to ensure that employers make workplaces more inclusive for those suffering from chronic conditions and disabilities. Moreover, I share the opinion that forthcoming EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post 2020 should further prioritise investments, through EU funds, aimed at prolonging and promoting healthier lives and working lives, and individualised working arrangements, and at supporting recruitment and well-adapted return to work, where desired and where medical conditions allow.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Since the financial crisis, more than 40 new pieces of EU financial legislation have been adopted, of which 15 include ‘third-country provisions’ that give the Commission, on behalf of the EU, discretion to unilaterally decide whether regulatory rules in foreign jurisdictions can be considered equivalent. I welcome the increased regulatory and supervisory cooperation between the EU and third countries, and I share the opinion that this has contributed to improving global consistency in financial regulation, while making the EU more resilient to global financial shock. Finally, I welcome the emphasis put on the importance of the EU’s active role in global standard-setting as a means of working towards international consistency in financial regulation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Internal border regions of the European Union represent as much as 40% of its territory and are home to 150 million of Europeans. They also generate a quarter of Europe’s GDP. However, the border regions are facing persistent obstacles, which impede their growth and development. I welcome the report as the latter underlines the positive role of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes, and in particular cross-border cooperation programmes, in the economic and social development and cohesion of border region. In addition, I strongly support the promotion and development of social enterprises in border regions as a source of job creation, in particular for vulnerable groups such as young unemployed people and people with disabilities, and I welcome the emphasis put on measures aimed at combating all forms of discrimination in border regions and at breaking down barriers for vulnerable people in finding employment and becoming integrated into society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The main objective of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is to promote and increase the social and civic engagement of youth and their active and supportive citizenship, also through the acquisition of competences. I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the call on the Commission to provide the ESC with a clear and detailed legal framework, as well as with a precise definition of solidarity action at EU level. In addition, I strongly welcome the spotlight put on the need to guarantee that all EU citizens, including those with special needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds, have equal access to the European Solidarity Corps, and to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed when implementing the initiative.

2016/11/22

Le programme d'appui à la réforme structurelle de l'UE vise à aider les États membres à développer et à mettre en œuvre des réformes institutionnelles, administratives et structurelles et à utiliser de manière plus efficiente les fonds de l'UE qui sont disponibles à cet effet. Celui-ci couvre la période 2017–2020 et est doté d'un budget de 142,8 millions €. Pourtant, il a été apprécié comme nécessaire de consolider la dotation financière allouée au programme afin que l’appui fourni par l’Union européenne puisse répondre aux besoins des États membres demandeurs et de permettre la mise en œuvre des réformes structurelles. J’accueille favorablement l’objectif général du programme. Cependant, il faut se munir de précaution à cet égard pour que la dotation financière n’ait pas d’incidence négative sur les autres priorités de la politique de cohésion. De plus, il faut assurer une communication efficace, au niveau de l’Union, ainsi qu’au niveau national et régional, afin de faire connaître les résultats des réformes implémentées.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I strongly believe that it is important to ensure sound financial management of the Euratom Programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and that potential beneficiaries are properly informed, in order to increase accessibility for all participants. I share the opinion that achieving the objectives of the Euratom Programme in relevant areas requires support for cross-cutting activities, both within the Euratom Programme and jointly with the activities of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which, stressing that sexual harassment is a violation of human rights, calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for a directive to address all forms of violence against women and girls and gender-based violence. Women in the EU are not equally protected against gender-based violence and sexual and psychological harassment due to differing policies and legislation across the Member States. Against this background, I share the opinion that the draft directive should encompass common definitions of the different types of violence against women, including a comprehensive definition of harassment (be it sexual or otherwise) and mobbing, and common legal standards on criminalising this violence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which emphasises that multilingualism represents one of the greatest assets of cultural diversity in Europe and, at the same time, one of the most significant challenges for the creation of a truly integrated EU. Owing to a lack of adequate policies in Europe, there is currently a widening technology gap between well-resourced languages and less-resourced languages, and more than 20 European languages are in danger of digital language extinction.Therefore, I strongly support the call to develop a strong and coordinated strategy for the creation of an accessible multilingual Digital Single Market. Furthermore, I fully support the establishment of a large-scale, long-term, coordinated funding programme for research, development and innovation in the field of language technologies, and I share the opinion that it should be realised with the participation of research centres, academia, and enterprises (particularly SMEs and start-ups).

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as I support the call to the Commission to honour the European Union’s international commitments, in particular those made at COP21 and in the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF), the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the New York Declaration on Forests and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.2, which aims to promote sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally by 2020.In addition, I welcome the emphasis put on the need to encourage community-based forest management by reinforcing the involvement of civil society in the planning and implementation of forest management policies and projects, raising awareness and ensuring that local communities share the benefits of forest resources.

2016/11/22

This Directive aims at modernising and further harmonising aspects of the EU copyright framework in order to take account of technological developments and new channels of distribution of protected content in the internal market. The focus is on the digital and cross-border uses of protected content, rules on exceptions and limitations, on the facilitation of licences and rules aiming at ensuring a well-functioning marketplace for the exploitation of works.My vote reflects the need to have further consideration on the report in order to allow for a proper debate to take place and as well as the opportunity for all MEPs to put forward their concerns on this very important subject while providing room for improvement.

2016/11/22

The European citizens’ initiative (ECI) is a right enshrined in the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Article 11, § 4 TEU provides that ‘Not less than one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member States may take the initiative of inviting the European Commission, within the framework of its powers, to submit any appropriate proposal on matters where citizens consider that a legal act of the Union is required for the purpose of implementing the Treaties’. This instrument aims to enhance citizens’ participation in the democratic life of the European Union (EU) by allowing them to request the Commission directly to submit a proposal for legal acts of the EU for the purpose of implementing the Treaties. The aim of this new proposal for a Regulation on the European citizen’s initiative is to improve how the ECI functions by addressing the shortcomings identified over the past years with the main policy objectives.In favour of the report, I believe that the latter reinforces citizenship of the EU and enhances further the democratic functioning of the Union by providing that every citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the EU. The report also improves the European citizens’ initiative as a Union instrument of participatory democracy.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report. The draft Council implementing Decision aims to authorise Croatia to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching and comparison of DNA data under the Prüm Treaty. Croatia has run a successful pilot project and fulfilled all the data protection provisions. Further to the evaluation’s positive results, I share the opinion that Croatia is ready to take part in Prüm.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report. I believe that the latter ensures that the EU budget will be implemented in a simpler and more flexible manner in order to reduce bureaucracy, obtain financial savings, facilitate accessibility to funding for beneficiaries and allow the Union to promptly provide its financial support in unforeseen situations. The revised financial rules will contribute to the achievement of these objectives.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the proposal is to create a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (mimicking the ESTA system of the United States), in order to determine whether travellers from visa-free third countries would be allowed to come to the territory of the EU. The would-be traveller would need to be in possession of a valid ETIAS authorisation in order to be allowed into the Schengen area/ to board the aircraft.The applicant is vetted against multiple databases, as well as the information they need to provide in the application, to determine, via algorithms, whether they might pose an irregular migration risk, a threat to security or a high epidemic risk, before they arrive at the external border at a border crossing point/ airport. If there are no problems or hits at the checked databases, the applicant automatically receives their ETIAS authorisation. The final decision, where the are some irregularities or alerts attached to the applicant in some of the databases, will be taken by the authorities of the responsible Member State.

2016/11/22

I welcome the outcome of the report, as the latter improves the proposal to create a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (mimicking the ESTA system of the United States), in order to determine whether travellers from Visa-free third countries would be allowed to come to the territory of the EU.While Europol does not belong to the Schengen acquis and whereas ETIAS will fully belong to the latter, I welcome the strengthening of Europol by extending its tasks, especially with the responsibility to develop and host the ETIAS watchlist (people suspected to have committed, or be likely to commit a criminal offence). I support the call for the Management Board, after consulting the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), to adopt guidelines further specifying the necessary procedures for the processing of information for the purpose of the ETIAS watch list.I also share the opinion that it is important to increase institutional cooperation by ensuring Europol’s information sharing with ETIAS as regards any terrorist offences, as well as, direct consultation through ETIAS National Unit of the responsible Member State in cases falling under Europol’s mandate.

2016/11/22

The proposed agreement would provide a new mandate for the European Agency in charge of the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (normally known as ‘eu.LISA’). This Agency is still relatively new, having been established only in 2011, and having started operations only in December 2012.The new mandate seeks to improve the functioning of eu.LISA and strengthen its capacity to act, in particular, in the light of new EU databases being created in the area of Justice and Home Affairs for which eu.LISA will be responsible (a new Entry-Exit System, a revised Visa Information System, a revised EURODAC), and in the light of the proposed interoperability of those EU databases, a project for which eu.LISA will also be responsible (if it is agreed upon by the co-legislators).Finally, I voted in favour as I support a strong and independent agency to ensure data protection, data quality and data security for all EU databases in the area of Justice and Home Affairs.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, the latter constitutes the first formal response of the EP to the draft Budget 2019 unveiled by the Commission on 23 May 2018. It serves as a mandate for the EP delegation for trilogue scheduled for 12 July with the Council and the Commission, ahead of Council’s reading on Draft Budget 2019.I share the opinion that the 2019 Draft Budget as proposed by the EC is not sufficient to comply with political commitments regarding climate change, migration management or the numerous new initiatives. The EU budget should support all political priorities, such as: sustainable growth, innovation, competitiveness, security, the fight against climate change, the transition to renewable energy, migration, and a particular focus on young people. It should target decent and quality jobs through further improvements in the financing of the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), Horizon 2020 (R&D), the Connecting Europe Facility and Erasmus+ (to be doubled), especially to counterbalance the cuts operated to finance the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), and adequate support for young farmers. Moreover, any new EU initiatives should be financed by additional funds and not be detrimental to existing programmes.

2016/11/22

In favour of the annual recommendation to the Council on the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, I share the opinion that the EU and its Member States need to remain fully committed to multilateralism, global governance, the promotion of UN core values as an integral part of the EU’s external policy, and the three pillars of the UN system: (i) human rights, (ii) peace and security, (iii) development.The EU’s global strategy reflects the level of today’s global challenges, which require a strong and more efficient UN and a deepening of cooperation at Member State level both within the EU and the UN.EU Member States need to make every effort to coordinate their action in the organs and bodies of the UN system and speak with one voice based on international human rights law and the core values of the EU.

2016/11/22

In recent years, due to the migrant crisis, the distinction between persons who assist with irregular entry or irregular residence and those who are providing humanitarian aid or shelter is blurred, opening the way for abuse. Therefore, I consider that we need to define the existing legal framework and to decriminalise actions which are by their nature humanitarian assistance. Clear lines between different forms of assistance is necessary in order to distinguish between those who provide aid on a humanitarian basis and those who are involved in illegal activities. Furthermore, uniformity in the implementation of the acquis at Members State level is necessary in order to ensure a coherent European practice in this field.I consider that, together with the implementation of adequate measures for development, all these actions will lead to long-term stability and will shape the framework of humanitarian assistance in order to better address the issues of those in need.

2016/11/22

After the Court of the European Union annulled the so-called Safe Harbour Decision of the Commission, on the transfer of personal data from the EU to the United States of America, in October 2015, the Commission subsequently negotiated and adopted a new decision on such transfers of personal data, the so-called Privacy Shield, in July 2016.Taking into account the first annual report of the Commission on the functioning of the Privacy Shield, the opinions of the Article 29 Working Party and of the EDPS, the coming into force of the GDPR and the higher standard of protection it ensures, and also the reauthorisation by the US Congress of the Section 702 of the FISA act, the adoption of the Cloud Act and the current state of nominations for bodies essential for the functioning of the Privacy Shield arrangement, I share the opinion that the Privacy Shield in its current form does not provide the adequate level of protection required by the current EU data protection law and the EU charter.Therefore, I support the resolution and the call for the suspension of the decision until the required level of protection can be guaranteed, as defined in the law and Court jurisprudence.

2016/11/22

In favour of the resolution, I believe that the lives and livelihood of thousands of EU citizens and their families are being very seriously affected by FATCA on a daily basis. I support the call for the Council to mandate the Commission to open negotiations with the US on an EU-US FATCA agreement, with a view to ensuring the full reciprocal exchange of information, upholding the fundamental principles of EU law, as well as the Payment Accounts Directive, and allowing EU ‘accidental Americans’ to relinquish their unwanted US citizenship on a no-fees, no-filings, no-penalties basis.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I believe that social and solidarity companies generally create better quality for our society and the communities they act within, as they are driven by social values, not by profit. A European label for social enterprises is a first step to create more coherence and to facilitate these companies operating cross-border and gaining access to the internal market. Currently, the social economy provides employment for more than 14 million people, representing around 6.5% of workers in the EU and 10% of EU undertakings.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as I share the opinion that the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme must be increased and its general objective must be adapted in order to meet the growing demand for support from Member States, and especially from those whose currency is not yet the euro. Furthermore, measures such as those intended to foster full employment, social policies, and fighting tax fraud or evasion should be at the top of our priorities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome this report as I believe that it is necessary to reform our electoral procedure before the 2019 elections in order to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the upcoming elections, while strengthening the legitimacy of the EU decision-making process. Furthermore, gender equality must be ensured in the establishment of electoral lists, while promoting representative democracy and ensuring the direct representation of European Union citizens in the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part. The new agreement sets a new legal basis to reinvigorate the political dialogue and broaden the scope of economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, infrastructure and the environment. Parliament encouraged Armenia to implement mutually agreed reforms, regarding in particular the stability of the electoral system, the independence of the judiciary, and transparency in the governance of state institutions, whilst underlining the paramount importance of involving relevant civil society organisations during this implementation phase.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part. The new agreement sets a new legal basis to reinvigorate the political dialogue and broaden the scope of economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, infrastructure and the environment. The latter constitutes a significant step forward in EU-Armenian relations and encompasses a commitment to a further deepening of political and economic relations.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Iraq, of the other part. The draft EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides a legal framework covering issues from regular political dialogue to trade relations and regulatory cooperation, and development assistance. Its aim is to build a solid basis for strengthening ties between Iraq and the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Iraq, of the other part. Iraq is faced with a magnitude of challenges and the country strives to make progress towards better governance, economic progress and national reconciliation. The EU has reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong partnership with Iraq, based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and to supporting the Iraqi authorities throughout the transition to democracy and reconstruction process, while also tackling the root causes of the political, social and economic instability.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the recommendation. The Agreement between the European Union and New Zealand was negotiated following the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. With the accession of Croatia, the European Union enlarged its customs union. Therefore, in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, the EU has to enter into negotiations with WTO members having negotiating rights related to the tariff schedule of Croatia in order to eventually agree on a compensatory adjustment. Such adjustment is due if the adoption of the EU’s external tariff regime results in an increase in tariff beyond the level for which the acceding country has bound itself at the WTO. Negotiations with New Zealand resulted in a draft Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters that was signed on 13 March 2018.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as, in the context of the review of the rules governing clearing (the EMIR Regulation), this amendment to the Statute of the European Central Bank will allow the latter to bring central clearing counterparties (CCPs) within the scope of its regulatory powers. I share the opinion that the text strikes the right balance between creating legal certainty and leaving flexibility to the ECB in order to be able to react to exceptional situations. The ECB has now clear legal competence in the area of central clearing also when it comes to third-country CCPs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as distance-based road pricing can play a key role in incentivising cleaner, more efficient operations, and its coherent design is paramount to ensuring fair treatment of road users and sustainable infrastructure financing. An efficient transport system is essential for the smooth functioning of the internal market and is a key sector of the economy. In order to give Member States as much flexibility as possible, it is proposed to reduce the minimum rates of taxation in a single step, starting on 1 January 2024, instead of the gradual reduction of five steps as proposed by the Commission.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The draft amending budget No 2/2018 aims to enter in the 2018 budget the surplus from the 2017 financial year, amounting to EUR 555.5 million. The main components of that surplus are: a positive outturn on income of EUR 338.6 million, an under-spending in expenditure of EUR 383.4 million, and a positive balance of exchange rate differences amounting to EUR 166.4 million.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Draft amending budget No 3 aims at mobilising EUR 500 million in order to finance the largest part of the 2018 budget dedicated to the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. Indeed, in order to allow for the continuation of the schooling of refugee children in Turkey, it is necessary to support the disbursement of this amount from the EU budget with the aim of financing the Facility for Refugees in Turkey for the year 2018.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the opinion that a potential EU guarantee to the European Investment Bank against losses under financing operations supporting investment projects in Iran would put at risk the EIB’s ability to raise capital on the international financial markets taking into account US sanctions against Iran and restrict EIB’s access to the US dollar payments system. I share the opinion that such a guarantee could lead to severe financial risks for the EIB.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which addresses the multiple causes of child, early and forced marriage, including harmful traditions, endemic poverty, conflicts, stereotypes, lack of regard for gender equality and women’s rights and lack of appropriate educational opportunities. I strongly support the call on the European Union, in the context of its foreign and development cooperation policies, to offer a strategic pact to its partners, and, to that end, to require that the latter prohibit child, early and forced marriages. Furthermore, in order to comprehensively tackle child, early and forced marriages, the European Union, as a major actor in global development and human rights, must play a leading role in cooperation with regional organisations and local communities.

2016/11/22

SMEs account for 99% of European enterprises, providing over 90 million jobs and generating EUR 3.9 trillion in value added. Indeed, SMEs are the backbone of the European economy and the biggest providers of jobs. Nevertheless, they remain disproportionately affected by administrative and regulatory burdens and must deal with challenging conditions including market failures. Therefore, a stringent SME definition constitutes a tool that can diminish market failures and problems inherent to competition between enterprises that differ in terms of size, volume of assets and business models.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EU is Azerbaijan’s first trading partner and its biggest export and import market, representing 48.6% of Azerbaijan’s total trade and constituting its largest source of foreign direct investment. Azerbaijan is a strategic energy partner for the EU, allowing for a diversification of the EU’s energy sources. I share the opinion that it must be ensured that the deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan is conditional on upholding and respecting the core values and principles of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Moreover, I support the provisions which call on the parties to communicate clearly regarding the aims and conditionality of the new agreement and the ongoing negotiation process in order to improve transparency and public awareness.

2016/11/22

The existing posting provisions and administrative requirements do not suit the highly mobile nature of the work of drivers. This leads to disproportionate regulatory burdens for operators and generates unjustified barriers to provision of cross-border services. I voted in favour of the report as I believe that the proposal to exclude international transport and transit operations from the scope of the Posting of Workers Directive represents the best solution at this moment. Indeed, I share the opinion that the Posting of Workers Directive was not conceived to take into account the mobile nature of the profession of driver.

2016/11/22

The road transport sector is a very important sector and crucial to making our society function.On 31 May 2017, the Commission adopted a Mobility Package with the aim of ensuring fair competition, simplifying existing rules, preserving the EU internal market and ensuring the rights of workers in this sector. The Commission proposals introduce changes in four distinctive areas: letterbox companies, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), cabotage and enforcement. However, I share the opinion that, when it comes to cabotage, the provisions put forward could worsen the current situation that the Member States face. Therefore, I voted against the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 and Regulation (EC) 1072/2009 with a view to adapting them to developments in the sector. Indeed, my vote reflects the need to have further consideration on the report in order to provide room for strengthening the proposal on several points.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Since the entry into force of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission has been responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries regarding the exchange of personal data with Europol. This recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Jordan. The report underlines the requisite data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that the Commission ensures that fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future agreement, not just those concerning protection of personal data and privacy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the recommendation by the Commission for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and Turkey on the exchange of personal data between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Turkish competent authorities for fighting serious crime and terrorism. I support the call for an appropriate impact assessment to be carried out with a view to defining the safeguards which need to be integrated in the agreement. In addition, I support the call on the Commission to ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Since the entry into application of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission has been responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries for the exchange of personal data with Europol. This Recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Israel. The report underlines the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that the Commission ensures that the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. Also, the report stresses that if such a level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

Since the entry into application of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission is responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries for the exchange of personal data with Europol. This Recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Tunisia. The report underlines the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that the Commission ensures that the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. Also, the report stresses that if such level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the recommendation, by the Commission, for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco on the exchange of personal data between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Moroccan competent authorities for fighting serious crime and terrorism.The report emphasises the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that Commission ensures that fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. The report underlines that if such a level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

Since the entry into application of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission has been responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries for the exchange of personal data with Europol. This Recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Lebanon.The report underlines the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that the Commission ensures that the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. Also, the report stresses that if such level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

Since the entry into application of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission has been responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries for the exchange of personal data with Europol. This Recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Egypt.The report underlines the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that the Commission ensures that the fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. Also, the report stresses that if such level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

Since the entry into application of Regulation 2016/794 (the Europol Regulation) on 1 May 2017, the Commission has been responsible, on behalf of the Union, for negotiating international agreements with third countries for the exchange of personal data with Europol.This Recommendation specifically concerns negotiations with Algeria. The report underlines the necessary data protection benchmarks that the European Parliament expects to see in the Agreement and requests that Commission ensures that fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Charter are respected by the future Agreement, not just those of protection of personal data and privacy. Also, the report stresses that if such level cannot be guaranteed both in law and in practice, the agreement cannot be concluded.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this recommendation, as I share the view that further cooperation is needed on aerial navigation safety in Africa and Madagascar in order to enhance the safety and continuity of aerial navigation services while bringing economic and environmental improvements.

2016/11/22

I am in favour because I believe that the strategic partnership between the European Union and the United States of America should be enhanced, taking also into consideration that the US is the main scientific and technological partner of the EU. The partnership, which entered into force 20 years ago, should continue to develop in the future, leading to significant job creation and improvement in the quality of life for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report, as I share the opinion that it will support the rapid establishment of a joint undertaking that will provide the basis for an independent EU high-performance computer infrastructure, enabling our scientists and industry to lead key areas of research and industrial innovation. These machines will give EU researchers access to complex massive calculation that can bring huge benefits to society, primarily for civilian uses such as health care, energy, smart cities, autonomous transport and space.

2016/11/22

My vote underlines the growing need to support, and provide additional assistance to, workers suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. The EGF funding of EUR 9 894 483 is to contribute towards the cost of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 1 858 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in Air France in the regions of Île-de-France (FR10) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (FE82), with the aim of providing assistance for integrating the persons affected into the labour market. I welcome France’s assurance that a financial contribution from the EGF will not replace actions that the enterprise concerned is required to take by virtue of national law or pursuant to collective agreements.

2016/11/22

Given that, in the European Union, more than 70% of the population live in urban areas, cities are valuable and irreplaceable economic, social and cultural assets and therefore should contribute to territorial cohesion. I am in favour of the report and share the view that cities and local public authorities play a central role in the preparation, design, financing and implementation of the major Union policies, such as the fight against climate change, while also having a high potential in EU external policies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as 3D printing is one of the most advanced technologies where EU can play a leading role. However, I share the view that this technology might raise some specific legal and ethical concerns regarding all areas of intellectual property law. Therefore, the adoption of new legislation and the tailoring of the existing laws to the cases of 3D technology are needed.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the European defence policy must be fostered in order to move towards to the Union’s strategic autonomy. Defence products and technologies, together with improved agility of defence supply and value chains, should contribute to the development of the Programme after its research phase, in order to support the competitiveness of the European defence industry on the internal market and the global marketplace.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome this resolution as I share the view that we must establish a framework for the European statistics at the level of agricultural holdings and provide information of integration on this structure. These statistics should include production methods, rural development measures, agro-environmental aspects and other related information.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The legislation concerned is no longer necessary as the related information is already notified through the European network of transmission system operators.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote is in favour of the report, and it reflects the opinion that the Member States should strengthen their administrative cooperation in order to develop exchange of information and to coordinate their actions in order to fight VAT fraud more efficiently. Furthermore, Member States’ tax administrators should intensify their cooperation in Eurofisc.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The total population of indigenous people exceeds 370 million in over 70 countries worldwide. Even though they live in different geographical and economic settings, they all face similar threats and challenges. Therefore, I support the adoption of adequate measures to ensure the full recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous people, as enshrined in human rights treaties and conventions.

2016/11/22

J’ai voté en faveur du rapport, tout en saluant son contenu qui souligne l’importance de la diplomatie climatique pour l’UE, une forme de politique étrangère ciblée, visant à engager les gouvernements des pays tiers et les acteurs non gouvernementaux partout dans le monde afin de soutenir la lutte contre le changement climatique. Dans cette démarche, coopérer sur des questions spécifiques liées au climat, nouer des partenariats stratégiques et renforcer les relations entre les acteurs étatiques et non étatiques constituent des éléments clés. Je partage pleinement l’opinion que les capacités diplomatiques de l’UE devraient être renforcées afin de promouvoir l’action climatique à l’échelle mondiale, d’appuyer la mise en œuvre de l’accord de Paris et de prévenir les conflits liés au changement climatique.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Its objective is to carry out a cross-sectoral analysis of existing obstacles to cultural access and participation. I share the opinion that access to culture and cultural participation represents a cross-cutting issue, and therefore coordinating cultural policy with other policy areas such as education, social, economic, regional, foreign, digital and media policies is paramount. While I wish to stress the importance of an active and accessible cultural sector for the development of an inclusive society, along with the strengthening of a common core of universal values and active European citizenship, I strongly support the call put forward in the report to develop and implement the specific measures needed to guarantee access to and participation in cultural life.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Regulating professions is of crucial importance when it comes to safeguarding public interest objectives, such as the protection of public health, the protection of consumers, recipients of services and workers, or the protection of the environment. Therefore, proper regulation of professions is essential for preserving the EU economic, social and cultural model. In the absence of EU—level harmonisation, it is a Member State competence to decide whether and how to regulate a profession within the limits of the principles of non-discrimination and proportionality. The Directive aims to establish rules for proportionality assessments to be conducted by Member States before the introduction of new, or the amendment of existing, professional regulations, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, while guaranteeing transparency and a high level of consumer protection.

2016/11/22

As part of the 2017 road transport mobility package, the European Commission proposed the softening of the existing restrictions on using hired vehicles in international transport and that a uniform regulatory framework be established which would give transport operators across the EU equal access to the market for hired goods vehicles.Road transport is still the most common method for carrying goods over land. In 2015, three quarters (75.3%) of all inland freight transport activities in the EU were by road.While I agree with some measures, such as the need to prevent transport operators from moving their fleet to states with low taxes and hiring them back, I believe that the proposal to amend Directive 2006/1/EC still needs to be improved. I share the opinion that we need to have an assessment on the effects of the latter on road safety, the environment and tax revenue, which are not clearly reflected within.

2016/11/22

The current evaluation of the social legislation in road transport in the EU has shown shortcomings in the current legal framework and problems regarding enforcement. Furthermore, a number of discrepancies exist between Member States in interpretation, application and implementation of the rules. This creates legal uncertainty and unequal treatment of drivers and operators, which is detrimental to the working, social and competition conditions in the sector.In favour of the report, I share the opinion that the latter comprises sufficient elements to make significant improvements in order to create a more socially just EU internal market, improve drivers’ working conditions, promote road safety and prevent social dumping. The numerous proposals to reduce the amount of environmental damage caused by road transport are also important, in the case of both the first and the second mobility package.

2016/11/22

In favour of the proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation EC 561/2006 as regards minimum requirements on maximum daily and weekly driving times, minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods and Regulation EC 165/2014 as regards positioning by means of tachographs, I share the opinion that the latter aims to remedy shortcomings in the current law, such as lack of clarity, non-uniform implementation, insufficient enforcement and to facilitate strengthened cooperation between Member States and the relevant authorities. I believe that the measures foreseen within would improve road safety, drivers’ working conditions and increase the attractiveness of the sector.

2016/11/22

Against the decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, I share the opinion that we need to continue to fight to put a stop to the unfair competition between European employees on the basis of their nationality.I believe that the measures foreseen in the Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 and Regulation (EC) 1072/2009 with a view to adapting them to developments in the sector, adopted by the TRAN Committee, would considerably weaken the guarantees and social protections of the workers in the road sector.The mobility package must continue to liberalize the EU road haulage market and not introduce more restrictive conditions than the current cabotage provisions of Regulation 1072/2009.

2016/11/22

I fully support regionalisation as introduced under the 2013 CFP Reform. However, Member States must fulfil their obligations and adopt measures in compliance with environmental legislation. The protection and preservation of the marine environment must not be compromised for short-term commercial interests. Therefore, supporting the objection to this delegated act, I consider the proposed measures within the latter insufficient because of the outdated information/data serving as a basis, the non-application of the review clause and reporting obligations, fairly unambitious protection measures with numerous derogations and the lengthy transitional period.

2016/11/22

As we reiterate once again our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, I believe our efforts should better reflect our solidarity with the people of the occupied territories by concentrating our efforts in allowing international monitoring and humanitarian aid.Sovereignty, independence and the peaceful settlement of disputes are key principles of the European security order and must be respected.

2016/11/22

Tout en saluant l’architecture générale pour la future coopération entre le groupe des pays ACP et l’Union européenne proposée par la Commission, je souligne que le programme de développement durable à l’horizon 2030, les objectifs de développement durable ainsi que le consensus européen pour le développement doivent constituer le noyau du futur partenariat. En outre, il est indispensable d’impliquer la société civile dans le dialogue politique et sa pleine participation devrait constituer un élément contraignant du partenariat. De même, il est important de renforcer la dimension parlementaire du futur accord en veillant à ce que la future APP (Assemblée parlementaire paritaire) assure un dialogue parlementaire ouvert, démocratique et global.

2016/11/22

Every year, the European Parliament produces an annual report on monitoring the application of the EU law based on the report submitted by the Commission and expresses its position on the state of the implementation of the EU law. The Commission’s 2016 Report shows that ensuring timely and correct application of EU legislation in the Member States remains a serious challenge and priority due to the high number of infringement procedures. The four fields in which the greatest number of transposition infringement proceedings were opened against Member States in 2016 were the environment, justice and consumers, taxation and the internal market.Therefore, in favour of the report, I also share the opinion that a clear approach on behalf of the Commission is needed, which should be based on the priority-setting by focusing its enforcement action where it can make a real difference. Furthermore, I support as well the increasing role of social partners and civil society in reporting shortcomings in the transposition and application of EU law.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the opinion that the distribution of seats in the European Parliament should first of all respect the principle of degressive proportionality, as stipulated in article 14 of the Treaty on European Union. The European Parliament has a fundamental democratic role and, to strengthen it, the number of MEPs from under-represented countries should be increased, ensuring at the same time that no Member State will lose a seat.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council replacing Annex A to Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings, as the aim of the latter is to ensure that the scope of the recast Regulation is adjusted to the actual legal framework of the Member States on insolvency by the time of its application. It therefore seeks to replace the list in Annex A to Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on Croatia with a new list taking account of the information notified by that Member State. Also, changes to Annex A of the Regulation do not affect the substantive set of rules.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that the Internal Security Found for Borders and Visas is an important element of the solidarity mechanism and that Iceland’s contribution to this budget will ensure a high level of security for this associated country, and also for the EU. Through this agreement, Iceland will apply the same rules as EU countries regarding the control of its external borders, enhancing the EU-Iceland cooperation in this field but also safeguarding the common security interest of the signatories.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the conclusion of the agreement. The Internal Security Fund ‘borders and visas’ instrument establishes a solidarity mechanism, binding the participating states by the same European rules on the control of external borders in each other’s interests and on each other’s behalf. The purpose of the proposal – the draft agreement with Switzerland – is to enable the Commission to assume responsibility for the implementation of the budget of the instrument in this associated country and to determine Switzerland’s contribution to the Union budget in respect of it.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The draft Council Decision aims to lift the remaining restrictions on the use of SIS by Bulgaria and Romania. Eliminating all restrictions on the use of SIS will enable Romania and Bulgaria to ensure the same level of protection of the Union’s external borders as other Schengen Member States. Lifting the remaining restrictions will increase the level of security in the Schengen area, making the fight against serious crime and terrorism more effective.Full Schengen Member State status has to be granted to Romania and to Bulgaria as soon as possible. Both countries successfully fulfilled in 2011 all relevant criteria and prerequisites, as set by the Schengen evaluation procedures, so the requisite Council decision in this regard should be taken as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

While highlighting that local and regional authorities are at the forefront of the transition to a circular economy, the report calls on the Commission to implement measures in favour of the circular economy, including monitoring measures, while reducing the administrative burden. Moreover, the report lays down an emphasis on the potential of regions and local communities to invest in recycling infrastructure and create new green jobs. In favour of the report, I particularly welcome the call put forward within the latter on regions and local authorities to ensure that the circular economy is suitably integrated into educational programmes and vocational training and re-training.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The objective of the proposed macro-financial assistance is to help Ukraine cover part of its additional external financing needs in 2018-2019, reducing the economy’s short-term balance-of-payment and fiscal vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the macro-financial assistance shall contribute to values shared with the European Union, including sustainable and socially responsible development leading to employment creation and poverty reduction, and a commitment to a strong civil society. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of developments relating to the assistance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, as it is crucial to strengthen cooperation between Chile and the EU and to ensure that the modernised agreement with Chile is ambitious, comprehensive and balanced. Chile and the EU are united by shared values and close cultural, economic and political ties. They are close partners in tackling regional and global challenges, such as climate change, international security, sustainable development and global governance. From a more socioeconomic perspective, I share the opinion that particular attention has to be paid to the fight against poverty and the reduction of inequality, and to efforts to improve educational standards and programmes and to ensure that people with the lowest incomes have full access to higher education.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In favour of the report; I welcome the outcome of the latter, as it reiterates that purely national responses to terrorism and insecurity are inadequate to protect EU citizens from these threats and only close cooperation between the EU and NATO would allow Member States to be more complementary and more effective.I share the opinion that the EU has to do much more for its own deterrence and defence capability. However, I also believe that strategic autonomy at EU level needs to be achieved in the framework of a strengthened EU-NATO partnership and hence, developed in this spirit.While ensuring complementarity of PESCO, I agree that we need to further cooperate and explore synergies on strengthening and developing the technological and industrial bases for a swift and rapid movement of military personnel and assets within and beyond the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as I strongly share the opinion that there is an urgent need to strengthen the EU’s capabilities in the field of cyber—defence. Cyber and hybrid challenges, threats and attacks constitute a major threat to the security, defence, stability and competitiveness of the EU, its Member States and its citizens. A common cyber—defence policy a should constitute core element in the development of the European Defence Union (EDU), while a coherent development of cyber—capacities across all EU institutions and bodies, as well as in the Member States, should be ensured. Moreover, while stressing the importance of increased cooperation between the EU and NATO as a means of preventing, detecting and deterring cyber—attacks, I support the call on the Council to consider ways of providing, at soon as possible, Union-level support for integrating the cyber—domain into Member States’ military doctrines, in a harmonised manner and in close cooperation with NATO.

2016/11/22

I recognise the need for improved reporting and monitoring of catches in connection with recreational fisheries, in order to ensure the sustainability of these activities in the EU Member States, and I therefore voted in favour of the report. Furthermore, a clearer definition of recreational fishers, taking also into account the diversity of this sector, will significantly contribute to the accuracy of the data collected, which will lead to a proper assessment of activities and their impact on the economy and the environment.

2016/11/22

Je soutiens la proposition EMIR Refit (le règlement sur les infrastructures de marché européennes - programme pour une réglementation affûtée et performante), qui révise le règlement EMIR original du 2012, en simplifiant certaines règles pour les contreparties financières et non financières dans le marché des dérivés, les rendant plus proportionnelles ce qui répond au principe du «plus simple, plus léger, plus efficace et moins coûteux».

2016/11/22

Je soutiens la proposition de règlement concernant des règles communes dans le domaine de l’aviation civile et instituant une Agence de la sécurité aérienne de l'Union européenne, dont l'objectif principal serait d'établir, de maintenir et d'appliquer un niveau élevé et uniforme de sécurité de l'aviation civile dans l'Union.Je salue aussi l’introduction de la nouvelle disposition stipulant que les interdépendances entre la sécurité de l'aviation civile et les facteurs socioéconomiques (les conditions d’emploi par exemple) devraient être examinées, notamment dans les procédures réglementaires, et en vue d'identifier les mesures visant à prévenir les risques socio-économiques pour la sécurité aérienne.

2016/11/22

. – Il est regrettable que les émissions de CO2 et la consommation de carburant des véhicules utilitaires lourds neufs mis sur le marché de l’Union ne soient, à l’heure actuelle, soumises à aucune certification, ni à aucune exigence de surveillance ou de communication d’informations de manière objective et comparable. Ceci empêche d’avoir des données fiables concernant la configuration du parc de ces véhicules, son évolution dans le temps et son incidence potentielle sur les émissions de CO2. Par conséquent, je soutiens fortement la proposition visant à contrôler et à diffuser des données sur les émissions de CO2 et sur la consommation de carburant des véhicules utilitaires lourds nouvellement immatriculés dans l’Union sur la base d’une méthodologie convenue d’un commun accord.

2016/11/22

I shared the opinion that European education should be focused on achieving common goals, including ensuring quality education for all. In order to accomplish this, I strongly believe that internal and external collaboration must be enhanced, and the rights of the most vulnerable groups must be promoted, including women’s and girls’ rights.In this regard, a notable increase in the founding of the ERASMUS + program is essential in order to provide the same opportunities also to students from disfavoured environments and to include more students and teachers, which will result in better inclusion and a more qualified workforce at the European level.

2016/11/22

My vote underlines the growing need to support the aquaculture sector as it is one with a high potential for sustainable development, which may increase both employment and food security for EU citizens.As competition from third countries has been growing in this area over the last two decades and EU overall production has remained more or less constant, I welcome the EU’s initiative to increase its production in the aquaculture sector while meeting the same standards as for the rest of its economic activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as I strongly believe that there is a need for a proper response at EU level as this phenomenon not only imposes an unfair additional cost to costumers, insurers, second—hand car dealers, leasing companies and manufactures, but also exerts severe negative impacts on roads safety. Furthermore, the environmental impact of those cars is worse than expected and pollutant emissions increase.Therefore, I strongly support the call on the Commission to submit a legislative framework that requires Member States to create legal, technical and operational barriers in order to make odometer manipulations impossible.

2016/11/22

Against the background of internal security concerns and in light of disaster trends, I welcome the proposals to strengthen the European civil protection system by improving coordination among Member States and by also developing new capabilities at the European level, complementary to Member State efforts.

2016/11/22

The transport sector plays a key role in the European economy, accounting for 10% of total EU employment and is vital for the efficient transport of people and goods. Securing the future transport network and modernising the transport sector to make it safer, more reliable, more efficient and more green is thus essential. The CEF (Connecting Europe facility) has already contributed to many high-quality projects in the EU and can be recognised as being one of the most important European funding programme, offering the opportunity to finance the deployment of sustainable transport projects, being complementary to Horizon 2020, the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) and to EFSI.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that inclusive dialogue is the solution for the protests in Nicaragua, as democracy is also founded on the freedom of expression and on the freedom of peaceful assembly. While the public forces must protect the protesters against any form of abuse, they should also act with minimum restraint in order to help rebuild trust in relation with local authorities, contributing to the resolution of this situation.I welcome the EU’s initiative to support the much-needed broad and inclusive dialogue between all sectors of the society on one hand, and the Government on the other.

2016/11/22

J’ai voté en faveur du rapport qui fait le point sur plusieurs évolutions positives observées après la première année de fonctionnement du plan d’action II sur l’égalité des sexes, tout en mettant en lumière diverses pistes d’amélioration. Je partage l’opinion que le plan d’action prévoit un programme exhaustif qui vise à agir sur les principaux facteurs et causes de discrimination.Néanmoins, afin que le plan puisse fonctionner concrètement sur le terrain, il faut veiller à ce que celui-ci soit soutenu par un engagement à long terme et constant d’acteurs politiques, ainsi que par des ressources appropriées, tout comme par une capacité de l’Union à ajuster ses efforts selon les réalités locales dans les pays bénéficiaires.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report, as I strongly believe that the future EU Youth Strategy should have in the centre the young people in Europe and their needs, encourage their participation and involvement in the decision-making process, including also the most disadvantaged ones.In my view it is essential to ensure equal access to quality education and training for the young people in Europe as well as fair working conditions and remuneration.

2016/11/22

Strongly believing that substances with the potential of damaging the environment should be restricted or at least limited at the product design phase, as 80% of environmental pollution and 90% of manufacturing costs are the result of decisions taken at that stage of the project, I voted in favour of this report. Furthermore, Member States must strengthen their market surveillance framework in order to ensure the effectiveness of the Ecodesign Directive.I share the view that the public should have access to more information regarding the specific legislation in this field and the benefits of ecodesign products. In particular, low-income households should be informed and encouraged to pass on more resource-efficient articles as they are the most vulnerable to the lack of access to modern energy services.

2016/11/22

J´ai voté en faveur de la résolution comme y souligné dans la résolution, il faut ajuster les politiques de lutte contre la précarité au caractère dynamique de la dernière, tout en avançant des mesures à tous les niveaux et intégrées qui soutiennent des normes inclusives et concrètes en matière de travail, accompagnées par des mesures efficaces visant le respect du principe d’égalité.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Further to the damages produced by forest fires in Portugal and Spain, hurricanes in France and earthquakes in Greece, I am in favour of mobilising the European Union Solidarity Fund by providing EUR 1 359 119 to Greece, EUR 3 228 675 to Spain, EUR 48 906 025 to France and EUR 50 673 132 to Portugal, both in commitment and payment appropriations.

2016/11/22

Within the framework of the EU budgetary procedure for the financial year 2018, Draft Amending Budget No 1 increases the budget line dedicated to the assistance to Member States in the event of a major natural disasters by EUR 97 646 105, both in commitment and payment appropriations.In favour of the proposed increase, I believe that it is supportive and complementary to the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for providing financial assistance to Greece, Spain, France and Portugal, following a series of related natural disasters.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Welcoming the report, I believe that the proposals within are a clear improvement of the actual regulation, as it brings modernising elements to the EU’s trade defence instruments that increase protection of European workers and industries from unfair trade practices.Effective trade defence instruments – including anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures – are essential tools for Europe’s industry to protect its companies against unfair trade practices. Any use of dumped product should be treated as an import and charged to duty accordingly, especially when causes injury to the Union industry.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission. The amount of the foreseen EGF contribution, EUR 345 000, is to be used for financing monitoring and data gathering, information activities, the creation of a knowledge base / application interface, administrative and technical support, as well as for networking seminars. The measures aim at simplifying the application procedure of the EGF and allowing for a faster processing of applications, and better reporting.

2016/11/22

I support the resolution objecting to the draft Commission implementing decision renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize GA21 (MONØØØ21-9) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed. I am in favour of the call for the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and I believe that any implementing decisions regarding applications for authorisation of GMOs need to be suspended until the authorisation procedure has been revised to address the shortcomings of the current procedure.

2016/11/22

I support the resolution objecting to the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize 1507 × 59122 × MON 810 × NK603, and genetically modified maize combining two or three of the single events 1507, 59122, MON 810 and NK603, and repealing Decisions 2009/815/EC, 2010/428/EU and 2010/432/EU pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on genetically modified food and feed.I am in favour of the call for the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision, and I believe that any implementing decisions regarding applications for authorisation of GMOs need to be suspended until the authorisation procedure has been revised to address the shortcomings of the current procedure.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the call for equal treatment of imported EU fishery and aquaculture products in an effort to create fairer competition, foster consumer protection and traceability as well as sustainability, and raise standards in third countries.I believe that controls on fishery and aquaculture products should be increased and improved, and efforts to ensure a more harmonised implementation of existing legislation should be intensified. I support the reinforcement of the role of the European Fisheries Control Agency, and the EU’s trade and fisheries policies should be closely coordinated, including during the negotiation of trade agreements with third countries involving fisheries matters.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Welcoming the report, I strongly believe that measures must be taken in order to make the CAP a more efficient tool for both farmers and European citizens. The CAP is of the utmost importance for approximately 12 million agricultural holdings and 22 million farmers and agricultural workers in the European Union, and its contribution to food safety and sustainability is of vital importance to everyone living in the EU.Taking into account the need to safeguard sustainable management of natural resources and the need to contribute to the environmental and climate objectives of the EU, including the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, I fully support the guarantees that would maintain the CAP budget at least at its current level, in order to achieve its ambitious objectives.

2016/11/22

In favour of the report, I believe that the current inter-institutional agreement on better law-making offers a wide set of opportunities to improve the quality of EU legislation. The IIA needs to be monitored in order to fully assess its potential and to show that better law-making should not lead to deregulation.

2016/11/22

The decision on the MFF needs to provide the Union with the necessary financial means to meet important challenges and attain its political priorities over the next seven-year period. I believe that unfortunately, the Commission’s proposal weakens the main EU solidarity policies and leads directly to a reduction in the level of both the common agricultural policy (CAP) and cohesion policy, of 15% and 10% respectively. I support the need to maintain the financing of the CAP and cohesion policy for the EU-27 at least at the level of the 2014-2020 budget in real terms, while respecting the overall architecture of these policies.

2016/11/22

Je partage l’opinion qu’il faut l’appui inconditionnel au plan d’action présenté en septembre 2017 par le représentant spécial des Nations unies, qui vise la stabilisation de la Libye, tout en considérant la crise libyenne à un échelon régional et panafricain, compte tenu du fait que la Libye possède un rôle important dans la stabilité de l’Afrique du Nord et du Sahel. De même, il faut rester déterminés à remédier aux causes profondes des migrations, en s’appuyant sur des solutions à long terme, efficaces et viables, ainsi que d’intensifier les efforts conjoints déployés par l'UE, l'UA (Union Africaine) et l'ONU afin d’améliorer la protection des migrants et des réfugiés en Libye, en accordant une attention particulière aux personnes vulnérables.

2016/11/22

The area of free movement without internal borders is considered one of the greatest achievements of the European integration process, which is highly appreciated by European citizens.I believe that in order to have a coordinated and robust legal security framework, it is essential to apply the Schengen acquis in full in all Member States that have successfully fulfilled the Schengen evaluation process.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I strongly believe that minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime in EU Member States must be established. The European Union has a mandate to ensure the protection of both its citizens and foreigners within its borders.As different interpretations exist at national level and provisions of national criminal law may differ, it is necessary to avoid possible gaps, which may hinder the implementation of the related provisions. I fully support the provisions enabling adequate instruments to protect the victims of crime in the EU Member States.

2016/11/22

. – J’ai voté en faveur du rapport qui souligne que le contexte international a profondément changé depuis la publication de la stratégie «Le commerce pour tous» en 2015 et que de nouveaux défis commerciaux devront maintenant être relevés. Il faut qu’on renforce notre soutien à un système commercial ouvert, juste, équilibré, durable, fondé sur des valeurs, qui offre des opportunités économiques aux citoyens de l'UE et à nos partenaires commerciaux. En outre, il est essentiel de rester déterminés à engager les pays partenaires dans un processus de coopération et que les accords commerciaux contiennent des dispositions complètes en ce qui concerne les normes sociales, de travail et environnementales.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the proposal aims to amend Regulation (EU) 2016/1139 to ensure that opportunities to fish Gulf of Bothnia herring stocks are determined in accordance with the updated conservation reference points following the scientific evaluation conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour, as the proposal put forwards common rules for the production of European statistics regarding inland waterways transport, which shall enable the Commission to have statistics concerning the transport of goods by inland waterways in order to monitor and develop the common transport policy, as well as the transport elements of policies on the regions and on trans-European networks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the cumulation of origin between the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, the Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of Turkey in the framework of the Generalised System of Preferences.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the cumulation of origin between the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, the Kingdom of Norway and the Republic of Turkey in the framework of the Generalised System of Preferences. The new system of cumulation entails that the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey will allow GSP beneficiary countries to incorporate materials from any of the countries in the system (EU, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey) in their production processes, and export the final product to the EU, Switzerland, Norway or Turkey under the GSP preferential terms provided that the final product has been sufficiently worked or processed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as increasing cooperation between tax administrations in the EU and with third countries is key to fight VAT fraud. In the context of the current legal framework, administrative cooperation with Norway is occasional and only possible on the basis of bilateral agreements between Norway and individual Member States, the Nordic convention or rare invitations to Norway to participate in the VAT observatory meetings as an observer. This bilateral agreement between the EU and Norway provides for a solid legal framework for a sound cooperation between Norway and Member States. This cooperation follows the same structure of the cooperation currently in force between EU Member States and will benefit from the same instruments such as electronic platforms and e-forms.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome this report, the main objective of which is to find out what can be enhanced so that processors and local fishermen can retain most of the value generated by their activities. The report identifies aspects to be improved and puts forward concrete measures in order to boost the value chain, with a view to unlocking the potential of a dynamic and sustainable economic activity that can revitalise local fishing communities, increase the attractiveness of the sector for young people and limit the population decline in these communities.

2016/11/22

Although measures had been taken to support young farmers to overcome the major barriers in entering agriculture, up to this day only around 6% of the people in charge of farms are under 35 years old. Therefore, I share the view that the existing scheme must be developed in order to facilitate their access into this sector, and to provide them long-term prospects in this field.In a Europe facing the rapid aging of its workforce in the agricultural sector, sustainability cannot be achieved in this field without efficient inclusion of new generations. They will play a vital role in guaranteeing long-term food security in Europe and we need enhanced cooperation at EU level as well as targeted ways to encourage them to join the farming sector.

2016/11/22

The multi-annual plan for North Sea demersal fisheries represents the second management plan (following the Baltic Sea plan) proposed by the European Commission since the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy agreed at the end of 2013. My vote reflects the importance of this plan, whose aim is to ensure the sustainable exploitation of stocks by making sure that they are exploited in line with the principles of maximum sustainable yield and of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Indeed, such multi-annual plans for the conservation of fish stocks and the management of fisheries exploiting these stocks constitute essential tools to ensuring sustainable use of marine biological resources and, in putting forward long-term approaches, they also enhance predictability for fishermen’s activities over time.

2016/11/22

. – Mon vote reflète l’importance de la révision des règles sur le détachement des travailleurs afin d’identifier le juste milieu entre le droit du travail et la libre prestation des services, tout en soulignant l’urgence d’agir pour une homogénéité dans l’application des règles et une véritable convergence sociale vers le haut. Les entreprises qui détachent des travailleurs doivent respecter un noyau commun de droits en matière d'emploi dans le pays d'accueil. De plus, afin de supprimer les abus dans les situations de sous-traitance, les États membres devraient garantir, conformément à la législation et aux pratiques nationales, que les travailleurs détachés perçoivent l’ensemble des droits qui leur sont dus.

2016/11/22

As the largest single market for fisheries products in the world, the EU plays an important role in promoting sustainable fisheries and better governance through a number of international organisations and regional fisheries management organisations such as the SPRFMO. My vote is in favour as I welcome the Regulation, which lays the ground for a swift transposition of SPRFMO measures into EU law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I strongly believe that financial markets can and should play an essential role in enabling the transition to a sustainable economy in the EU which extends beyond climate transition and ecological issues. Sustainable finance can be a means to tackle societal challenges with a view to long-term inclusive growth and to promote citizens’ well-being.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the EU Justice Scoreboard, as I believe that it gives an important overview of the efficiency, quality and independence of justice systems in EU Member States while also supporting national authorities to improve the effectiveness of their judicial systems.

2016/11/22

Considering the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union, I voted in favour for giving consent to the conclusion of the Protocol.

2016/11/22

The Framework Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, 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. The protocol to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union has been negotiated between the Commission and the Korean authorities and was signed on 21 June 2017. Since I support closer cooperation in a number of areas such as peace and security, human rights and the rule of law, the environment, combating terrorism and organised crime, I voted in favour of granting consent to the conclusion of the Protocol.

2016/11/22

ADB-CHMINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid with similar effects to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but with additional life-threatening toxicity and can constitute a poisoning risk. ADB-CHMINACA has been detected in 17 Member States and 13 deaths associated with it. More than 630 seizures were reported within the Union. Thirteen Member States control ADB-CHMINACA under national drug control legislation and four under other legislation.Given the dangerous nature of the substance, I support the proposal to submit ADB-CHMINACA to control measures across the Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ CUMYL-4CN-BINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid with similar effects to those of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but with additional life-threatening toxicity, and it can constitute a poisoning risk. CUMYL-4CN-BINACA has been detected in 11 Member States and 11 deaths have been associated with it. More than 270 seizures have been reported within the Union. There are nine Member States which control CUMYL-4CN-BINACA under national drug control legislation and five which use other legislation.Given the dangerous nature of the substance, I support the proposal to submit CUMYL-4CN-BINACA to control measures across the Union.

2016/11/22

On 18 December 2017, Belgium submitted an application for EGF funds, in respect of redundancies in Caterpillar Solar Gosselies and its five suppliers. The application relates to 2 287 redundancies in the enterprise Caterpillar Solar Gosselies, operating in the economic sector classified under NACE Rev. 2 Division 28 (Manufacture of machinery and equipment) during the reference period from 31 May 2017 to 30 September 2017.Considering that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is intended to provide support for workers made redundant and self-employed persons whose activity has ceased as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns owing to globalisation, as a result of a continuation of the global financial and economic crisis, or as a result of a new global financial and economic crisis, and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market, I am in favour of mobilising the EGF to provide a financial contribution of EUR 4 621 616, thus providing assistance to 2 287 targeted beneficiaries as well as 300 young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) under the age of 30.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which puts forward recommendations on improving EU action in protecting its own resources, especially through the work of OLAF and its follow-up. Moreover, the report calls for a set of measures to be taken in order to ensure closer, more effective and more efficient cooperation between the Commission and the Member States in the area of fraud detection. Furthermore, expressing concern at the on-going differences between Member States regarding the reporting process, the report calls for establishing a uniform system for the collection of comparable data on irregularities and cases of fraud from the Member States in order to standardise the reporting process and ensure the quality and comparability of the data provided.

2016/11/22

Commission Decision 2007/692/EC1 authorised the placing on the market of foods, food ingredients and feed produced from genetically modified sugar beet H7-1. GM sugar beet H7-1 expresses the CP4 EPSPS protein which confers tolerance to glyphosate. Therefore, it has to be expected that GM sugar beet H7-1 plants will be exposed to higher and also repeated dosages of glyphosate which will not only lead to a higher burden of residues in the harvest but may also influence the composition of the plants and their agronomic characteristics. My vote is in favour as I support the calls put forward to the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and to suspend any implementing decision regarding applications for authorisation of GMOs until the authorisation procedure has been revised in such a way so as to tackle the shortcomings of the current procedure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which constitutes part of the discharge procedure and scrutinises the activities of the European Investment Bank in the year 2016. Moreover, the report recalls the Parliament’s concern with regard to framing a balanced strategy with a dynamic, fair and transparent geographical distribution of projects and investments among Member States, taking into consideration the special focus on the less developed countries and regions. 70% of the EIB’s total lending for 2016 (EUR 46.8 billion) is concentrated in six Member States, which shows that not all Member States or regions are able to benefit equally from investment opportunities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote reflects the opinion that the EU’s cohesion policy stands as the single most visible instrument of European added value, which contributes to closing different divergence gaps within the EU and to building a strong single market for a competitive Europe. I also support the call to draw up a checklist of eligibility criteria which better expresses local and regional needs concerning transport, and removes bottlenecks in network infrastructures.

2016/11/22

The majority of the Member States still face systemic challenges in the implementation of the European Commission recommendations delivered one year ago. Regardless their status, refugee or migrant, all children are entitled to all the rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Therefore, I strongly support a holistic rights-based approach to be implemented at EU level in all child related policies. Member Stets should be, as well assisted to adopt and properly implement the Commission’s recommendations based on the principle of the best interest of the child.I voted in favour also because I believe that we should step up our efforts to jointly tackle the various forms of organised crime, including child trafficking, while increasing cross-border cooperation, information sharing and coordination to also ensure the adequate child protection systems.

2016/11/22

I strongly share the opinion that we have to deploy our efforts towards a global ban on both animal testing in cosmetics and on the trade in cosmetic ingredients tested on animals, which requires using our diplomatic networks to create a coalition and to launch an international convention within the UN framework.Although the European Union stopped the testing of finished cosmetic products on animals in 2004, and ingredients in 2009, some cosmetics are tested on animals outside the EU before being re-tested in the EU using alternative methods and placed on the EU market. For these reasons, I support a global ban on animal testing in cosmetics.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I vote in favour, as I strongly believe that is necessary to maintain and strengthen the sheep and goat sectors, which are a vital part of our rural areas, especially in less favoured areas where their environmental contribution is generally positive and they provide employment opportunities. The sheep and goat sectors account for 3% of European milk and 9% of European cheese production, and together they employ 1.5 million people in the European Union.Getting newcomers in the sector, developing markets, promoting quality products, and safeguarding them against threats such as predators and disease, are the ways to strengthen this sphere. Therefore, I support the increase of the voluntary coupled aid for sheep and goat farming in the forthcoming reform of the common agricultural policy and further assistance for the young farmers through incentives for the setting up or taking over of sheep or goat farms.I also support the exploitation of the high potential of traditional sheep and goat farming practices through agri—tourism and the ease of the administrative requirements for opening small cheese-making ventures on sheep and goat farms, thereby enabling farmers to boost the added value of their farms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union must ensure, promote and defend media freedom and pluralism as they are essential for the existence of a healthy democracy, and a good balance for responsible and lawful free speech must be achieved. I believe that adequate measures must be taken to avoid abuses and crimes, as well as and deadly attacks, which are still being committed against journalists and media workers in the Member States because of their activities.Therefore, voting in favour of the report, I support a comprehensive framework for common European legislation to protect whistle-blowers and the creation of a mechanism for the annual assessment of the risks to media pluralism in the Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ As I welcome the proposal to prevent the 15% minimum level applicable to the standard rate of VAT from expiring on 1 January 2018 and to ensure that all Member States apply a standard rate of 15% as a minimum on a permanent basis, my vote reflects my support to 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 welcome the proposal for a revision of the fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, an important part of our action plan against terrorist financing. The series of terror attacks striking Europe has underlined the need for additional action to control terrorist financing and money laundering.Looking back to what happened in past years, especially after the events of 11 September 2001, specifically in Europe, we can say that there have been multiple errors and failures in the European system to counter terrorism. For this reason, I believe that enhanced access to the beneficial ownership registers of companies and trusts, and interconnection of the registers between Member States while improving checks on risky third countries and, as well, cooperation between Member States’ financial intelligence units are among the necessary steps to tackle these errors and failures.This is why, I consider it crucial to achieve our action plan’s objective, to enhance Member States’ collaboration in a fully coordinated manner, especially in their counterterrorism programmes, establishing new and innovative approaches to address the many aspects of the dynamic threat posed by terrorism.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote reflects the opinion that we have to tighten up the approval and surveillance of new cars in order to better protect consumers and the environment. Through this agreement, the Member States will have clear minimum targets to fulfil, the Commission will have obligations and powers for real European oversight, thus the whole system will be more transparent, allowing independent market surveillance by interested parties such as consumer organisations.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome this important report on labelling of organic products, which extends the scope of the regulation regarding new products like traditional herbal preparations, all essential oils, beeswax, cork, mate, wool, cotton, salt, etc. I believe that if these products are produced organically, they should be covered by the organic label in future.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The employment guidelines define common priorities and targets for Member States’ employment policies. Together with the broad economic policy guidelines, they form the basis of the European Semester and the country-specific recommendations. I support the revision of the employment guidelines, introducing the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, with a special focus on equal opportunities, fair working conditions as well as social protection and inclusion for all citizens. Moreover, I share the opinion that child poverty has to be tackled by providing access to health care, education and childcare that are free of charge, as well as to decent housing and proper nutrition.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour as I share the opinion that the report envisages a reasonable budget that is estimated to finance the extra needs for the last year of the mandate (Members leaving Parliament and new Members arriving, institutional electoral campaign) and adjust Parliament’s needs to the situation regarding UK Members after Brexit. Also, I believe that the budget will allow parliamentary work to be undertaken under good conditions, and is fair for all types of staff.

2016/11/22

The draft regulation on European business statistics, amending Regulation (EC) No 184/2005 and repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics (FRIBS) is part of the Commission’s REFIT Programme. This programme seeks to simplify EU law and reduce unnecessary regulatory costs. It identified business statistics as one of its priority area. However, I believe that the current system for producing European business statistics is fragmented into separate domain-specific regulations, which leads to inconsistencies in the data collected and inefficiencies in their production.

2016/11/22

In favour of the resolution, I strongly condemn the murder of Slovak investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his partner Martina Kušnírová. While it is the second fatal attack on a journalist in the EU in the past six months, after journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated in Malta on 16 October 2017, I believe that it is of vital importance to guarantee that the common European values listed in Article 2 TEU are upheld in full and that fundamental rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights are guaranteed. Therefore, I support the call for a regular process of monitoring and dialogue involving all Member States in order to safeguard the EU’s basic values of democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support the call to set up a new funding instrument that should focus on the promotion and protection of EU values within the EU borders such as democracy, freedom, rule of law and fundamental rights, as enshrined in Article 2 of the TEU.I share the opinion that the new dedicated funding instrument, entitled European Values Instrument, should be foreseen within the EU budget of the next MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) and should complement the already existing European funds through targeted financial support.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I believe that only by showing solidarity we can contribute to the release of the detainees while continuing diplomatic efforts to call on Turkish authorities to follow legal proceedings, especially those concerning respect of human rights enshrined in the Geneva Convention.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support the need for inter-parliamentary cooperation which can be achieved progressively through the exchange of best practices between NPs (National Parliaments), regular debates between the respective ministers and specialised committees in NPs, before and after Council and European Council meetings and regular meetings between members of NPs, Commissioners and MEPs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support this important report regarding competition policy, which includes the attention given to the national competition authorities, given the role these administrations play in fighting trusts. It is a good thing that the report encourages the ECN+ (European Competition Network+) proposal, so we can progress towards a stronger capacity, more resources, autonomy and transparency.I am glad to see that the report encourages the CCCTB (Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base) negotiations, pointing out that it would solve Europe’s problem of unfair tax competition.

2016/11/22

I support a fully comprehensive EU Action Plan raising the social problem of vaccine hesitancy as well as the measures proposed within to tackle the spread of unreliable, misleading and unscientific information on vaccination. I share the opinion that concrete action has to be taken to facilitate a more harmonised schedule for vaccinations across the EU, which currently are very fragmented.

2016/11/22

In am in favour of the report as I consider that the EPO has the potential to be an effective instrument to protect victims in a world characterised by high mobility. The report also gives recommendations to improve the state of implementation and the functioning of the EPO. A well-used EPO and EU accession to the Istanbul Convention are an integral part of a coherent EU legal framework for the protection of victims.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In view of the upcoming Bologna Ministerial Conference in Paris on 23-25 May 2018, I welcome the motion for a resolution, mainly because of its focus on important matters such as increasing political engagement alongside mutual cooperation in the implementation of commonly agreed goals throughout the EHEA (European Higher Education Area).I believe that the participating countries need to foster more inclusive mobility for students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff by providing adequate public funding, in particular for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. All key stakeholders should work consistently and together to ensure better implementation of the Bologna Process, as it contributes to the personal and professional development of students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff and to the quality of learning, teaching, research and administration.

2016/11/22

The Council, acting unanimously and after consulting the European Parliament, can determine, at least one year before the end of the legislature, a different electoral period which shall not be more than two months before or one month after the normal slot. The Council has reached an agreement to hold the elections from 23 to 26 May 2019. The same period was suggested by the EP Conference of Presidents in January this year. The decision on the new dates needs to be adopted quickly in order to give sufficient time to Member States to organise the elections.

2016/11/22

J’ai voté en faveur comme j’ai salué ce rapport qui souligne que l'UE, en tant qu'acteur mondial, devrait renforcer sa présence dans la vaste et dynamique région Asie-Pacifique, où l'Australie est un partenaire naturel de l'UE et un acteur important.Je salue particulièrement les mesures y avancées qui visent un renforcement de la coopération antiterroriste entre les équipes d'intervention d'urgence des États membres et les agences de l'UE telles qu'Europol et son Centre européen de lutte contre le terrorisme (ECTC) et le système australien de sécurité nationale. En effet, il est très important de mettre les bases d’une coopération bilatérale de plus en plus étroite pour l'échange d'informations sur les combattants étrangers et leur retour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In 2016, the EU was Australia’s second largest trading partner – its second source of imports (19.3%) and third destination for exports (10.3%). The EU and Australia celebrated 55 years of cooperation and diplomatic relations in 2017, and on 7 August 2017 they concluded a Framework Agreement. My vote was in favour as I welcome the agreement, which will provide a legally binding instrument to upgrade and strengthen EU-Australia bilateral relations and to increase cooperation in areas such as foreign policy and security.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The report refers to the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (CETS No 196). Convention No 196 introduces criminal offences related to terrorism, for which the Union has competence based on Article 83(1) TFEU. Action against terrorism needs to be reinforced, not only at national level but also at pan-European level and beyond. The cross-border nature of terrorism calls for strong international cooperation. A common understanding of terrorist and terrorism-related offences, accompanied by provisions to facilitate cooperation between national authorities, as laid down in Convention No 196, contributes to further enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice instruments and of cooperation at Union and international level.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism aims to supplement the Convention in certain respects, with the aim of further strengthening efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism in all its forms, both in Europe and globally, while respecting human rights and the rule of law.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the opinion that quantitative prevention and qualitative improvement of packaging should be the primary objective of a revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive in line with the principles on which the circular economy is based. Prevention of packaging waste is key, therefore removing incentives for the excessive use of packaging, setting higher reuse and recycling targets, and marketing more reusable, resource—efficient and environmentally friendly packaging are all central to proper waste management.

2016/11/22

This proposal is important because it is designed to simplify Member State reporting obligations and align them with the provisions in the Waste Framework Directive, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the Landfill Directive, as well as aligning the comitology provisions of the Lisbon Treaty.In order to be able to monitor the state of implementation of the waste legislation in the various waste streams, reporting systems on statistical data must be streamlined, robust and well functioning.

2016/11/22

As millions of tonnes of waste are thrown away in Europe when they could be reinvested in the economy, it is very important to support the strengthening of waste prevention measures, and I encourage the development of an efficient secondary raw materials market.

2016/11/22

A progressive reduction in landfilling is necessary in order to prevent it having detrimental effects on human health and the environment, and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects my support for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality which are fundamental principles ensuring an efficient European legislative process while respecting national sovereignty.

2016/11/22

My voice reflects the opinion that trust in the European project and in the European Union will only be maintained if the European Union institutions act as role models in the fields of the rule of law, transparency and good administration, and are seen to have sufficient internal checks and balances to react adequately whenever these fundamental principles are threatened.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration should be people-centred and human rights-based, and should offer long-term, sustainable and comprehensive actions, for the benefit of all parties involved, building on the principle of partnership and strengthened cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination.

2016/11/22

I voted in favor as I fully welcome the implementation of the EU external financing instruments. It is essential that the multi-annual financial framework express ambition and that the external action adoptions be increased, in line with modern challenges and Europe’s new priorities. These changes should directly contribute to more efficiency, flexibility and transparency of EU external relations, with the aim of strengthening EU values and interests worldwide.The EU must show leadership and motivation by deploying an overarching policy for mainstreaming its sustenance to democracy in all its external relations.

2016/11/22

The principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are fundamental principles which ensure an efficient European legislative process while respecting national sovereignty. My vote is in favour as I welcome the report on subsidiarity and proportionality, which aims to analyse the application of these principles by the European institutions and their partners with a view to meeting the expectations of citizens and their national institutions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2016, and also to grant discharge to the Directors of the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency, the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency, the European Research Council Executive Agency and the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency in respect of the implementation of their respective Agencies’ budgets for the financial year 2016.I share the opinion that the Union’s budget must be results-based. In the light of the post-2020 MFF, the Union budget should be a true European added value budget, aimed at achieving common Union objectives of promoting sustainable economic and social development of the whole Union.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of the special reports of the Court of Auditors, that are a very important source for evaluating/controlling the implementation of the EU budget. The observations on the special reports of the Court of Auditors form an integral part of Parliament’s decision on the general discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2016, Section III – Commission.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the discharge exercise constitutes an important task for the European Parliament which must be implemented with the greatest political responsibility and objectiveness, having in mind and defending EU taxpayers and citizens’ interests.I share the opinion that the Commission should better define the development outcomes to be achieved in each case and above all to enhance control mechanisms concerning recipient states’ conduct in the fields of corruption, respect of human rights, rule of law and democracy.

2016/11/22

I am in favour to postpone the Parliament’s decision to grant discharge to the Secretary-General of the Council with respect to the implementation of the Council’s budget for the 2016 financial year.In 2016, the European Council and the Council had an overall budget of EUR 545 054 000 (compared to EUR 541 791 500 in 2015), with an implementation rate on average of 93.5%, this is an increase of EUR 3.3 million (equivalent to 0.6%) in the 2016 budget of the European Council and the Council.I believe that the situation should be resolved as rapidly as possible in the interest of the citizens of the Union. The procedure of giving discharge separately to the individual Union institutions and bodies is a long-standing practice accepted by all the other institutions except the Council. This procedure has been developed to guarantee transparency and democratic accountability towards Union citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the discharge as, in its 2016 annual report, the Court of Auditors observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Moreover, the Court of Auditors concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative and other expenditure of the institutions and bodies were free from material error.

2016/11/22

In the context of the discharge procedure, it is of particular importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by improving transparency and accountability, implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting (PBB) and good governance of human resources. My vote is in favour of granting the discharge, and I welcome the Union’s added value approach of the Court in its reports, while supporting the calls for further work with the other institutions of the Union to develop the performance indicators and priorities for a good financial governance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant discharge to the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee in respect of the implementation of the committee’s budget for the 2016 financial year. I welcome the conclusion of the Court of Auditors, according to which the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative and other expenditure of the committee were free from material error. No significant weaknesses were identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant discharge to the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of the EU’s general budget for the 2016 financial year, Section VII – Committee of the Regions.I welcome the fact that the Court of Auditors observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Committee. The Court concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative and other expenditure of the institutions and bodies were free from material error.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant discharge to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the 2016 financial year.The EEAS has continued to implement its administrative budget without being affected by major errors and that the overall level of error in the spending related to the ‘Administration’ budget has been estimated by the Court of Auditors at 0.2%. I welcome the establishment of the mission support platform to provide centralised administrative support to Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. It is very important to address the financing of the platform, with a clear and transparent framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the discharge, taking into consideration the overall prudent and sound financial management of the Ombudsman in the 2016 budget period. In its 2016 annual report, the Court of Auditors observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified with respect to the audited topics related to human resources and procurement for the European Ombudsman. Furthermore, on the basis of its audit work, the Court concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative expenditure of the institutions and bodies were free from material error.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant discharge to the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2016.I welcome the conclusion of the Court of Auditors, according to which the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2016 for administrative and other expenditure of the European Data Protection Supervisor were free from material error and that the examined supervisory and control systems for administrative and other expenditure were effective

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, taking into consideration the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2016 and the statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

In the context of the discharge procedure, it is of particular importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by improving transparency and accountability, implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting (PBB) and good governance of human resources. I voted in favour of granting the discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the discharge, taking into consideration the Court of Auditors’ report on the annual accounts of the European Police Office for the financial year 2016, as well as the statement of assurance as to the reliability of the accounts and the legality and regularity of the underlying transactions provided by the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as the new Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) constitutes, so far, the most ambitious Euro-Mediterranean research and innovation initiative in this field. Moreover, the latter also contributes to resolve the issue of forced displacement of Mediterranean residents and thus tackle some of the root causes of migration. PRIMA was launched on 1 January 2018 for a period of ten years with the objective of framing innovative and integrated solutions for the sustainable management of water provision and agro-food systems in the Mediterranean area.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as the ex-post evaluation of the previous Protocol shows that both parties have benefited from the framework, with the Mauritian government utilising the EU funds for sectorial support, a better Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) protection and considerable progress in implementing its environmental policy and promoting sustainability. At the same time, the EU fleet has benefited from a more stable, predictable and clear framework. Moreover, Mauritius has a continuously growing economy, with the fishing sector bringing approximately 1.4% of the GDP of the country. The country’s development plan of 2015 encompasses fishery and ocean economy as one of the main sectors, with due respect for long-term management and sustainable exploitation of the marine environment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour, as the agreement constitutes a step towards engaging on liberalising agricultural trade between the EU and Norway further, in particular trade in processed agricultural products which is hampered by high customs tariffs in Norway and towards resuming negotiations on geographical indications. The proposed agreement will provide new trade opportunities for EU exporters and strengthen trade relations between the EU and Norway. It seeks to increase the degree of liberalisation further, enlarging the current tariff rate quotas, opening new tariff rate quotas for additional agricultural products and addressing certain pending trade irritants.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote underlines the need to frame a strategic European vegetable protein production and supply plan based on the sustainable development of all the crops grown throughout the EU. The European Union is suffering from a major deficit in vegetable proteins due to the needs of its livestock sector which is dependent on feed imports from third countries. It is necessary to diminish the Union’s significant dependency on imports of protein crops, which are mainly used for animal feed. In addition to the environmental impact in soya producing regions, the current situation implies significant risks especially for the EU livestock sector, as price volatility on international markets has considerably increased.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as I support the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework. Forest management has an essential role to play in combating climate change. The forest mitigation should be measured using a scientifically objective approach, and not allowing countries to hide the impacts of policies that increase emissions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposed Regulation aims to set the Union on track to a low-carbon economy through the establishment of a predictable long-term pathway to reducing by 2050 the greenhouse gas emissions of the Union by 80 to 95% compared to 1990 levels. Therefore, my vote reflects the high importance of the latter, which intendeds to implement the Paris Agreement and whose objective consists in strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the need for an ambitious and future-proof directive on the energy performance of buildings with a view to securing a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised European building stock. The Union’s building stock consumes a substantial part of Europe’s final energy demand, in particular for fossil fuels. A better performing building stock offers major potential for improved energy security and reduced energy imports to Europe, while leading to lower energy bills for European energy consumers and ensuring healthier living conditions as well as increased growth and jobs, in particular in SMEs.

2016/11/22

The seventh environment action programme (‘7th EAP’) puts forward legally binding targets in the areas of environment and climate change to be achieved by 2020, while setting a long-term vision for 2050. The latter provides important strategic guidance for both the EU and Member States, while driving an agenda that has a positive effect on citizens and the environment. 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. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report, which highlights that there remains great room for improvement and calls on the Commission and the competent authorities in the Member States to show increased political will at the highest level in order to implement the 7th EAP.

2016/11/22

The report points out that women constituted 68% of journalism and information graduates in the EU-28 in 2015, while employment data for the EU-28 for the years 2008 to 2015 show that the percentage of women employed in the media sector, on average, is continuing to languish at around 40%. Moreover, the proportion of women in decision-making in the media in the EU-28 in 2015 was still below the gender balance zone (40%-60%) at just 32%, while the proportion of women board chairs was 22%. My vote highlights the pressing need to support and develop incentive measures for the equal representation of women and men in decision-making posts, and for the effective monitoring of such efforts to be given greater prominence in the organisations concerned.

2016/11/22

My vote underlines the growing need to support female digital entrepreneurship, as the digital sector represents one of the fastest growing and prospering sectors in the economy, offering numerous opportunities for innovation and growth, while women constitute only 19% of entrepreneurs in this field. Digitalisation represents an opportunity to increase labour market participation and pay levels, by also improving work-life balance and boosting female entrepreneurship. Moreover, the entry of more women into the ICT sector would boost a market in which labour shortages are predicted, and in which the equal participation of women would lead to a gain of around EUR 9 billion in EU GDP each year.

2016/11/22

J’ai voté en faveur de ce texte et j’ai salué cet important rapport dont le but est de contribuer à la révision du Fonds européen de développement et de l’instrument de coopération au développement, tout en analysant leur pertinence et celle de l’instrument d’aide humanitaire par rapport aux objectifs des politiques de coopération au développement et d’aide humanitaire de l’Union. Je partage l’opinion que, si l’Union souhaite garder sa position de leader en la matière, tant par ses apports financiers à la coopération au développement et à l’aide humanitaire que par le bien-fondé de ses actions dans ce domaine, le nouveau cadre financier pluriannuel post-2020 devrait pouvoir répondre aux défis mondiaux auxquels elle est confrontée et comprendre des dotations financières à la hauteur de ces défis.

2016/11/22

Je soutiens fortement cet rapport. L’UE doit donner une inflexion nouvelle à l’aide publique au développement en cherchant particulièrement à mieux encadrer l’octroi de prêts aux pays en développement, tout en jouant un rôle important en matière de responsabilisation des parties impliquées dans les opérations d’emprunts souverains.

2016/11/22

The European Commission’s 7th Cohesion Report shows how much regions and their needs differ within the EU. I voted in favour of the report, as I consider that cohesion policy in the new programming period should continue to adequately cover all European regions and remain the European Union’s main public investment instrument based on long-term strategy and perspectives, with a budget commensurate with existing and new challenges, and ensuring the fulfilment of the basic goals of the policy. Moreover, the cohesion policy should in future not only diminish disparities but also foster resilience and prevent vulnerable areas from falling behind, by taking greater account of trends and dynamics.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I think it is of great importance to fight against IUU fishing and it is regrettable that the Comoros failed to meet its obligations in this regard, resulting in the denunciation of the EU-Comoros Fisheries Partnership Agreement. As a Small Island Developing State and Least Developed Country, it is essential for the Comoros to continue cooperation with the EU, notably in terms of development policy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution as I support the call on the Commission to pursue the dialogue with the Comoros and provide assistance to enable it to improve its fisheries management in order to effectively combat IUU fishing in all its forms. Notably in terms of development policy, it is essential for the Comoros to continue cooperation with the EU. The EU should take all possible steps to ensure that sustainable fisheries agreements with third countries bring mutual benefits to the EU and the third countries concerned, including their local populations and their fisheries sectors.

2016/11/22

I support the promotion and updating of Europass, the European tool, through the creation of an online platform in order to take into account technological advances. With this single portal, end users will have easy access to available information that will be useful for their recruitment processes, their choice of education, training or their career paths.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of the European Union Youth Orchestra’s role in offering young musicians regular training and opportunities for international performances. I share the opinion that EUYO contributes to promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, knowledge of the rich European musical heritage across borders and the mobility of young European talent.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that the Commission and the Dutch authorities should take all the necessary measures to ensure that the agency can move to its temporary location no later than 1 January 2019 and to its permanent location no later than 16 November 2019. I support the call for the Commission and the competent authorities of the Netherlands to submit a written report to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress of the adjustments to the temporary premises and on the construction of the permanent building three months after the entry into force of the regulation, and every three months thereafter, until the agency has moved into its permanent headquarters.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support the merger of both Directives on Corporate Tax by also aligning the entry into force of the base and the consolidation on 1 January 2020. I would like to welcome, at the same time, the introduction of a new concept of digital permanent establishment to capture the profits made by digital companies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I believe that the project should strengthen the internal market by making it easier and cheaper for companies to operate cross-border in the EU, and also to counter practices of corporate aggressive tax planning and to increase corporate tax transparency in the EU.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report on the guidelines for the next year’s budget, as it sets out the main political priorities of the European Parliament, and provides a rather comprehensive overview. I support a strong and progressive EU budget for 2019 and I am in favour of mobilising all means available to tackle the European and global challenges in order to reach the sustainable development goals.

2016/11/22

I support the EU’s continuing efforts towards full implementation of the UN Security Council resolution and respect of international law in Syria. On our side, I underline the importance of having an inclusive political process and transition, up to the task of shaping Syria’s future unity and reconciliation.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the belief that the decision taken by the US Department of Commerce to impose a tariff on Spanish olives calls into question, in an unfair and arbitrary manner, all the EU’s farming support programmes and could negatively impact all recipients of payments under the CAP. I strongly support the call on the Commission to defend our system of CAP support, which is regarded by the WTO as non-trade-distorting and which has been approved under the WTO green box procedure.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of corporate social responsibility, which constitutes an essential element of the European social and economic model. I support the proposal for the Commission to present, before the end of 2018, a new action plan on corporate social responsibility, which should provide for a more ambitious approach to CSR, encompassing legal requirements and both stronger reporting obligations and more effective control mechanisms.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I share the opinion that any future EU-UK relationship has to involve an appropriate balance of rights and obligations and it needs to safeguard a number of fundamental principles, such as preserving the EU’s decision-making autonomy, the integrity of the single market and financial stability.I welcome the provisions put forward within the Resolution that provide an input for the Council guidelines, and according to which an association agreement negotiated between the EU and the UK following the latter’s withdrawal, could provide an appropriate framework for the future relationship. In this view, it is crucial to build a consistent governance framework, which should rely on a robust dispute resolution mechanism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I support the common rules proposed within the Regulation on the production of rail statistics at EU level. Statistical data on goods, passenger transport and accidents covering all EU railways are necessary with a view to monitoring and developing the common transport policy and transport safety. I underline the importance of Member States to be responsible for the quality of the statistical data provided, which shall be assessed by Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the EU has to be prepared for Brexit and all the rules and technical provisions need to be accordingly adapted ahead of time in order to avoid any disruptions, as well as any possible legal void.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as the MFA is provided as an integral part of the international support for the economic stabilisation of Georgia. The EU’s macro-financial assistance is an exceptional emergency instrument aimed at addressing severe balance-of-payment difficulties in third countries. The MFA is very important, as together with the economic adjustment and reform programme will help alleviate Georgia’s short- term financing needs while supporting policy measures aimed at strengthening medium-term balance of payments and fiscal sustainability and raising sustainable growth, thus complementing the programme agreed with the IMF.

2016/11/22

I consider that the European Commission needs to significantly strengthen cooperation with the European Parliament when drafting the list of Projects of Common Interest. I also believe that the list includes positive projects relevant to our constituencies. It is also well recognised that support for gas will still be necessary in a transition phase, in particular in Central and Eastern Europe.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as it concentrates on providing assistance to integrate the affected persons into the labour market. The redundancies were caused by major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and its negative impact on B-segment car tyre production in the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I consider that the next MFF is an opportunity to prepare the ground for a stronger and more sustainable Europe through one of its most tangible instruments, the European Union budget. I strongly believe that the next MFF should be embedded in a broader strategy and narrative for the future of Europe.From my point of view the next MFF should be built on the European Union’s well-established policies and priorities, which aim at promoting peace, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and gender equality, long-term and sustainable economic growth, and research and innovation, providing quality employment leading to decent jobs, fighting climate change, and fostering economic, social and territorial cohesion.

2016/11/22

I welcome the proposed reform and encourage the own resources system, as the EU needs to be able to stand up to its political commitments and as well as to increase its degree of independence in the decision-making process at international level. I believe that this can be achieved through a reform of its own resources system.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I consider that an increase of wages combined with a boost to public investment to foster convergence and enhance the environmental sustainability are key priorities for 2018. This report is important as it fights against inequalities and calls to develop a comprehensive strategy to support investment that enhances environmental sustainability, and to ensure a proper link between the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Semester.

2016/11/22

Social justice is declining and inequalities must be corrected through political action at the European and national level, and the European Semester should focus on this objective.I believe that we need urgent and more decisive action and policy coordination to reduce inequalities and promote equal opportunities, to fight poverty – especially child-poverty – and to tackle unemployment. A decisive change and transformation in political will, direction and policy are urgent. Europe must have a heart that looks after its workers, its children, its youth, its elderly, the most vulnerable ones and all those who lack opportunities in life.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I share the opinion that the overcapacity in the steel industry should be approached in an inclusive way and I support the call to monitor the market’s fluctuations and its effects on the European industry in order to prevent any disruption through the development of social funds.

2016/11/22

In favour of the agreement, I believe it helps the two parts to share administrative best practices and enhance cooperation in order to facilitate legitimate trade and fight fraud. The EU and New Zealand are close partners – a partnership that is going to be fostered through the agreement by providing practical arrangements between the administrations which will secure global supply chains and facilitate the fight against customs fraud.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of the report as I support the focuses on four important areas: privacy and data protection, cybersecurity, communication technologies and interoperability of systems. I encourage industrial sectors to join forces – telecommunications, car manufacturing and energy operators – so that the results of digital advances can be properly put in place and applied. Intelligent cars will also contribute to reducing deaths on the roads and increase safety.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of the new measures, which constitute a significant element of the Commission’s Digital Single Market strategy in boosting e-commerce growth. The rules put forward will pave the way towards greater transparency of tariffs and employment practices and a better deal for consumers and small businesses ordering and sending cross-border parcels. By making it easier for consumers and businesses to check which cross-border parcel delivery companies offer the best rates, consumers will be encouraged to buy more online, and retailers, especially small businesses, which do not possess the bargaining power to negotiate better rates, will be provided with new possibilities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote reflects the importance of this report, which is built on the Commission’s proposal to update and to tackle a few shortcomings in the Directive on the initial qualification and periodic training requirements for professional drives of truck and buses. The efficiency and safety of the road transport business greatly depend both on the quality of vehicles used and on the skills of the human capital. In view of this, the qualification and periodic training of drivers, and the ability to carry out assessments of those skills and enforce the legislation that regulates them across the EU are crucial and must be regularly updated in order to stay in line with the changes within the industry.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote is in favour as I support the Commission’s proposal to establish a European Defence Industrial Development Programme, and I share the opinion that it is very important to implement it successfully from January 2019 in order to secure the prospects for the European defence industry in the period after 2020. The objective of the Programme is to foster the competitiveness, efficiency and innovation capacity of the defence industry throughout the Union, which contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy, support and leverage cooperation between Member States. I particularly welcome the proposal to ensure that at least 10% of the overall Programme budget is allocated to actions promoting cross-border participation of SMEs.

2016/11/22

Trade and investment agreements are not gender neutral, meaning that they have different impact on women and men due to structural inequalities; therefore it is of paramount importance to address them the gender equality angle. My vote is in favour of the report as the latter puts forward concrete recommendations on what the EU could do in order to guarantee that its trade policies are in line with its gender equality objectives, recalling at the same time that binding and enforceable provisions in EU trade agreements are necessary to safeguard respect for human rights standards, including gender equality.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the latter calls for tailor-made strategies, programmes and actions for different lagging regions, depending on their specificities and using smart specialisation to accelerate their convergence and secure the best solutions for job creation, economic growth and sustainable development. I particularly welcome the emphasis on the cohesion policy, which plays a key role in ensuring and promoting public and private investment in all EU regions, both directly and by contributing to the creation of a favourable environment for investment. Also, I share the opinion that unemployment constitutes of the most pressing problems in the vast majority of lagging regions and that secondary and higher education, of professional, on-the-job training and of knowledge transfer, play an essential role in combating the levels of youth unemployment and the large numbers of young people departing these regions.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report as I strongly share the opinion that cities need to play a decisive role in tackling climate change, in coordinated interdependence with national authorities and their surrounding regions. More than 70% of Europeans and 73% of jobs are based in urban areas: cities bear great responsibility for global warming, and at the same time they offer a great deal of potential in terms of solutions. I particularly welcome the emphasis put on the need to increase the post-2020 cohesion policy budget and on the need for the latter to pay particular attention to urban investment in air quality, the circular economy, climate adaptation, green infrastructure development solutions, as well as the energy and digital transition.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as the Directive in question aims to extend the deadline for transposition to 1 October 2018 ( instead of 23 February 2018) to give insurance undertakings and insurance distributors more time to implement the Directive and to comply with the Delegated Regulations which were adopted by the Commission in September 2017.

2016/11/22

I welcome this bilateral agreement and encourage new measures regarding insurance and reinsurance and the aims of eliminating some key trade barriers between European Union and USA.I voted in favour because this agreement is important for both site of the Atlantic: for EU companies, elimination of the collateral requirement will remove a key barrier to cross-border expansion and on the US side, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and US state regulators expressing reservations with respect to the supervision provision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support proper labelling. I welcome any action that would lead to an increased consumer protection and a stronger protection of consumer interest. It is of great importance that consumers, when buying anything labelled as vodka, whisky or rum in the EU market have the confidence that they will received exactly what they expect.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I support the Commission proposal to improve and strengthen administrative cooperation between the Member States’ tax administrations and I consider important for the Member States to strengthen the financial and human resources of the tax administration.It is important to have strong and corresponding sanctions, which should be financial, as well as a granted access to the central depository, which could also strengthen the EU competition policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favor as the EGF funding of EUR 720 000 shall contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalized services, providing assistance for 303 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in the NUTS level 2 region of Galicia, with the aim of providing assistance for integrating the affected persons into the labour market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favor as the report gives the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in Sweden. I welcome the EGF funding of EUR 2 130 400, which will contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 900 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in the NUTS level 2 regions of Stockholm with the aim of providing assistance for integrating those affected into the labour market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome this very important report that focuses on the rule of law, immigration and integration, as well as discrimination – key interlinked issues, which have lost nothing of their relevance or topicality. It is essential to continue fighting for the principles of equality and justice across the EU and tear down any form of discrimination against any of our citizens or threats to the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome this very important report, which provides support for the EU apiculture sector, as beekeeping represents a very important economic agricultural sector in many Member States, with a significant contribution in increasing and diversifying the incomes of many rural households. This is why it is important to recognise pesticides as the first cause of bee mortality and the ban of those neonicotinoids that are harmful to bees.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I consider the banking union as a fundamental objective to guarantee the financial stability of the euro area and an indispensable foundation of an open economic and monetary union that should be reinforced. I believe that a quick completion of the banking union is needed, through deposit protection, which is a common concern of all EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I welcome the report for its focus on cutting terrorist funding through its balanced approach to the source regions and I fully support the blocking the financial means available to the terrorist organisation.As I strongly believe that the security of EU citizens has to become the first priority of EU specialised institutions, I consider that cutting the sources of terrorist funding is a key area for successfully addressing this threat.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the provisions provided within.I strongly share the opinion that we have to put the spotlight on the empowerment of rural women as they are often the primary care providers in their families and communities. I recall that we have a duty to work towards the achievement of full gender equality in the Union, and to promote this goal in all external relations.

2016/11/22

ECRIS—TCN Regulation establishes the creation and management of a centralised system, the responsibilities of the data controllers and the access rights to this centralised database. My votes is in favour as the ECRIS-TCN constitutes a tool to facilitate cooperation and information sharing between Member States. I share the opinion that is important to distinguish between the ECRIS system and the centralised system, referred to as the ECRIS-TCN system. The ECRIS-TCN system only allows a competent authority to establish where criminal records information is held, and not what that information is. In order to obtain the details of what the criminal conviction actually is, the competent authority will have to use the traditional ECRIS system to make a request to the relevant Member State.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of this report, which constitutes a progressive tool for promoting sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as objectives. The Guarantee Fund for External Action is part of the External Investment Plan (EIP), as well as the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD). The EIP establishes a coherent and integrated framework to foster investment in Africa and the European neighbourhood, with the aim of promoting decent job creation and inclusive and sustainable development, and addressing root causes of migration.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of supporting investments and the private sector through innovative financing that shall foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social progress, address root causes of the migration crisis and support resilience of the partner countries in Africa and the Neighbourhood, including in Least Developed Countries, with a specific focus on growth, creation of decent jobs, youth and women, socio economic sectors and SMEs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favor as I agree that the prolongation of EFSI should enable EIB to overcome problems identified in the current scheme related to sustainability, climate action support and geographic balance. I share the opinion that the European Investment Bank supports social upward convergence and fights the root causes of migration.

2016/11/22

Voting in favour, I welcome the report as it represents an important step forward for European democracy through the nature of the compromise we managed to reach upon this issue. I believe that the proposals better reflect the EU as a whole, by also increasing the number of MEPs from under—represented countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the revised Framework Agreement constitutes an important step forward in enhancing the political dimension of the European Commission, by putting an emphasis on the Spitzenkandidat principle and establishing clear standards of transparency for commissioners willing to participate in the next European elections.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report taking into consideration that Portugal has fully applied the general provisions and should be entitled to receive and provide personal data for the purposes of automatic search for vehicle registration data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM), as we must step our efforts to put an end to FGM. UNICEF’s 2016 statistical report indicates that at least 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, but the exact figure remains unknown. I welcome the calls on the Commission and Member States, put forward in the resolution, to mainstream the prevention of FGM into all sectors, especially health, including sexual and reproductive health, social work, asylum, education, including sex education, law enforcement, justice, child protection, and media and communication.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the renewal of this agreement which has been beneficial for both the EU and Brazil, thanks to research and development partner in fields of interest to the Union like agriculture, second generation biofuels and diseases. Brazil’s potential as a research and innovation partner continues to grow, strengthening its strategic role for the EU in Latin America.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I fully welcome the long-awaited agreement reached on new rules preventing geo-blocking, a landmark agreement which will provide EU citizens with access to a wider range of goods and services and tear down another barrier to a truly digital European Union. Putting an end to artificial segmentation of the market by traders and comprehensively fighting discrimination based on nationality, place of residence or establishment represents a significant step in further achieving the full potential of the digital single market.I believe this regulation constitutes the much needed improvement of the legal framework, and I strongly believe that it will pave the way towards an increased trust in the Single Market, by ensuring that EU retailers give consumers access to goods and services on the same terms all over the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the ETS (Emissions Trading System) constitutes a landmark piece of legislation on which we heavily rely in order to meet our commitments for the climate and the Paris Agreement, as well as for our industrial policy and the possibilities to guarantee that we have a competitive and modern production in Europe.I would like to stress on the importance for the Member States to also tackle the social aspects of decarbonising their economies and use proceeds from the EU ETS to promote skill formation and reallocation of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the ECB shall without prejudice support the general economic policies of the Union, to the primary objective of price stability. I support the need for the ECB to continue ensuring full transparency of public data regarding purchases made under its programmes for each company.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the report puts forward the need to create incentives, so as to ensure investor certainty and enhance investment in clean energy innovation, R&D and deployment. I share the opinion that energy-related research and innovation should continue to remain a priority under FP9 (Framework Programme 9), while supporting the call to increase by at least 50% the proportion of clean energy-related financing under FP9.I consider that more efforts should be devoted towards promoting innovations to tackle energy poverty and assist regions that have social impacts as a result of phasing out of coal and lignite.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I strongly support the conclusion of the Marrakesh Treaty. The Marrakesh Treaty is embedded within a clear humanitarian and social development dimension and its main objective is to improve the availability and the cross-border exchange of certain works and other protected subject-matter in accessible format for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the new rules put forward will speed up the procedure and ensure legal clarity, as well as diminish costs associated with proceedings and legal assistance. In order to protect the best interest of the child, I strongly support these much needed changes and that the hearing of the child becomes an obligatory component of the proceedings. I particularly welcome the provisions according to which, cases relating to children and child abduction should now be handled much faster and that national central authorities will be better coordinated.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the importance of The Youth Employment initiative, which provides financial support for measures, which address youth unemployment via fostering the integration of young people who are not in education, employment or training into the labour market. It is necessary to continue fighting for the sustainability of offers that not only match the candidate’s qualification level and profile but also ensure their development of skills, social protection, decent working conditions and adequate remuneration.

2016/11/22

Regulated professions, which represent up to 22% of the labour force in the EU and cover many crucial sectors, constitute a significant element in the economy of the Member States. Rules on regulated professions are usually imposed to ensure the protection of general interest objectives. I voted in favour as I welcome this very important report, which highlights that high-quality professional services and an effective regulatory environment are of utmost importance for preserving the EU economic, social and cultural model and for boosting the competitiveness of the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Considering current international security threats, the export control of dual-use goods and technologies is a critical aspect of the security policies of countries that trade technology. Dual-use goods are those items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes. For human rights reasons, and in order to avoid serious abuses, I supported the report, which reflects awareness of the need for stricter control of exports of these goods.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report as I fully support the necessary infrastructure for using renewable energy sources. The use of fossil fuels has been, and still is, devastating to the environment through greenhouse gas emissions and consequent global warming. Aiming towards clean energy, we will not only make progress towards a decarbonised economy but will also reinforce our energy security and our economy, and we will create highly qualified jobs.

2016/11/22

The low-carbon energy transition is a global challenge and an universal ambition to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption across the EU, which is necessary to fulfil in order to meet the terms of the Paris commitments, to fight climate change and to lead the energy transition. My vote reflects the importance of energy efficiency, which is the main target of the Energy Union strategy, leading to economic development reinforcement, consumer protection, research and competitiveness - all vital to address the climate challenge and to accelerate the EU energy transition.

2016/11/22

A robust governance system for the Energy Union is necessary in order to fulfil the EU 2030 climate and energy targets and to coordinate efforts, while framing long-term strategies for decarbonisation. I voted in favour as I welcome the proposal on the Governance of the Energy Union, which contributes to a greater regulatory certainty and whose objective is to simplify the process of monitoring progress and tackling weaknesses in implementing the goals of Energy Union, in particular the 2030 EU targets on renewables, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.

2016/11/22

I support a swift and comprehensive transposition into EU law of the conservation, control and enforcement measures adopted by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), to which the EU is a contracting party and which covers a wide range of matters such as common control measures, measures applicable to jack mackerel and measures aimed at reducing seabird mortality and exploratory fishing.I welcome the provisions put forward in the report, which aim to ensure fair allocation of fishing opportunities, prohibit the use of large-scale pelagic driftnets and deep-water gillnets throughout the SPRFMO Convention area, and spotlight both the need to promote coastal fishing activities and the use of fishing gear and techniques which are selective and have a reduced environmental impact.

2016/11/22

I support the report, which evaluates the implementation of macro-regional strategies and underlines the conclusions for the future.Macro-regional strategies play an important role in promoting European territorial cooperation and bring together regions from Member States and third countries confronted with a common set of challenges. Each macro-regional strategy varies on the basis of the countries involved or the scope of their policies, but they all have the same goal, which is to address these challenges mentioned before.

2016/11/22

The report regards the implementation of the landing obligation and ensures a reduced impact of fishing activities on the ecosystem. I express my confidence that the Technical Measures Regulation can restore the confidence in the fishing sector through greater stakeholder participation, clear/less complex rules and reduced administrative burden. I believe that the Regulation provides incentives for a more sustainable fishing which would lead to reduced environmental impact, more abundant stocks, and to a more attractive fishing sector with more and better paid jobs.

2016/11/22

I support this important report, which constitutes an ambitious response to the Joint Communication and puts forward key guidelines for efficient and effective ocean governance at international level in order to deliver on the commitments of the Paris Agreement and achieve the 2030 Agenda.While recalling the crucial part that oceans, along with coastal and marine resources, play in supporting life on earth and in social and economic development worldwide, I would like to also emphasise that they represent in fact our strongest allies against climate change, with a vital role in the global climate system. However, as widely acknowledged, the environmental health of the oceans is in great peril, which calls for strongly coordinated efforts.

2016/11/22

I support the report, as gender equality and full participation of women in overall climate action are important topics for which awareness needs to be improved and firmly included in climate—change policy at all levels. As traditional models in the community, women have now become more and more representatives of change. Considering their decisive effect on the success of sustainable development and on the mitigation of climate change, I believe Member States should increase awareness about gender equality also in regard to climate aspects.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which builds on the Commission’s proposal on enforcement of Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market, laying down a notification procedure for authorisation schemes and requirements related to services. The proposal constitutes part of a range of actions by the Commission aiming to improve the functioning of the single market in services. I share the opinion that the proposal will pave the way for better compliance with the notification obligation under the Services Directive, and will increase transparency while enhancing dialogue among the Member States and the Commission.

2016/11/22

My vote validates the importance of the Joint Communication on the EU-Afghanistan Strategy, which is strengthening the shared purposes for achieving peace, stability, security and sustainable development in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, I welcome and support the political commitment of the EU and the Afghan government for the continuation of the progress in all the areas mentioned above.

2016/11/22

I support the EU’s call for immediate end of violence for the Rohingya people, and I support all the efforts to guarantee protection of Rohingya people and respect of their human rights.

2016/11/22

Child sexual abuse online and off line is a growing tragedy and constitutes a cross-border crime that requires cross-border cooperation. Directive 2011/93/EU (the Directive) represents a comprehensive legal instrument, which puts forward provisions on substantive criminal law and criminal procedure, administrative measures and policy measures. The Commission implementation reports drew the conclusions that there is still considerable scope for the Directive to reach its full potential. I voted in favour of the report, which identifies the areas where Member States should do more and clarifies certain provisions in the Directive to facilitate the correct and full implementation by the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, and I fully support the latter, especially the call on the Commission to identify ways of enhancing cooperation with Member States Authorities as regarding the inquiries about the implementation of and compliance with EU law. Petitions to the European Parliament are valuable means for citizens to obtain a formal hearing by the EU institutions, establishing a direct link between them and their elected representatives. I believe that by promoting citizens’ participation and engagement, we strengthen democracy, increase transparency and ensure information flows.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, as the transport sector, which is responsible for almost a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, has to make the irreversible shift to a low-emission mobility. I particularly welcome the call on the Commission to put forward an ambitious action plan fostering the market uptake of electric vehicles and to issue Member States with guiding recommendations to encourage them to implement fiscal incentives for zero- and low-emission vehicles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of resolution B8-0677/2017, and I consider it appropriate to move to the second phase of negotiations. I am content that we have reached an agreement on all three main important separation issues. The most important on which I am keen is that the rights of all EU and United Kingdom citizens are going to be protected, with close monitoring of their implementation and applications. Moreover, the UK Government has agreed to honour its financial obligations.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the resolution as the latter calls on the Commission to reassess current authorisations and, where necessary, table proposals for their discontinuation or revision, in cases where the re-evaluation of phosphates for use as food additives by EFSA cannot exclude any health risks resulting from the use of phosphates as food additives.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour as tax avoidance, tax evasion and money laundering continue to be global phenomena and therefore call for a comprehensive, clear and coherent responses relying on mutual support and increased cooperation at EU and global level. Fighting against tax evasion and money laundering must be a top priority and for this we need to be united and determined to close down definitively every single tax heaven, to stop any collaboration with the jurisdictions that allow tax evasion, tax avoidance and money laundering.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I fully support the report and the proposal within in to develop the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) in the EU framework, while benefiting from effective Union support, in full respect of Member States’ competences in defence. The world is changing rapidly around us and we have to tackle new challenges every day. To deliver better, Europe and the European Union must focus on today’s main challenges – ensuring the security of our citizens, confronted with both growing external and internal threats.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which addresses the main institutional, thematic and geographical aspects of EU common foreign and security policy. At a time of increased international challenges, European citizens more than ever expect an effective common foreign and security policy from the EU and Member States, adequately backed by financial resources. As emphasised in the report, a common EU action constitutes the most effective way to preserve Europe’s interests, support its values, engage in a wider world as a united and influential global actor and protect its citizens and Member States from increased threats to their security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which recalls that the EU and its Member States must actively pursue the principle of mainstreaming human rights and democracy, as mutually reinforcing fundamental principles lies at the core of the EU, in all EU policies, including those with an external dimension. I particularly welcome the emphasis placed on the importance of enhanced cooperation between the Commission, the Council, the European External Action Service (EEAS), Parliament and the EU delegations to promote and guarantee a consistent and united voice in defence of human rights and democratic principles.

2016/11/22

While sharing the opinion that the report could have been more balanced, my vote reflects the belief that the latter arrives timely and reflects some of our concerns. I particularly welcome the recommendation to highlight the EU’s commitment to strengthening democracy, including the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, fundamental freedoms and rights, transparency, and freedom of information and expression in Hong Kong.

2016/11/22

My vote for the report expresses my support for the system of issuing and managing fishing authorisations. It is important to increase the surveillance and transparency of the EU external fishing fleet and to guarantee its sustainability management in accordance with the objectives of the CFP reform.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I believe that the European agriculture needs a more social and inventive approach in our agricultural policy, while developing a more resilient agriculture as a vital necessity for sustainability and public health. Moreover, I welcome the new rural development policy for 2014-20, designed to improve quality of life in rural communities and to harness the full potential of rural areas.

2016/11/22

Greenhouse gas emissions from aviation activities are significant and, if we do not step up our efforts, emissions from the international aviation will reach worrying levels by 2050, undermining EU and global efforts to live up to the Paris climate commitments and effectively address climate change. My vote is in favour of this report, and, as emphasised in the latter, the Commission should regularly submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the advancements in the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) negotiations, while examining the overall environmental integrity of the measure, including, among others, its general ambition with respect to the targets under the Paris Agreement.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the belief that the extension, as agreed, would allow to strengthen the impact of the EFSI to fill in the investment gap in the EU not only by increasing the investment target from 315 bn. to 500 bn. but also by improving the quality of the projects supported by EFSI through better criteria and more transparency in the selection procedure process of the projects.

2016/11/22

The initial objective of the regulation was to lay the ground for legal certainty and to foster paid and legal cross-border access in the digital age, but following the vote in the JURI Committee, I share the opinion that the outcome would further complicate the access of European citizens to European content and would pave the way towards a higher level of geo-blocking. Therefore, my vote reflects to abovementioned opinion.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour as the proposal fully preserves the content of the acts being codified.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the European Parliament’s consent regarding the conclusion of the agreement. The Air Transport Agreement (first stage agreement) was signed on 25 and 30 April 2007 and has been provisionally applied from 30 March 2008. In October 2015, the Commission put forward an amended proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the agreement, in order to take into consideration the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the fact that Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania had joined the EU in the meantime. In order to conclude the Air Transport Agreement between the European Community and its Member States and the United States of America, the Council needs the consent of the European Parliament as required by Article 218 TFEU.

2016/11/22

After several years of negotiations, the European Commission has concluded negotiations on linking the EU ETS with the ETS of Switzerland. The Agreement establishes the institutional framework as well as the key objectives and principles for linking the two systems. I voted in favour of the agreement as the latter will hopefully lead to the creation of a solid international carbon market. However, more transparency in future similar agreements is a prerequisite for ensuring environmental integrity and public acceptance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the new EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, whose goal is to support Kazakhstan – a key trade and strategic partner for the EU and its efforts to commit to international human rights standards and dialogue. However, Kazakhstan still raises concerns regarding the rule of law, democracy and human rights. This is why permanent efforts have to be made by Kazakhstan in order to achieve high compatibility with EU laws and to have a fruitful dialogue on human rights and civil society.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour, as I welcome the new EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian partner to have concluded an enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement with the EU and a leading partner in relations with the EU. Finally, taking into consideration the worrying human rights situation in Kazakhstan, I support the call on the EU to consistently prioritise, in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan, the issues of the rule of law and democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour as I welcome the report, which identifies areas where more work remains to be done. Following last year’s Brexit referendum, the right to petition and the right to free movement of persons, in particular, have raised the interest of EU citizens. This is why I believe that now, more than ever, it is time for the EU to gain credibility by overcoming any obstacle and any discrimination against EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which does not provide a ‘carte blanche’ to enshrine free flow of data language in FTAs. Rather, it highlights the conditions and methodology that Parliament wants to see adhered to and used when putting forward rules on the transfer of data within a trade context. I particularly welcome the emphasis laid on the fact that a digital trade strategy requires social flanking measures that bridge the digital divide so that everyone can share the benefits.

2016/11/22

The new proposal puts forward an adjustment of the offsetting of the Contingency Margin mobilised in 2017 with the aim of decreasing from EUR 570 million to EUR 318 million the amount offset under Heading 5 in 2018 and introducing a corresponding offset of EUR 252 million under the same heading in 2020. My vote is in favour as I support the provisions put forward, while agreeing with the expressed concern over the consequent reduction in the margin of Heading 5 that this manoeuvre will bring in 2020.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the objective of the Draft amending Budget No 6/2017 is to update both the expenditure and the revenue side of the 2017 EU budget in order to take the latest developments into consideration. I support the call put forward for those Member States with a very high level of under-implementation to take the necessary measures in order to properly implement the jointly agreed Union programmes, with the assistance of the Commission.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I support the objective put forward by the latter, which aims at entering into the general budget of the Union for 2018 the amount of EUR 50 million in commitment and payment appropriations for the payment of advances in a timely and efficient way in the event of a disaster occurring next year.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour as I support the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument for commitment appropriations, to supplement the financing in the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2018 in order to finance measures in the field of migration, refugee inflows and security threats.

2016/11/22

Following the application put forward by Greece for a financial contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) based on 725 redundancies in nine enterprises operating in the retail-trade sector in the region of Attica and 10 other regions, it was concluded that the conditions set out in the EGF Regulation are met and that Greece is entitled to the respective financial contribution. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

Following the application put forward by Finland for a financial contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) based on 1 660 redundancies in three enterprises operating in the economic sector, it was concluded that the conditions set out in the EGF Regulation are met and that Finland is entitled to the respective financial contribution. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

With regard to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018, my vote reflects the fact that there is room for improvement in order for the budget to be capable of addressing the wide range of challenges in Europe, while fully taking into consideration the citizens’ concerns.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report and its objective to adapt the amounts of resources available for the investment for growth and jobs goal and for the European territorial cooperation.

2016/11/22

The report welcomes the membership of Egypt in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area and I support the international cooperation with third countries in Research, Development and Innovation, for the crucial role that it plays in science diplomacy and in forced displacement of Mediterranean residents.

2016/11/22

The report welcomes the membership of Algeria in the international Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) and I fully support the report for the reason that it focuses on developing solutions for a more sustainable management of water and agro-food systems in the Mediterranean.

2016/11/22

I support the first ever Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area signed for scientific and technological cooperation between EU-Jordan, whose aim is to help address the forced displacement of Mediterranean residents, and therefore counter fight some of the root causes of migration. I would also remind that the report reflects how important is cooperation with third countries in Research, Development and Innovation - a fundamental tool for science diplomacy.

2016/11/22

I support the ratification of this report by as many states as possible in order to have a better international cooperation. The report welcomes the accession of Chile, Iceland and Bahamas to the 1980 Hague Convention and the international cooperation that helps to secure custody of children whose parents are living in two different countries.

2016/11/22

The report welcomes the accession of Panama, Uruguay, Colombia and El Salvador to the 1980 Hague Convention and I fully support the international cooperation between the states that help to secure custody of children whose parents are living in two different countries. Therefore, I welcome as many states as possible to ratify the Hague Convention to safeguard the rights of children in legal uncertainty.

2016/11/22

I completely support the report and its objective to stop any situation that could favour child abduction and that seldom finds stimulus in the lack of cooperation between states. The report clarifies another important issue regarding legal custody, as being the only one that offers legal certainty to children with separated parents that are living in different states. I am in favour of the ratification of this report by as many states as possible in order to have a better international cooperation.

2016/11/22

I fully support the report, which welcomes the accession of Georgia and South Africa to the 1980 Hague Convention while seeking to protect children against abduction, guarantee the return of abducted children, and organise and secure children’s rights. Protection of children is of crucial importance, and therefore we need to strengthen cooperation between states and invite other countries to sign up to the Convention.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, as I believe that the accounting standards changes should ensure transparency and accountability. The accounting changes introduced by the IFRS 9 (International Financial Reporting Standard) and their capital impact, are significant in terms of both the IFRS 9 effective date and, on an ongoing basis, in relation to capital forecasting.

2016/11/22

. ‒ One cannot have security without development, as one cannot have development without security. I agree that security is a pre-requisite for sustainable development but, nevertheless, we have to investigate the most appropriate way to fund military capacity building in third countries and find an efficient and operational solution in this matter. At the same time, I believe in the need for substantial widening and more efficient implementation of European development cooperation.The re-labelling of funds for development purposes to security and defence funding must be avoided.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the proposed amendments to Directive 2014/59/EU as they reflect much-needed efforts to implement the TLAC (Total Absorption Loss Capacity) standard, which was adopted by the G20. I share the opinion that, in order to avoid legal uncertainty, the TLAC standard requires that liabilities be eligible for TLAC only if they are subordinated to other liabilities.

2016/11/22

I share the opinion that the Commission’s proposal is only a building block for closing the VAT gap and that further measures are needed to effectively combat VAT fraud in the Union. In conformance, I support the proposal according to which the online platforms should also be held liable for the collection of VAT when they act as intermediaries in supplies of goods imported from third countries. The Commission should allow businesses to register to the new one-stop-shop by 31 December 2021, and adapt their own IT systems to connect it to the new one-stop shop until 1 April 2021.

2016/11/22

When considering VAT reform, the Commission’s proposal is one of the important steps in taking note of the fast-moving developments in the digital services. Part of the EU legislation package that aims to modernise the VAT regime for cross-border B2C e-commerce, I believe that it provides the basis for the underlying IT infrastructure and the necessary cooperation by Member States to ensure the success of the Mini-One-Stop-Shop (MOSS)extension. Key aspects are related to the exchange of information between competent authorities of Member States, control of transactions and taxable persons, and as well Member States’ information granting to the Commission.

2016/11/22

The war in Yemen is having devastating consequences. Highlighting the increased suffering of the Yemeni people, I fully support an immediate end to hostilities and genuine talks on inclusive political transition. I am also in favour of halting arms sales, while supporting UN and European External Action Service (EEAS) efforts in this regard.

2016/11/22

I support the call for a comprehensive strategy for people with disabilities by 2030 with the aim of ensuring full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in all areas of EU policy. I particularly welcome the spotlight shone on the adoption of the European accessibility act without delay. There are 80 million people with disabilities in the European Union and they all have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity, equal treatment, independent living, autonomy and full participation in society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour as I welcome the Commission proposal to recast and replace Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person. Indeed, the refugee crisis put the spotlight on the need for a fundamental reform of the Dublin Regulation in order to enable the structured reception of asylum seekers in Europe, and allow Member States to manage their borders effectively.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour because I strongly support the EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement. New Zeeland is one of the EU’s closest friends and allies, with which several EU Member States have strong and historic bilateral relationships, and this agreement is positive at a time of mainly rigid international competition and populist vision.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour because I strongly support the EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement. New Zeeland is one of the EU’s closest friends and allies, with which several EU Member States have strong and historic bilateral relationships. This agreement is positive at a time of mainly rigid international competition and populist vision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the outcome of this very important report, which comes at a time when a sound political and economic partnership between Europe and Africa is gaining momentum, and when the need to provide the latter with a new vision is becoming more and more pronounced. While acknowledging resilience as a core concept for the new EU-Africa strategy, I share the opinion that future cooperation, for which an intensified political dialogue acts as a precondition, should focus on key areas such as economic development, good governance, human development, migration, environment as well as security and the fight against terrorism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the annual report of the European Ombudsman, which addresses key issues and concentrates on providing detailed information about the activities and work deployed by the Ombudsman in 2016. Moreover, I particular welcome the Ombudsman’s initiative with respect to the call for nominations for Award for Good Administration, in order to identify best practices in the EU administration and bring them to greater public attention.

2016/11/22

My vote recognises the great potential of the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR). The findings of the first edition of the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) reveal very concerning implementation gaps and send a strong signal that we have to come forward with a boosted commitment and lay the ground for a structured implementation dialogue. I strongly believe that the Environmental Implementation Review constitutes a pivotal tool with a great potential in serving as an early warning mechanism, but we have to devote more commitment towards this instrument and ensure that its role in improving the implementation of EU environmental law and policy is fully accomplished.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I believe that the risk of poverty has increased in Europe as a consequence of the crisis. Therefore, we need to combat inequality urgently, especially by tackling child-poverty – and unemployment.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the report regarding the period for adopting delegated acts, as the power to adopt acts should be delegated to the Commission for an additional period of five years starting from 27 August 2017. However, the Commission shall notify, as soon as a delegated act is adopted, Parliament and the Council.

2016/11/22

Welcoming as I do the outcome of the report, and in line with my support for a strong TDI (trade defence instruments) system and protection of our industries against unfair competition, I voted in favour. I fully agree that the regulation should be without prejudice to establishing whether any WTO (World Trade Organisation) member is a market economy or to the terms and conditions set out in protocols and other instruments whereby countries have acceded to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO. In applying its rules, it is essential for the Union to coordinate and exchange information with its major trading partners.

2016/11/22

My vote expresses my disappointment and regret on the complex situation in Malta, because of recent tragic events that are against European values, freedom, truth, democracy and justice.

2016/11/22

I support the multilateral trading rules, which play a significant role in the revitalisation of world trade and in the achievement of economic prosperity. I believe that the key factors of multilateralism are a cornerstone of free trade, investment, and economic integration.

2016/11/22

I supported Parliament’s recommendation on the Eastern Partnership: November 2017 Summit and I would like to emphasise the need to meet the expectations of citizens in all partner countries, by tackling corruption, organised crime and strengthening the rule of law and good governance.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour as I welcome the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy, and I share the opinion that the latter constitutes a step in the right direction with respect to attaining the objectives of the Nature Directives. I welcome the four priority areas identified in the Action Plan and the emphasis put on the need for the active involvement of all relevant actors at national, regional and local level, in order to effectively address the shortcomings in the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

2016/11/22

I support the resolution and I believe that it is recommended for the Polish authorities to fully implement all recommendations made by the European Commission and the Venice Commission, by putting an end to any reform that could jeopardise the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution while it embraces a coordinated package of personalised services supported by the EGF, which should correspond to the sustainable economy principles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I support the calls on active and passive measures at all three levels on which the road safety depends: the vehicle, the infrastructure and the driver. Moreover, in light of the fact that around 25% of the overall annual fatalities in the European Union are caused by alcohol consumption, I particularly welcome the harmonisation of the EU blood alcohol concentration limit at 0.0% for new drivers in their first two years and for professional ones.

2016/11/22

I sustain the report as I believe is essential to have a clear determination of urban, rural, costal and/or other areas and regions in the EU, considering that currently these typologies are not legally defined in conformity with the Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003. Also, it is essential to establish a legal recognition of territorial typologies, including a definition of cities, for the purpose of European statistics. Not at least, I sustain this report which aims to establish the key definitions and statistical criteria for the territorial typologies, ensuring their transparent application and their use at EU level and in Members States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I fully support the proposal to set up a common system of qualifications for workers in inland navigation, and I strongly believe that the latter brings forward new avenues for progress in this specific sector. Establishing an automatic mutual recognition based on a common set of minimum requirements will diminish the barriers for entering to professions in inland navigation and will improve career prospects, while making jobs in the sector more attractive and enhancing the labour mobility across the Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I strongly support the outcome of this highly important report, which builds on the proposal of reforming a pivotal piece of legislation, the so-called Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation. Welcoming the reform proposal, I share the opinion that the European Commission has rightly put the spotlight on the powers needed by the enforcement authorities in all Member States, which will certainly underpin a proper cross-border cooperation.

2016/11/22

Demographic change constitutes one of the major challenges that European regions have to face now and in the near future. Over the period 2008-2030, one region in three – mostly located in central Europe, eastern Germany, southern Italy and northern Spain –may experience population decline. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report, as it emphasises the importance of cohesion policy measures, which are often the main provisions for tackling demographic challenges at regional and local levels and often complement national and regional strategies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution, as I strongly support the ambitious agenda for the retail financial services in the upcoming years, which promotes innovation and sustainable investment. I insist, nevertheless on the condition that the Action Plan maintains a high level consumer protection and transparency, which are crucial to the progress of a single market in retail financial services.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it ascertains the strengths and weaknesses of the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) implementation, the objective of the latter being to establish a common framework for the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, at a reasonable cost to society. Moreover, I share the opinion that we need to shape a definition of environmental damage, which should be effective, uniform and consistent with the evolution of pollutants from industrial activities. Therefore, I strongly support the extension of the directive’s scope so that damages to the air are included as well.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the elements put forward in the final package, which have the potential of paving the way towards a more European, more stable, more transparent, more environment-friendly and more prudential securitisation market. I particularly support a macro-prudential framework created at the European level that should be able to efficiently oversee the market through ESRB (European systemic risk board) and through EBA (European Banking Authority). Indeed, securitisation can widen business access to financing, but we need clear European prudential rules, transparency and supervision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the regulation revises the prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms, being interlinked with the proposal that paves the way towards a European label for Simple, transparent and standardised securitisation (STS). Moreover, the two regulations in question constitute one of the main pillars of the Capital Markets Union, which aims at creating further means for financing the real economy.

2016/11/22

The report needs a better alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation to allow publishers to offer their services on open sites, as they need uniformity with GDPR, transparent information, selections and adequate safety measures to diminish risks. It is required to foresee a long-term and constructive approach that would be compatible with the empowerment of the consumer in relation to his data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the calls and the elements introduced by the resolution such as the call on the Commission to submit a legal act supporting Member States in the prevention and suppression of all forms of violence against women and girls and of gender-based violence, as well as the emphasis put on the urgent need for Member States, employers’ organisations and trade unions to promote awareness of sexual harassment and encourage women to report incidents immediately.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which is expressly dedicated to the Eurozone. Following the Commission’s first proposal for Eurozone fiscal stance, I support a positive fiscal stance that will allow Member States to invest more and that directly contributes to the increase of growth and employment. In order to build a stronger Europe, we need to create a more social Europe, to lay the ground for social growth, based on a general approach, but also on country specific. Therefore, we need to ensure that the fiscal policies are led with the necessary flexibility at EU level.

2016/11/22

Australia is one of the EU’s oldest and closest partners, based on common values and the commitment towards promoting prosperity and security within a global rules-based system. I voted in favour as I support the calls on the Council to authorise the Commission to start negotiations for a trade and investment agreement with Australia. However, the negotiations have to be conducted as transparently as possible while not undermining the Union’s negotiating position.

2016/11/22

The EU and New Zealand already work together in addressing common challenges across a wide-ranging spectrum of issues, and New Zealand ranks among the EU’s oldest and closest partners, due to common values and the commitment towards promoting prosperity and security within a global rules-based system.I voted in favour as I support the calls on the Council to authorise the Commission to start the negotiations. However, we have to ensure that the negotiations are carried out with the utmost transparency, including through constant dialogue with social partners and civil society, while not undermining the European Union’s negotiating position. Moreover, robust, ambitious and enforceable sustainable development chapters have to be developed.

2016/11/22

The high number of infringement proceedings found in the Commission’s 2015 annual report monitoring the application of EU law shows the difficulty and challenges Member States have in applying EU legislation correctly and timely. I voted in favour of the report as I particularly share the opinion on the need to come forward with a comprehensive legislative proposal on a European law of administrative procedure, by also setting up a single gateway that would provide citizens with user-friendly information on infringement procedures.

2016/11/22

I support the proposal to reinforce the Union policies and programmes, which promote jobs and growth in all regions through investments in research, education, infrastructure, SMEs and employment, in particular among young people.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the outcome of the report reflects per ensemble our commitment to Europe’s growth. I welcome the reinforcements to support growth, competitiveness and employment (Europe 2020), in particular: increase in Erasmus+ budget by +EUR 32 million, increase in EURES (European Employment Services) budget by +EUR 5.6 million, and an increase in the Youth Employment Initiative by EUR 366 million to combat youth unemployment.I strongly believe that the Commission’s proposal to make use of the flexibility instrument for EUR 817 million is still not sufficient to tackle the migration and refugee challenges, thus I share the opinion on further use of the special instruments under the MFF (multiannual financial framework) Regulation. Finally, I fully support granting additional financial assistance for the Development Cooperation Instrument.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015, Section II – European Council and Council. The lack of transparency and budgetary accountability coming from the Council is not acceptable for EU citizens; we need to maintain our democratic accountability towards the Union’s taxpayers. I believe that greater goodwill on both sides is needed with a view to improving cooperation in the future.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it sets limits for 13 substances that can cause cancer, while reaching even tougher limit values for hexavalent chromium and hardwood dust than initially proposed by the Commission. Indeed, a precise legislative framework in the EU will contribute to a better prevention of work-related cancers and other serious illnesses and will save at least 100 000 more lives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the objectives underpinning the proposal of setting up a European Entry/Exit System (EES): to facilitate border crossings, help combating irregular migration and support the fight against organised crime and terrorism. Indeed, the growing traveller flows at the EU’s external borders in recent years sent a strong signal with respect to the inefficiency of the current border control systems. However, we must always ensure that the functioning of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) fully respect the principles of necessity and proportionality and that the appropriate safeguards for rights and data protection are entirely met.

2016/11/22

The report complements the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States of the EU. I voted in favour as I share the opinion that different legislative texts need to be technically aligned in order to make the rules governing the Schengen area more coherent and avoid legal contradictions. Moreover, I support the development of national facilitation programmes, based on common legislation, in order to facilitate border crossings and to meet the general objectives of the EES.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the latter puts forward many positive elements such as the call on the Commission and the Member States to develop strategies encompassing both proactive and reactive measures on the basis of real, systematic consultations with Roma representatives and NGOs, as well as the call on the Commission to place the anti-Gypsyism fight in the focus of the post-2020 EU Framework in addition to social inclusion, and to introduce anti-discrimination indicators in the fields of education, employment, housing and health.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the agreement because this agreement has created new development opportunities for Moroccan and EU companies and brought important advantages for consumers, doubling the passenger traffic between the EU and Morocco, and also a reduction in average ticket prices.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I support the practice of France for a reduced rate of certain indirect taxes on ‘traditional’ rum produced in Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion. Moreover, these special excise duty arrangements have been extended with EU approval since the creation of the internal market and the harmonisation of excise duty in Europe.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because the bio-based industry can generate a bioeconomy with growth and added value and it surely creates secure jobs; it also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus improving public health, and, finally, I believe in the public-private partnership for the bio-based industries as a joint technology initiative.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I agree with the proposal to submit furanylfentanyl to control measures at EU level, taking into consideration the dangerous nature of the substance in question.

2016/11/22

Youth unemployment continues to be a serious problem in many Member States. The Youth Guarantee (YG) and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) have played a significant part in reducing the youth unemployment rate in the EU by boosting education and the labour market’s demand for young people, and supporting job creation measures. While much has been achieved, we have to do more. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report as I share the opinion that more funding at national and EU level, as well as better monitoring and sharing of best practices, have to be put in place to combat youth unemployment.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the recommendation, as it aims to improve at EU level the currently applicable system for addressing the threats posed by new psychoactive substances. We are aware that there is a terrible intensification of narcotic drugs use and, consequently, of higher health risk; not least, there is a resilient ability of the criminal networks’ ‘modus operandi’ to adapt and diverge, which I am confident we will succeed in combating.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report as I do not agree with the proposal to introduce a gradual reduction of cadmium (Cd), respectively from 60 mg Cd/kg P2O5 to 40 mg Cd/kg after three years, and to 20 mg Cd/kg after 12 years. Lowering the cadmium level is not justified on grounds of scientific evaluation and is likely to bring a negative impact on the industry.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report. This agreement envisages limiting the spread of new psychoactive substances; the increase in serious health risks renders necessary measures to enhance monitoring, early warning and combating illicit drug trafficking.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the proposal of extending the European Commission’s empowerment to adopt discard plans for a further total period of up to three years, in order to facilitate the implementation of the landing obligation.

2016/11/22

The objection calls on the Commission to adopt necessary measures to eliminate the active substance glyphosate in the European Union by 15 December 2020, ensuring that no use of glyphosate is authorised after that date. I voted against the objection as, according to the findings of the EFSA’s review of glyphosate, the latter is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans, the evaluation being based on a large body of evidence, including a number of studies not assessed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Moreover, the Committee for Risk Assessment of the European Chemicals Agency concluded in its opinion that no hazard classification for carcinogenicity is justified for glyphosate.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection regarding the authorisation of genetically modified maize 1507, as herbicide-resistant genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should not be authorised. Indeed, they could lead towards an increase use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this have not been taken into consideration.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution as I support the call on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified soybean 305423 x 40-3-2, taking into consideration that it is not possible to give a favourable verdict, from the perspective of human or animal nutrition, on the safety profile of the products in question.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution as it has been shown that herbicide-tolerant genetically modified crops encourage higher use of complementary herbicides than their conventional counterparts, and the wider health and environmental implications of this have not been taken into consideration.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I welcome the purpose of the Draft amending budget No 5 to provide the financing from the general budget 2017 for the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) and to reflect in the general budget 2017 the outcome of the mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) regulation with respect to the increase of the annual amount of the Emergency Aid Reserve (EAR) from EUR 280 million to EUR 300 million.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I welcome the decision to use the Flexibility Instrument to provide the amount of EUR 275 million in commitment appropriations and payment appropriations under Heading 4 of the MFF (Global Europe). This amount would be mobilised to provide the financing for the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as the motion for resolution puts forward real budgetary ambition for the future of the EU. I share the opinion that the structure of the next MFF should render the EU budget more readable and understandable to EU citizens and allow for a clearer presentation of all areas of EU expenditure. Finally, I particularly welcome the inclusion of sustainable development as one of the main pillars for future EU spending.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it puts forward rules to protect whistle-blowers and their right to directly inform citizens. Indeed, whistle-blowers play a pivotal role in reporting unlawful or improper conduct which undermines the general interest and functioning of society. Nevertheless, the protection of whistle-blowers is fragmented in Europe. Therefore, I fully support the call on the Commission to present a horizontal legislative proposal creating a comprehensive common regulatory framework to protect whistle-blowers in the EU.

2016/11/22

My vote recognises the importance of introducing adequate minimum income systems, accompanied by tailored back-to-work support measures and education and training programmes in order to support households with inadequate income and enable them to have a decent standard of living.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour because I strongly support the establishment of this strong, independent and efficient new EU body that will be specialised in fighting financial crime across the EU, and which needs all of our support in order to move to clear, certain legislation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it calls for taking all the necessary measures in order to ensure respect for and protection of the fundamental rights of prisoners and for promoting policies with respect to the reintegration of prisoners into civil life.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because the European Union – Latin America and Caribbean Foundation (EU-LAC Foundation), a tool of the EU-CELAC partnership, focuses on strengthening the bi-regional partnership between the EU and the EU Member States and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and supports, among other things, that region’s efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and pursue sustainable development.

2016/11/22

Since 2011 the Council has concluded that Romania and Bulgaria are ready to join the Schengen border check-free area, given that all the Schengen acquis conditions on air borders, land borders, police cooperation, data protection, the Schengen Information System, sea borders, and visas have been met. Obviously, therefore, I voted in favour, as the two countries are technically ready for Schengen.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as the Czech Republic conducted a successful pilot run and an evaluation visit, and fully implemented the general provisions on data protection.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as Portugal has found to be compliant and ready to be part of Prüm network.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as Greece has been deemed to be compliant and ready to be part of Prüm network.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the draft directive because it clarifies and simplifies the current technical rules so that they are easier to update, monitor and enforce the safety rules and standards for passenger ships seeking to ensure a high level of safety and remove barriers to trade.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the legislative draft because it aims at simplifying rules and reducing administrative costs, while at the same time it brings improvements for safe travel at sea through a digitalisation system which records the responsibilities for search and rescue services and which allows immediate access to information on passengers on board.

2016/11/22

My vote supports the creation of a clear and robust framework for the inspections, which eliminates overlaps and closes regulatory gaps resulting from the application by Member States of different inspection regimes. I am glad to see that the proposal will diminish the administrative burden for shipowners and rationalise the inspection efforts of Member States’ authorities, with a high common level of safety being ensured.

2016/11/22

I voted against the Objection because I support the Commission proposal for an implementing act on the scientific criteria for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties in pesticides. I mention that the chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties are found in many of the daily products we use, and are harmful for human beings’ hormone system, therefore I strongly sustain the Commission’s implementation to establish criteria that regulates what is or is not an endocrine disruptor for the purposes of plant protection products and biocidal products.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection because I call the Commission to carry out an extensive analysis of the health risks and toxicology on human being health, as well as post-market monitoring, that target the whole food, before any authorisation of the placement on the market of the products containing genetically modified soybean.

2016/11/22

I vote in favour of the objection, because by authorising the genetically modified soybean, which is resistant to glufosinate-ammonium-based herbicides, there will be an increased use of herbicides, which has health and environmental implications not even taken into consideration for now.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour, because child marriage cannot be legal as there is no available consensus for a marriage on behalf of the minors, and also because this practice diminishes the child’s chance to education and to a healthy life. I believe child marriage represents a much higher risk for psychological and emotional abuses and, not least, physical.

2016/11/22

My vote recognises climate change as one of the most important challenges for mankind, to which all states and players worldwide have to fully commit in order to address the problems. Moreover, efforts in tackling climate change should not be considered as an obstacle to economic growth, but on the contrary they should be seen as a stimulus in generating new and sustainable economic growth and employment.

2016/11/22

I vote in favour because I believe in the close cooperation between the EU and the UK in areas of common interest such as security, defence and foreign policy; the cooperation goes beyond security and criminal matters and aims to eradicate extreme poverty and to build stability and resilience in developing countries.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I strongly support decreasing the amount of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic waste. Through this restriction, the prevention and management of waste is improved and the reuse and recycling of those products and materials in the EU are encouraged.

2016/11/22

Welcoming the 28 recommendations for conservation, management and control of fisheries, as they have not yet been covered by EU rules, I voted in favour of the report. Even though they are binding, the decisions adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) must be transposed as soon as possible into EU law.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because women’s economic empowerment is an essential element of gender equality, that interacts with other forms of discrimination and inequality; and thus a fundamental right and at the same time it encourages boosting prosperity and economic growth.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it puts the spotlight on the central role that civil society plays in ensuring democratic consolidation, social justice and respect for human rights as well as in promoting accountability and good governance. Whereas clamping down on civil society organisations is getting more difficult to address, we need to step up efforts and provide guidance to beneficiary countries on strategies for creating adequate legal, administrative and political environment allowing to these key actors to work efficiently. Civil society actors including human rights defenders and development NGOs must always possess the space to operate free from intimidation, harassment, violence and undue bureaucratic burdens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as it highlights the need for rapid information exchange on identification and mitigation of cyber threats between Union, state and private actors. As the revised EU Cyber Strategy proposes to strengthen the EU Cybersecurity Agency ENISA, by becoming more operationally involved in European critical information infrastructure protection, in cyber information sharing and in the enforcement of European cybersecurity legislation, I support the call within the report for ENISA to continuously evaluate the threat level in order to strengthen capacity-building at European level.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report as I support the recommendation on upgrading the relations between the EU and the ASEAN to a strategic partnership. I particularly welcome the initiative of taking a deeper look into the opportunities for cooperation in implementing the sustainable development goals, as well as the initiative of establishing a new-dedicated EU-ASEAN Dialogue on Sustainable Development, especially that the ASEAN regions represent one of the most vulnerable to climate change.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote was in favour of the report because ‘universal accessibility’, ‘design for all’ and ‘gender perspective’ should be ensured in products, tools, devices and services in order for them to be commonly used by persons with disabilities. I believe in equal rights for all citizens, including those with disabilities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote was in favour of the agreement with Chile, because I support better information and security in relation to organic products and, most importantly, because this agreement upholds the EU’s high standards and promotes them abroad.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote is in favour of the protocol because it incorporates Croatia as a contracting party to the agreement. After adoption, the protocol will be applied retroactively, from 1 July 2013, the date of Croatia’s EU accession. I believe the protocol offers a good opportunity for Croatia to formalise and strengthen the existing relationship with the European Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote is in favour of the agreement because Chile is the closest partner of the EU in Latin America and also because it offers progress and new rules – on, for example, the gender dimension of trade and corporate social responsibility.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour because I believe it is crucial to devise new legislation to combat high unemployment, especially youth and long-term unemployment as well as poverty and social exclusion.

2016/11/22

My vote recognised the importance of the capital market union, which marks an essential contribution towards a more integrated internal market with access to funding and to capital for companies of all sizes in all Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because multiannual plans represent an essential instrument of the reformed common fisheries policy and play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainable exploitation of biological marine resources, while covering the characteristics of different fisheries and enhancing the predictability of catch authorisations. Also, taking into account the need to build a robust working basis with third countries for future management purposes and in view of Brexit, I share the opinion that the multiannual plan is crucial and its early entry into force is highly desirable.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I believe in stability and peace and an instrument to contribute to this is an essential tool for the long-term support of stability in third countries, development of the rule of law and effective EU external action.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I believe that more transparency, accountability and integrity will increase public trust and democratic legitimacy and will strengthen the European Union. Moreover, the citizens trust EU institutions and it is fundamental to raise the level of transparency, to promote greater integrity and to reduce accountability gaps within the EU.

2016/11/22

My vote recognised the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, which contributed to the development of so many people by providing enriching opportunities in the areas of education, training, youth and sport. A particular focus has to be orientated towards people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special needs whose mobility is rendered difficult in the absence of coordination and portability of rights among EU social systems.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because the report puts the spotlight on both needs: the need to develop employability skills that make it possible to keep pace with labour market advancements and the need to boost those transversal skills, the so-called ‘skills for life’, which benefit young people’s personal and professional development, while positively impacting society. Indeed, when shaping our measures, we must be fully aware that skills have to suit not only the needs of the labour market, but also societal and personal needs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because the agreement offers equally high standards in term of safety and security across Europe, through the uniform application of rules and it creates new market opportunities due to an integrated aviation market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I believe the control measures across the Union would avoid obstacles in cross-border law enforcement and judicial cooperation, and definitively it contributes to protect from the health and social risks, as the acryloylfentanyl is a psychoactive substance, a synthetic opioid, available in the EU and detected in six Member States.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because the report reaffirms the stable economic climate and the commitment on the human rights strengthened exchange and on the trade and economic cooperation of the EU-India, the EU being India’s most important trading partner.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy because the application meets the conditions for providing a financial contribution from the Fund, (as stated in the Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002) and the funds will cover the costs of emergency services, temporary accommodations and clean-up operation in Italy.

2016/11/22

My vote in favour of the draft amending budget accompanying the Fund, which I strongly believe it should be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution to Italy, as a sign of the Union’s solidarity with the Union citizens and regions hit by the natural disasters.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report giving the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in Finland, because 1 441 workers, made redundant by Microsoft and its suppliers in Finland, will be helped finding new jobs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because the report puts forward a timeline regarding the derogation for extra-EEA (European Economic Area) flights, brings more details with respect to the Commission’s review report on CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and calls for increased transparency of ICAO’s (International Civil Aviation Organisation) advancements on the global offsetting scheme.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the report because I believe climate change is a trans-boundary problem which cannot be solved by national or local action alone. This is an important step, in line with the Paris Agreement, to achieve the 2030 climate and energy policy’s targets.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report because I believe we need to ensure all residence permits offer the highest possible level of security and we should help border guards and other officials recognise them at first sight.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection because I believe the EU has to ensure for its citizens a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, the environment and consumer interests in relation to genetically modified food and feed, ensuring at the same time the functioning of the internal market.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the objection because it is necessary that all food and feed imported from Japan into the Union, including the categories listed in Annex I, be controlled and checked as there are sufficient reasons to believe that this proposal could lead to an increase in exposure to radioactively—contaminated food with a corresponding impact on human health.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the draft amending budget number 3 from this year because I strongly believe that there is an urgent need to increase the Union’s financial commitment in the fight against youth unemployment through additional funding for the Youth Employment Initiative, and also that it is necessary to increase the annual budget for the YEI.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I believe that as a values-based global actor, for the EU’s credibility, every Member State has the responsibility to ensure that such exports do not contribute to human rights violations and prolongation of conflicts in third countries and that the security of the Union and its citizens is not at risk.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I strongly consider that strengthening the partnership and the political dialogue between the EU and the LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean region) would boost both parties’ efforts in tackling common challenges and help deliver stronger economic growth through sustainable socio-economic development policies. Finally, I highly believe that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must represent the prevailing objective of this cooperation.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I am calling on respect for human rights in third countries, and all Member States have always played an important role in the field of further developing partnerships and cooperation with the third countries. Also, I urge for promoting democracy and the rule of law in third countries.

2016/11/22

My vote in this matter reflects the principles and values of the Treaties of the European Union on which the immunity of the Members of the European Parliament is based. Any decision on the case is to be taken by an independent court.

2016/11/22

My vote was of approval in this matter, because the names of the members of the special committee on terrorism were previously accepted by the Conference of Presidents and the committee is specialised on matters such as EU anti-terror laws, on fundamental rights or external border management measures etc.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting consent to the agreement, which represent a significant step towards market integration between the EU and Iceland, with duty free trade for 99% of the value of trade in EU processed agricultural products and 91% of EU basic agricultural products.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because the agreement’s main beneficiary is the EU agricultural sector. As a result of the agreement, almost all trade on processed agricultural products will be duty free, with some exceptions.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the implementation of the Mediation Directive because I am sure that mediation is a useful tool to reduce overloaded court systems and to resolve certain matters in a simpler way, quicker and cheaper for both citizens and companies to settle disputes out of court.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour because I support action for a better representation of franchisees and also for congruent and constant rules on the functioning of franchising, ensuring that the Union regulatory framework contributes to these objectives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because the elements put forward highlight the benefits of space in wide-ranging policy areas and economic sectors. Furthermore, they strengthen the EU’s commitment towards a globally competitive and innovative European space sector.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour, because repealing obsolete legislation keeps the legislative framework transparent, clear and easy for Member States and relevant stakeholders.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because I believe that, today, the internet has become an extremely valuable service. Accessing the internet can improve services, increase the choices we have and help in finding or creating employment. Europe needs a Digital Union, and together we can build one through promoting internet connectivity.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because safeguarding the security of gas supply demands more cooperation, more coordination and more transparency. I welcome the introduction of the solidarity principle and I strongly believe that the latter paves the way towards the achievement of a genuine Energy Union by making one of its cornerstones, energy security, more effective.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Oral Question to the Commission on whale hunting in Norway because I strongly consider that there should be no transit of whale meat through the EU, and therefore Norway must respect the international ban on whaling.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour because I strongly call for the immediate ratification and implementation by all EU Member States of the Istanbul Convention, which places the rights of the victim at the centre and provides for measures such as the prevention of violence, the fight against discrimination, and victim protection and support. We can eradicate violence against women and combat domestic violence.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the report because I call on the EU Member States for stronger legislation on corporate accountability and due diligence to enhance standards. Not least, I believe it is crucial to include sustainable development chapters and provisions in free trade agreements to fight money laundering, tax evasion and tax avoidance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which calls for the suspension of the accession negotiations with Turkey, as parts of the constitutional-reform package seem to have been implemented already – unchanged and at odds with the Copenhagen criteria.I support the deepening of EU-Turkey relations in key areas of joint interest, such as counter-terrorism, migration, energy, the economy and trade. I would also emphasise that dialogue and cooperation with Turkey should be preserved and encouraged.

2016/11/22

. ‒ My vote is in favour because I consider that, unfortunately, the terrorist threat has grown and evolved in recent years, so we have to reinforce the safeguards as much as possible. I believe we need to implement relevant international standards and obligations and address the evolving terrorist threat, so I support the special committee on terrorism.

2016/11/22

The fund is crucial to support investments and the involvement of the private sector through innovative financing so we can foster sustainable and inclusive economic and social development. This can help us address the root causes of the migration crisis and promote the resilience of partner countries in Africa and the neighbourhood, particularly in the least developed countries. These are my considerations for voting in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

Unfortunately, currently, there are still people that continue to face many barriers in accessing culture, education and entertainment. Books and other print materials are not accessible for everyone.I am voting in favour of the report, because these measures need to be adopted in order to increase the availability of these works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market.

2016/11/22

It is sad that not every individual has access to books, journals, newspapers, music and that persons with disabilities are excluded from having the right to a proper education, research or innovation work.I voted in favour of the report because I believe it is necessary to make accessible audiovisual works. In this way the needs of disabled people would be attended to and also the authors would reach new audiences through European works being accessible to all European citizens.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of the dispute resolution mechanism, which stands as a welcome proposal from the Commission aimed at easing the resolution of disputes between Member States on how to eliminate double taxation of income from business and the rights of taxpayers in this context. I underline the importance of a fair and effective corporate taxation system in encouraging businesses to reap the full benefits of the Single Market.In addition, I also agree that there is considerable room for improvement in the performance of competent authorities, and thus I support the need to accelerate the different procedural stages, to which Member States should dedicate the necessary [resources].

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report on EU action for sustainability because I consider it essential in terms of the needs of present generations, whose future we need to ensure. Sustainability impacts every aspect of the EU’s work and we need the effective participation of society in order to set society on the path to sustainability, and this can be achieved through education and participation. I consider that my vote reflects my belief in the importance for us to move towards green, high-quality and sustainable employment.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report because I consider the following aspects: the outermost regions challenge the population living there through their high costs and limited market competition. In these regions, high rates of unemployment and social exclusion are registered, as well as strong population growth on an insular, small size surface. My vote reflects my acknowledgment of the outermost regions’ issues, which stresses the need for the EU to adopt a differentiated approach for them in all European policies.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of the Agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol, as the amendment adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of substances regulated by the Protocol and amends the applicable articles in the Protocol accordingly. HFCs are active greenhouse gases whose global warming potential can be one thousand times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Their use must therefore be reduced as soon as possible. I agree that most economically developed countries should cut down the production and use of HFCs between 2019 and 2023. Most developing countries should freeze their consumption and production of HFCs between 2024 and 2028. The rest should freeze their consumption and production between 2028 and 2031. I believe that the EU’s adoption of the Kigali Amendment shows its commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, by also meeting the targets set in the Paris Agreement.

2016/11/22

The 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) is the main international framework for cooperation and measures to limit and gradually reduce and prevent air pollution. Fifty-one countries have joined the Convention, including the EU Member States, Canada, the United States and various Central Asian countries. I support the changes aimed at incrementing the efforts to reach the objectives regarding the long-term protection of the environment and human health. Therefore, I am in favour of the amendment that introduces new national binding objectives for GHGs emissions from 2020 onwards. It concerns atmospheric pollutants like sulphur (principally sulphur dioxide), nitrogen oxides, ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates.

2016/11/22

This Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement is a highly necessary and appropriate instrument which will provide a framework for the relations that the EU and its Member States already maintain with the Republic of Cuba. Being in favour of the agreement, I believe it sends a strong message of political presence to other global actors who are competing in the Caribbean and across the Latin American continent.Through this agreement, the EU is pledging to accompany Cuba in its evolution while fully respecting its autonomy, sovereignty and independence. Cuba for its part is demonstrating its interest in having the EU as a reference, within a framework of full mutual respect. Moreover, the agreement will make it possible further to develop cooperation and Cuba’s participation in the EU’s specific programmes.

2016/11/22

This Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement is a highly necessary and appropriate instrument which will provide a framework for the relations that the EU and its Member States already maintain with the Republic of Cuba. Being in favour of the agreement, I believe it sends a strong message of political presence to other global actors who are competing in the Caribbean and across the Latin American continent. Through this agreement, the EU is pledging to accompany Cuba in its evolution while fully respecting its autonomy, sovereignty and independence. Cuba for its part is demonstrating its interest in having the EU as a reference, within a framework of full mutual respect.Moreover, the agreement will make it possible further to develop cooperation and Cuba’s participation in the EU’s specific programmes.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of allowing Eurojust to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems (eu-LISA). The MoU will enable the two agencies to cooperate on the exchange of information, on ICT (Information and Communications Technology) related matters, on the right of Eurojust to access SIS II and on Strategic and Administrative measures, and as well on other areas of mutual importance. I believe that the main driver of the MoU is the implementation of the right of Eurojust to access SIS II.

2016/11/22

I believe it is very important to enhance the fight against fraud and corruption, harmonising offences and sanctions at European level and ensuring – among other things – that cross-border VAT fraud can be tackled more rigorously and that the financial interests of the Union will be better protected. Moreover, the adoption of this Directive also paves the way for the creation of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

2016/11/22

The fight against violations of customs legislation of the Union has become increasingly important with the growth of international trade. In the EU, despite the fact that customs legislation is fully harmonised (for almost 45 years now), its enforcement and the lawful imposition of sanctions lie within the ambit of Member States’ national law.The main objectives of the proposal are to bridge the gap between different legal regimes through a common platform of rules and to enhance the level playing field between economic operators in the Customs Union. To this end, it includes a common list of infringements and establishes a common scale of administrative sanctions. I believe it is very important to address the divergent sanctions that pose problems to economic operators and to international trade relations, problems that also create uneven compliance costs and an administrative burden that could make some Member States more ‘attractive’.

2016/11/22

These are significant health threats in the EU and often affect vulnerable and overlapping populations. The EU Action Plan on HIV/AIDS expired at the end of 2016 as many of us know and yet there have been no proposals for a renewal or replacement. Therefore my vote reflects the fact that I call for a new integrated EU strategy on HIV/AIDS, TB and viral hepatitis, including prevention and which gives patients access to better treatment.

2016/11/22

I believe that we should see the future of Europe with a progressive vision focused on achieving tangible results on priorities people care about. Therefore, we need to come forward with a strong set of proposals for effective European solutions and with a vision of Europe doing much better together on priorities people care about, based on European integration that reconciles the North, South, East and West – a progressive path for Europe where nobody is left behind.Therefore, I really think that the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights can be turned into reality through adequate legislation, policy coordination and financial instruments. Moreover, the Single Market can be strengthened with the European Pillar of Social Rights and a European investment strategy for sustainable development, covering all key sectors. As well, the Banking Union should be completed and a fiscal capacity for the Eurozone should be established, with strong democratic accountability, to help weaker regions catch up and to cushion economic shocks. The EU budget should be modernised to address tomorrow’s shared challenges. It can be increased and provided with own resources so that the EU can act effectively and meet all needs.

2016/11/22

I support the development of new projects or new political commitments financed by additional resources without prejudice to existing programmes and without having recourse to flexibility instruments. The Commission proposal falls short of complying with this principle, notably for priorities expressed by Parliament and the Council such as growth and quality jobs or migration. I believe that the long-term EU budget must be flexible to react to new contexts and to launch new initiatives. Any new EU initiatives including those in the field of defence should be financed by additional funds and not be detrimental to existing programmes. Also, the EU budget should support the advance of stability, development, democracy, rule of law and human rights within the partner third countries.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report because it stresses the importance of cultural diplomacy, education and cultural exchanges for promoting a global peace and order, which can contribute to intercultural dialogue and conflict prevention. International cultural relations are also a key element for economic benefits and for sustainable development because the creative sector can promote reconciliation, growth and freedom of expression on which other fundamental freedoms can be built.

2016/11/22

During the last years, the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union has increased greatly. The European Union is very committed to deepening its cooperation with the United Nations on a broad range of areas. I believe we have to continue the enhanced cooperation and we also express confidence that several issues, such as: no tolerance for the death penalty, human-rights based approach to migration, special attention to women and children, and stopping gun proliferation, will be of major concern for the UN agenda.My vote therefore is in favour of the report as it insists on notable aspects such as peace and security, development, human rights, and refugees/migrants.

2016/11/22

My vote reflects the following considerations: I believe we have to ensure effective protection for workers affected by insecurity and precariousness, giving special priority to female workers, young workers, older workers, workers in the informal economy, migrant workers and workers with disabilities. I emphasise the importance of building an ambitious EU as a strategic priority for growth and innovation in Europe. Not at least, EU policy needs to enable European industry to preserve its competitiveness and capacity to invest in Europe and to address social and environmental challenges.

2016/11/22

I support the EU-Kosovo Framework Agreement as I believe that it is going to facilitate Kosovo’s integration into EU policies. Therefore, the Agreement plays an important role in Kosovo’s path towards EU membership. The participation of Kosovo in European Union programmes is going to strengthen the European perspective of the country and, also, deepen its bilateral relations.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of EGF mobilisation in Spain, mainly in the region of Castilla y León. The EGF funding of EUR 1 002 264 is intended to contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 339 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in the NUTS level 2 region of Castilla y León (ES41) in Spain, the aim being to help integrate those affected into the labour market. The redundancies were caused by major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation. The European coal industry is increasingly suffering because of competition from cheaper coal from non-European countries.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the report because I consider that the European standards contribute to single market integration and thus to ensuring job creation, overall growth of the EU economy, increased competitiveness, innovation and industrial leadership. Standards promote innovation, raise the quality and safety of products and services, enable jobs and growth in Europe, and not least, support global value chains by opening markets beyond the EU. I also consider that voting in favour of the report was important because in the end the best quality standards are developed in a fair environment and in a transparent, open and inclusive manner so that I needed to ensure that the various interests and stakeholders are properly represented in standardisation.

2016/11/22

Even though covered bonds represent an important part of the EU capital markets, they still remain fragmented along national lines. If the capital markets union is to become reality, covered bonds need to be brought under a common framework at EU level. Covered bonds are debt securities created from public sector loans or mortgage loans backed by a pool of assets that covers the bond if the originator becomes insolvent. Their good performance during the financial crisis ensured that they remained a key investment vehicle in many EU countries. Due to the divergences in the national system, I believe it is important to ensure through EU legislation that all covered bonds in the EU are of high quality and sustainable in the long run.

2016/11/22

My vote was in favour of the report because I consider that fisheries-related tourism offers the potential to contribute to job creation, promote social inclusion and revitalise communities that depend on fishing and it could benefit greatly from an ambitious policy framework.In order to unlock these benefits, we need to create harmonised rules regarding taxation regimes, licensing procedures, qualification requirements, and safety and hygiene regulations, as these differ from one Member State to another.I would like also to emphasise that it is necessary, therefore, to set up a European tourism fishing network and a European network for tourist services related to sport/recreational fishing.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report regarding limitation periods for traffic accidents. My believe in this case is that the time limits applicable for instituting a claim differ very much, as they are established according to each national laws on limitation and prescription periods. Therefore, limitation periods for tort claims can lead to situations where victims of cross-border road traffic accidents lose their right to compensation and are unaware of their legal rights.Thus, my support for the report is driven by the necessity for a greater legal certainty at EU level and for simplification and clarification of existing national regimes.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report, because I consider that common minimum standards are needed definitively in order to ensure access to justice and to raise awareness. This step might be the beginning towards a European Code of Civil Procedure, which can only increase common awareness of EU procedural rules and mechanisms already existing and also the confidence of the EU citizens in the procedural systems of other states.

2016/11/22

I sustain the granting of the macro-financial assistance, which stands for a strong political signal for commitment to support the European path and to implement the structural reforms, considering the following aspects.The economy of the Republic of Moldova was affected during the past years by many challenges: political instability, banking fraud scandals, weak economic activity and imposed import bans. I believe that the macro financial assistance represents an important economic and political instrument of EU to promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in Moldova. However, the granting is linked to a very clear conditionality which Moldova must fulfil.Furthermore, we should not ignore Moldova’s growing military contribution and civilian operations to strengthening the EU’s role as a global security provider. For all these considerations, I sustain the macro financial assistance to Moldova in the form of a medium-term loan.

2016/11/22

The Panama Papers scandal is a clear example of how tax evasion and tax avoidance have a negative effect on the world’s economy and social cohesion. Only with a strong commitment to fair taxation and through coherence between European policies will it be possible to effectively fight poverty and inequalities in Europe and worldwide.I strongly believe that the multinationals must pay their taxes where they make their revenues. Whether they are based within the EU or not, their profits have to be made public. Transparency is the key to fight tax evasion and profit shifting. It is also a matter of fairness to all the taxpayers, who should know how taxes are paid by the companies and where they are paid.

2016/11/22

I support the report on the introduction of temporary autonomous trade measures for Ukraine supplementing the trade concessions available under the Association Agreement. In other words, I support the access for Ukraine to the EU market for some industrial and agricultural products. Ukraine is facing a difficult economic situation and I believe the efforts undertaken by Ukraine on the economic reform are considerable. Nevertheless, I insist Ukraine should respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms and the principle of the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of the Draft amending budget No 2 of 2017 (DAB2/2017), which aims at entering in the 2017 budget the surplus from the 2016 financial year. The 2016 surplus amounts to EUR 6.4 billion, notably due to a major EUR 4.9 billion under-implementation in payment appropriations (especially in cohesion policy) and to a relatively high amount of fines, which are counted in the 2016 surplus.

2016/11/22

I vote in favour of the report on a longer lifetime for products, emphasising the importance of the Member States exploring appropriate incentives, promoting durable, high-quality and repairable products, stimulating repairs and second-hand sales, and developing repairs training.I would also like to stress the idea that the time has arrived to move towards more sustainable production and consumption of goods; we also need to start working in order to improve product durability information.

2016/11/22

There is no need to emphasise that the perpetration of violent war crimes and crimes against humanity has been widely reported. In my view, the preparation of an Action Plan on the Fight against Impunity within Europe for crimes falling under international law, with clear targets for the EU institutions and the Member States, is necessary. This will definitely strengthen the respect of human rights and the investigations and prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Furthermore, I underline as well the importance of the Cooperation and Assistance Agreement between the EU and the ICC. Lastly, I strongly argue for the compensation right of the victim and for the accountability of the perpetrators of the war crime, such as: state actors, non-state actors and individuals, because justice, the rule of law and the fight against impunity are required to achieve peace and conflict resolution. For all the above considerations, my vote is in favour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour as I believe it is very important to have an overview, a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the present situation of the PSCs established in the EU, working on the EU’s territory or on the territory of third countries, providing services for European or non-European entities. In the present security environment, proper and effective control and the implementation of clear and strict rules for PSCs should be a priority, both at EU level as well as at global level.Therefore, I support the need to develop a European regulatory model that should, among others, also ensure reporting of PSCs’ irregularities and illegalities and offer a framework to hold PSCs accountable for violations. The non-homogenous national legislations and self-regulation adopted by some PSCs provide a weak deterrent to prevent abuses and have a major impact on how PSCs operate in multilateral interventions and conflict regions. Of course, the cost-effectiveness principle should not become the main criterion in dealing with security issues.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report, because I definitely condemn the habitual employment of migrants without securing their full rights and benefits. I strongly support the directive on decent working conditions and I believe we have to ensure effective protection for workers affected by insecurity and precariousness.

2016/11/22

I support the waiver of the immunity of Marine Le Pen, considering the fact that she had been invited twice to hearings (normal practice for the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI)), but never showed up, which proves no proactive communication.

2016/11/22

The European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is one of the key achievements to boost investments in the EU and it was set up to help fill the European investment gap, which is one of the top priorities in fostering sustainable growth and quality employment in Europe. We need to continue to work to make it a success by increasing its efficiency and coverage.Consequently, Europe needs a more robust investment plan in order to relaunch the European economy allowing public investment both at national and European level to play the role of catalyser.Accordingly, I support the implementation report by way of addressing in a clear and straightforward manner the main shortcomings and insufficiencies on the quality of projects supported by EFSI. For instance, deficiencies created by the lack of clear proof of additionality, the geographical concentration, under-coverage of certain sectors (as you know, EFSI’s activities are overly condensed on the most highly developed regions of our Union), and the lack of transparency in the selection of projects.

2016/11/22

The success of collaborative platforms are very challenging for existing market operators and practices. Also, they promote new employment opportunities, flexible working arrangements and new sources of income. This is the reason why I call for workers’ rights to be preserved also in the collaborative economy, including for self-employed workers. Therefore, my vote is in favour.

2016/11/22

I welcome the fact that in the Report on Online platforms and the Digital Single Market we introduced elements in the final report on the social dimension and the challenges raised by the redefined contractual relations between workers and businesses.It is fundamental to ensure compliance with labour and social rights and the adequate enforcement of existing legislation in order to foster the social security schemes and the quality of employment in the digital era. It is also important to underline digital skills development in order to form a highly skilled workforce, to ensure a high level of employment under fair conditions throughout the EU, while terminating digital illiteracy. Moreover, this finally underlined the importance of preventing possible gaps that can be produced by the lack of digital skills or unequal access to technology.Online platforms should be distinguished and defined in the relevant sector, and coherence between rules that apply online and offline in equivalent situations must be ensured.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The situation in Yemen is extremely worrying. Yemen has been plagued by years of instability, poor governance, absence of the rule of law, under-development, environmental decline and widespread poverty. Millions of people are in acute need, and urgently require immediate, life-saving assistance. Moreover, there are serious allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and human-rights law being committed by all sides.The humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate further in 2017. Without urgent action – including full funding for the Humanitarian Response Plan, steps by the parties to end the war and to facilitate the resumption of commercial imports of food and other goods, and full access to all the people in need – the crisis will worsen. It is absolutely essential that the parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law, allow the importation of food, medical supplies and other necessary goods into Yemen, and guarantee unhindered movement of humanitarian workers so as to reach those in need of assistance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Regarding the funding of European political parties and foundations: firstly, I believe it should be transparent and not open to abuse; and secondly, I consider that the European political parties and foundations play a key role in European democracy and help bring the EU closer to citizens. I supported the motion for a resolution for these reasons.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the fact that we succeeded in pushing forward a very balanced report aiming for a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions in the transport, agriculture and buildings sectors by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. We fought to include in the report an emissions-reduction trajectory which is closer to real emissions, so as to ensure that we do not dis-incentivise early action.It is essential to press for more regular compliance checks, every two years instead of every five years as the Commission proposed. Equally important is to keep the so-called ‘flexibilities’ under control to ensure that we do not create loopholes and that action is taken in every sector, including agriculture and forestry.After US President Trump’s decision to leave the Paris climate agreement, it more important than ever that the EU leads by example in the fight against climate change.

2016/11/22

I base my vote upon the consideration that there is no reason to suspect that the proceedings for the waiver of immunity are motivated by an intent to damage the political activity of this Member of the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of waiving the immunity concerned, considering the request forwarded by the Minister of Justice of the French Republic in connection with a judicial investigation on serious grounds: public defamation and incitement to hatred or violence in respect of a person or group of persons on account of their origin or membership or non-membership of a particular ethnic group, nation, race or religion.

2016/11/22

My vote is based upon the consideration that an application for waiver of the immunity was forwarded by the General Procurator at the Paris Court of Appeal relating to allegations made against Jean- Marie Le Pen of having made a statement during a radio broadcast amounting to incitement to discrimination, hatred or racial violence, which is a criminal offence, firstly, under the French Criminal Code.

2016/11/22

Today’s gender pension gap (GPG) which is at nearly 40% (EU average) is an unacceptable manifestation of gender inequality and the reason for high female poverty in older age. The Commission and the Member States must tackle the underlying causes for the GPG which are the gender pay gap (still at 16%), labour market segregation, part-time-work, stereotypes, lack of facilities for a better work-life -balance and discrimination.It is fundamental to deal with the issues of informal care work; to develop a strategy for equality between women and men for 2016-2020; and to deliver country specific recommendations and gender.Finally, I support applying sanctions if principle of equal pay for equal work is not applied; abolition of incentives counter-productive to gender equality available under the taxation and pension systems is needed.

2016/11/22

After several postponements, we can finally decide on the adoption of the 2016 report on Serbia.It comes at an important moment for Serbia: when the new president – the outgoing prime minister Aleksandar Vučić – is taking up new duties and I am impatiently waiting for the new government to be formed. I are very worried about recent protests following Vučić’s victory and inauguration, continuous undermining of media freedom and the fundamental pillars of democracy, and an ever more fearful and frustrated civil society. I strongly believe that the report should give an objective, yet critical if necessary, broad picture of the progress Serbia has made on its EU journey. I sincerely hope this will be the case.

2016/11/22

I support the European path of Kosovo and call on the new government to continue to show clear political will and determination to implement the agreed roadmap. Therefore my vote is in favour.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the report and it is based on the consideration that urgent reform priorities have to be properly implemented and that there is a concerning political interference undermining reforms in multiple areas.

2016/11/22

I am gravely concerned about the growing violence and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and call for the de-escalation of tensions in the country. The Congolese authorities must work to address the current security and humanitarian crisis, ensuring political stability and full respect for human rights and the Congolese constitution. A peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct of the next presidential and legislative elections are vital for the security of the Great Lakes region. We must recall the commitments made by the DRC under the Cotonou Agreement to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights.I strongly believe that respect for democracy, peace and the peaceful transfer of power must now be a priority for all political forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2016/11/22

I support and express my confidence for the continuity of the firm engagement with Bangladesh; also I would like to see the ‘Sustainability Compact’ renewed when it expires in 2018, considering that Bangladesh is still in no position on deliver on promised improvements alone.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour because cohesion policy is the most important investment vehicle of growth of the Union with a budget of EUR 351.8 billion, having an impact on all EU regions and citizens. I considered also the fact that, since its establishment, cohesion policy has been a key tool for reducing development gaps between the different European regions and sustaining the economy through investments at the micro level, in particular where national investment is lacking or insufficient.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report, which looks into the question of whether the 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7) was implemented in a cost-effective way. It is fundamental to look to the future with regard to lessons learnt for Horizon 2020 as well as the post-2020 period, and it also briefly reflects on the impact of Brexit on EU research policy.I believe the overall report is now more balanced in terms of identifying weaknesses for constructive improvement regarding both FP7 and Horizon 2020.EU research funding is very important, and it is vital that it is spent in a cost-effective manner. This report concludes that, overall, research money has been spent cost-effectively, but there are several important improvements that should be made.

2016/11/22

The right to nationality is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Globally, an estimated 10 million people are unfortunately affected by statelessness. I strongly advise the international community to address the gaps in data collection for measuring statelessness in developing countries. Therefore, I voted in favour of the resolution as it stands.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the motion on cross-border mergers and divisions of undertakings, and I would stress the importance of establishing a framework which comprehensively regulates the mobility of undertakings at European level.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to allow the financial participation of the European Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area. This public-public partnership would support collaborative research and innovation projects on agrifood systems and water management between institutions of the EU and of third countries around the Mediterranean shore which is important.

2016/11/22

Europe needs to be able to quickly provide additional effective support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to Member States and regions hit by major or regional natural disasters, complementing the means available under the European Union Solidarity Fund. I believe in actively promoting solidarity in the event of natural disasters as well as the smooth running of important cohesion policy projects. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

New energy-efficiency labels will enable consumers to buy low-energy household products and allow them to save electricity and hundreds of euros in energy bills. The overwhelming number of products in the highest efficiency classes no longer reflect the technological advances made in recent years. Furthermore, current labels with different scales from A+++ to G are confusing for consumers. New rules are set to replace these outdated labels with a unified and clearer A to G scale for most household products. Old labels should be replaced faster, despite resistance from those who want to protect inefficient industries.I welcome the fact that a public database will give consumers a better tool to compare the energy efficiency of products while a database will strengthen market surveillance authorities in the Member States. If the new rules will be adopted they will apply in all Member States as of this summer and most household products will have new labels by the end of 2019.

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour, considering the fact that the cities from EFTA/EEA countries and from candidate countries as well as potential candidates for EU membership participating in the Creative Europe Programme or in the subsequent Union programmes supporting culture have the right to apply for the title of European Capitals of Culture.

2016/11/22

Research, development and innovations are key to the future of European society, and money spent in these areas should be seen as investment into the future, not as a cost.I welcome the fact that we have managed to get a solid majority for EUR 120 billion for the future FP9; to include a strong focus on SSH, to assert the Open Data principle, to balance fundamental research and innovation, to better involve SMEs in collaborative projects and innovation.Moreover, I am satisfied by the fact that we highlighted the need for FP9 to strengthen societal progress and create growth and jobs. I support the call for the policies to remove barriers such as lower salaries in order to avoid a brain drain. Finally, we must put a very strong focus on the need for better synergies between FP and other EU funds (EFSI and ESIF).

2016/11/22

My vote is in favour of the motion of the resolution, because I believe the cohesion policy post-2020 should cover all EU regions and start right from the outset, involving local, regional and national stakeholders. Also, in order to promote its development the Union should strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion, which shall be pursued with the EU Cohesion policy, the main EU-wide investment policy for jobs and growth.

2016/11/22

More than 90% of Mediterranean fish stocks are overexploited. Continued unsustainable exploitation of shared resources as well as other impacts, such as climate change and pollution, will provoke the widespread collapse of fish stocks, along with the fishermen and communities that depend on them, marine ecosystems, and cultural traditions. The cost is particularly high for the small-scale sector, which represents 83% of the Mediterranean fishing fleet.I strongly support the call for an urgent, coordinated and inclusive approach to fisheries management in the Mediterranean, implementing an ecosystem-based approach in line with the CFP and achieving a balance between fair competition, consumer needs, sustainability of the fishing sector and the preservation of jobs. I welcome the ‘MedFish4Ever’ campaign launched by the European Commission, drawing attention to the critical situation in the Mediterranean Sea.

2016/11/22

I believe that the case clearly met all the conditions for the waiver and I support the report.

2016/11/22

I welcome this targeted proposal to correct the unequal VAT treatment of printed and e-publications, which has led to a significantly less favourable tax treatment of e-publications.

2016/11/22

I strongly support the report; it is a step towards affordable internet connectivity for all EU citizens. My vote is in favour.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report which raises awareness on the importance of developing instruments at European level aimed at solving difficulties related to cross border situations for vulnerable adults, and also to ensure that moving from one Member State to another can be done efficiently, while ensuring that protection measures are fully respected.I believe the Commission should focus more on the situation of people that find themselves in a vulnerable situation, whether due to their age or disabilities. There are already several European instruments, for different situations and categories of people, that help determine jurisdiction, facilitate cross-border recognition and enforcement of administrative and judicial acts and measures. A regulation giving legal clarity and offering an EU wide system of judicial cooperation in the benefit of vulnerable adults would very much improve their lives and encourage freedom of movement.

2016/11/22

The market access concessions given to Ukraine under the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) were negotiated in an entirely different context. This was before the annexation of Crimea, conflict in Donbass and the trade war initiated against Ukraine by Russia. The result has been immense economic difficulties for Ukraine which have made it even more difficult to progress on the path of political reform and alignment with EU standards. Ukraine is deserving of support. But this must not be a blank cheque. We must continue to urge progress on reforms and the fight against corruption.Above all, we must make sure that the right people in Ukraine profit from the trade with the EU. SMEs and ordinary citizens must benefit, not well-established oligarchs.

2016/11/22

I welcome the regulation to lay down a uniform format for visas and I suggest that the Commission proposal be adopted. It was necessary to develop a new security concept and design for a future more secure visa. The current security concept for a uniform format for visas dates back to 1995, when it was initially developed under the intergovernmental Schengen cooperation. Over the past few years forged visa stickers have arisen in several Member States. The present sticker is, however, not secure any longer.I therefore strongly support this new model with more security features in order to make the visa sticker more secure and prevent forgery. I strongly believe this new format will help to fight visa sticker fraud, which has significantly increased over the last few years.

2016/11/22

It is important to insist on the need to improve the working procedures for the governance and the functioning of the Agency and to clarify that the Agency’s competence include also the ‘ex-third pillar’ matters (‘police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters’).Including the area of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the Multiannual Framework would not only reflect the needs on the ground, but also would allow the Agency to provide comprehensive analysis on its own initiative in areas that are of obvious relevance to fundamental rights, especially given the recent and ongoing legislative developments at EU level in this field.We must continue to care about fundamental rights aspects of police and judicial cooperation, including in criminal matters, something that is wished for, and expected by both citizens and the human rights community.

2016/11/22

It is important to insist on the need to improve the working procedures for the governance and the functioning of the Agency and to clarify that the Agency’s competence include also ‘ex-third pillar’ matters (‘police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters’).Including the area of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the Multiannual Framework would not only reflect the needs on the ground, but also would allow the Agency to provide comprehensive analysis on its own initiative in areas that are of obvious relevance to fundamental rights, especially given the recent and ongoing legislative developments at EU level in this field.We must continue to care about fundamental rights aspects of police and judicial cooperation, including in criminal matters, something that is wished for, and expected, by both citizens and the human rights community.

2016/11/22

We must ensure that poverty eradication and fighting inequality remains at the heart of the EU development policy including in the new Consensus. The EU and MS must put all their efforts for the successful implementation of the Agenda 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals.I welcome the fact that commitments on agriculture are more detailed than the previous Consensus and include support for small-holder farmers and pastoralists and recognise the role they play in combatting hunger and malnutrition.Finally, I would like to congratulate the negotiators for including commitments to promote decent work, corporate social responsibility and the importance of social and environmental standards for European investments in developing countries.

2016/11/22

Building resilience means creating a more responsive Union and is key to forging strong partnerships.We must reiterate our call on the Commission and the Council to incorporate in their new initiative existing EU policies on the matter and ensure their continuity. In addition, the new initiative should promote alignment with international commitments, comply with the development effectiveness principles, promote a coherent EU approach to resilience and the complementarity of its development, humanitarian, foreign and security policies, with a particular focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations while highlighting the role of local actors and civil society.It is fundamental to strengthen the resilience of states and societies by supporting good governance, accountable institutions and working closely with civil society.

2016/11/22

Oceans, along with coastal and marine resources, are extremely vulnerable to environmental degradation, overfishing, climate change and pollution. The sustainable use and preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems and their biological diversity is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda, in particular for small island developing states. I join the call for urgent global action to implement Sustainable Development Goal 14; the EU needs to take the lead to promote stronger ocean governance around the globe.

2016/11/22

Considering that Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland participate in the single market under the EEA agreement, and that in accordance with the agreement the three countries also contribute financially to the alleviation of economic and social disparities in Europe, I support the report as the new agreements detail the updated future financial contributions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Considering that major projects and policy areas such as education, social affairs and help for job seekers have to rely on grants from the EU cohesion budget, and only bigger projects with clearly defined settings and circumstances should become involved with financial instruments such as loans, guarantees, equity and other risk-bearing mechanisms, it remains clear to me that grants must continue to be an indispensable tool for the realisation of cohesion policy projects.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Technical assistance in the framework of EU cohesion policy is an important instrument that has been used since 1988. With regard to the technical assistance offered at the initiative of Member States, it has come to light that this kind of technical assistance was never offered to regional and local authorities. Therefore I support the report’s call for information to be disseminated on the possibilities for regional and local authorities’ participation, as well as greater involvement of these authorities in training.Furthermore, I welcome the fact that the report underlines the right of cities to have recourse to technical assistance, especially in the context of integrated sustainable urban development.Regions and local authorities, together with their partners such as NGOs, should be able to profit from technical assistance, but unfortunately that has not always been the case.

2016/11/22

The Portability Regulation is an easy-to-use legal instrument meant to facilitate access to their online subscriptions for people that travel through the EU, or that have periods of work or study in other Member States.I welcome the fact that we managed to secure having no specific time limitations to portability; taking out the formulation ‘regularly returns’ from the definition of temporary presence; keeping IP checking as a means of verification in a very restrictive way, that does not allow storing or sharing or use for any other purpose than to check the Member State of residence in a binary format.It is a small step towards better access across the digital internal market, but it will immediately be felt by users of online subscriptions of movies, programmes, or other online content that will no longer be geo-blocked when they travel outside their Member State of residence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I believe the most critical aspect of the implementation process of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Korea is the failure on the Korean side to implement the provisions on trade and sustainable development, specifically with regard to labour rights. In recent times, there have been severe crackdowns by the Korean police on trade-union leaders. Some of them have been sentenced to up to five years in prison. Such a situation is not acceptable as it runs counter to our principles and values.I welcome our implementation report, which reminds the Korean side of its commitment to international labour standards and asks the Commission to press the Korean Government for rapid implementation of the labour provisions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ We must continue strongly to support the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – with the state of Israel within secure and recognised borders, a sovereign, contiguous and viable state of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, and mutual recognition of the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps, and Jerusalem as capital of both states – as the only way of achieving a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Protecting and preserving the viability of this two-state solution must be the immediate priority in European Union policies and action with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Middle East peace process.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The need to protect civilians and ensure unfettered humanitarian access to affected populations remains a paramount concern. The EU and High Representative Mogherini must explore all diplomatic and economic levers to influence the parties to the conflict and their sponsors – including Russia, Turkey and Iran – to ensure full humanitarian access to the hard-to-reach and besieged areas of Syria and, in light of the Raqqa offensive, to populations fleeing the ongoing coalition-supported offensive to expel ISIS.As stakeholders which prioritise the primacy of international humanitarian law, the EU and Member States must provide annual financial support and political backing to the UN General Assembly International Impartial and Independent Mechanism system so it can fulfil its remit.Lastly, I support the Compacts agreed by the EU with Jordan and Lebanon in Brussels as a follow-up to commitments made at the London conference in February 2016, as I believe they provide a new and potentially game-changing financing model.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the fact that, at the end of March, the Commission will present the so-called ‘Mobility Package’, which includes legislation on working and rest times for truck drivers, access to the haulage market and enforcement of social legislation. For us it is important to guarantee a high level of social rights and strengthen the enforcement of the legislation.I strongly support trade-union requests to make better enforcement of social rights a priority in the forthcoming road mobility package and to avoid the current situation of social dumping. The aim is to find a balanced approach to ensure free market access while ensuring that worker’s rights are not bypassed and transport workers are not exploited through illegal practices.

2016/11/22

Kambioos camp, the smallest of the five refugee camps in Dadaab, has now been closed. Kenya continues to promote repatriation and has unfortunately not renounced its decision to ‘close Dadaab’ by the end of May. Since December 2014, when UNHCR started supporting the voluntary return of Somali refugees in Kenya, 62 383 Somali refugees have been repatriated from Kenya to Somalia. In 2017 alone, over 22 000 Somalis were repatriated. UNHCR reports that another 20 944 Somali refugees are registered for voluntary repatriation. The situation is extremely worrying.However, the High Court in Nairobi blocked the decision in the meantime, and this ruling affirmed Kenya’s legal obligation to protect people who seek safety from harm and persecution. Today is a historic day for more than a quarter of a million refugees who were at risk of being forcefully returned to Somalia, where they would have been at serious risk of human rights abuses.

2016/11/22

I strongly support the [Commission’s] call upon Member States to increase their efforts to meet the set relocation targets and [that it] stands ready to assist Member States in making progress towards meeting their legal obligations. These measures have the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility at their core, a principle that is binding for each Member State and fundamental for the future of the European Union.Further intensified and coordinated efforts from all Member States, in particular those who have not relocated at all, as well as solid cooperation between all actors involved is still required to relocate all those eligible from Italy and Greece by September 2017.I welcome the fact that the 11th report includes targeted recommendations for specific Member States aimed at removing those bottlenecks that affect the common efforts to facilitate and accelerate relocations.

2016/11/22

Considering that the redundancies were caused by major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, I will vote on the report giving the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), which contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 821 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies, providing assistance for integrating the affected persons into the labour market.

2016/11/22

I welcome the fact, in the report, that there is no mention of a red card, a possible introduction of a green card only for a constructive use, meaning national Parliaments could ‘suggest to the Commission a legislative initiative for its examination’, but no reopening of agreed legislation.Moreover, there will not be a general extension of the eight ‒ week period in which national parliaments can issue a reasoned opinion under Article 6 of Protocol No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality ‒ consideration of extension only on grounds of time constraints on the basis of justified objective reasons.Finally, I am satisfied with the fact that environmental, social and economic impacts are mentioned on an equal footing when it comes to proportionality assessments.

2016/11/22

Technological developments may have an important influence on the future of the financial sector, especially the technology companies, the so-called FinTech, that develop software solutions and applications to be used in financial services.FinTech can have significant benefits for the financial sector, as they can bring cost reductions, efficiency gains and more transparency, by opening up high-level services to those who could not afford them before. This may lead to financial inclusion. Moreover, I believe that FinTech can enable cross-border financial flows through alternative investment channels.Nevertheless, I support the need to ensure a high level of supervision and to develop regulation to make sure that these technologies are inclusive, durable and sustainable.As an addition to the need of supervision, the European Supervisory Authorities should regularly review the existing operational standards covering ICT (Information and Communication Technology) risks of financial institutions. At this stage, exchange of information and best practices between supervisors is very important, as well as between regulators and governments at their respective levels.

2016/11/22

I vote in favour of the proposal, considering the importance of the Council’s draft, whose aim is to authorise Croatia to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data (VRD).

2016/11/22

The European Union has to remain in the forefront in the fight against money laundering, terrorism and corruption. Therefore, I disagree with the Commission list of ‘high risk third countries with strategic deficiencies’ and therefore object to the delegated act.

2016/11/22

Considering that the herbicide resistant GMOs should not be authorised, because they could encourage the increase use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this has not been taken into account, I voted in favour of the objection.

2016/11/22

Considering that he outbreak of Xyllela fastidiosa in Italy and the introduction of invasive alien species in Europe show that we need to ensure that all imports of plants or plants products are free of pests and that one infected plant can destroy a whole sector or the economy of a whole region, I support the objection.

2016/11/22

The Hungarian Government’s recent moves to stigmatise and obstruct the work of civil society organisations and to threaten the Central European University must be condemned. These developments are bound to have negative implications for Hungarian society and for the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Hungary. These actions are contrary to the EU’s founding principles as enshrined in Article 2 TEU. The European Union is a community based on the rule of law, and on fundamental values that are non-negotiable.

2016/11/22

The EQF is a common European reference system, which will link different countries’ national qualifications systems and frameworks together. In practice, it will function as a translation device making qualifications more readable. This will help learners and workers wishing to move between countries or change jobs or move between educational institutions at home.I encourage Member States to relate their national qualifications systems to the European Qualifications Framework by 2010; to adopt measures, as appropriate, so that, by 2012, all new qualification certificates, diplomas and ‘Europass’ documents issued by the competent authorities contain a clear reference, by way of national qualifications systems, to the appropriate European Qualifications Framework level.

2016/11/22

This was a technical file taking account of Croatia’s accession to the EU. The EU looks forward to closer cooperation with Mongolia, and updates its framework agreement with that country by taking into account the accession of Croatia.

2016/11/22

The Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) provides for the technical adjustment of the trade provisions in the SAA to take into account the accession of Croatia to the EU and prevent disruption of bilateral trade. Although this is standard practice after every new EU enlargement, an agreement on the adaptation of the SAA was only reached in August 2016, putting an end to a difficult dispute with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and allowing further progress in BiH’s European aspirations.The protocol was signed in July 2016 and started to be provisionally applied as of 1 February 2017, pending ratification by the two parties. I provided my consent to the ratification of the protocol.

2016/11/22

This report proposes to give Parliament’s consent to certain rules under which Norway may participate in and benefit from the Internal Security Fund (External Borders and Visa), a fund established in 2014 to replace the former External Borders Fund. The Internal Security Fund (ISF) Borders and Visa is intended to ensure a high level of security in the Union while facilitating legitimate travel, through a uniform and high level of control of the external border and the effective processing of Schengen Visas. As the ISF (Borders and Visa) represented a development of the development of the Schengen Acquis and affects the legal framework of the agreement between the EU and Norway on Norway’s participation in Schengen, it is necessary to lay down rules for Norway’s financial contribution to and participation in the fund. On 14 October of last year, the Commission proposed a Council Decision to sign an agreement with Norway laying down such supplementary rules for the ISF with regard to Norway.I supported the Parliament’s report, which provides consent for the Council to proceed.

2016/11/22

The work of Parliament on this file started with a working document in 2012, followed by a resolution of 14 March 2013 on sustainability in the global cotton value chain. The Committee on International Trade has hence conducted a scrutiny of cotton production and trade, including child and forced labour aspects, and put forward recommendations concerning EU’s membership in the ICAC.The ICAC brings together cotton producing, consuming and trading countries. It assists governments in promoting a sound world cotton economy by raising awareness, gathering statistics on the cotton market, serving as a clearing house for technical information on cotton and textiles and fostering international cooperation.I voted in favour as I believe we should be committed to improving workers’ rights in third countries through initiatives such as the ICAC, traceability and mandatory due diligence.

2016/11/22

Open, accessible, inclusive, trustworthy and safe eGovernment services can improve public administration for all: citizens, businesses, and the public sector itself. We need to ensure that everyone has the skills and the means to participate in digital government. The development of eGovernment services is a key element of the digital single market and we need to ensure EU-wide interoperability of digital services for the benefit of our citizens.

2016/11/22

I support this report, which focuses mainly on the losses due to the VAT (value added tax) gap and intra-Community VAT fraud, and welcome the advances on the PIF Directive (protection of the Union’s financial interests). The Commission needs to have more access to the exchange of information between Member States with a view to preventing and combating intra-Community fraud. We are looking forward to the Commission’s mid-term assessment in 2018, as this will help establish whether the new regulatory architecture for cohesion policy can prevent and reduce the risk of all sorts of irregularities and fraud.I believe that the text takes a more constructive approach than in previous years, with less naming and shaming by the Member States, but our Group might still table some amendments to put greater emphasis on the need for a solution-based orientation.

2016/11/22

I strongly welcome the call for a legally binding definition of food waste and a common methodology for measuring food loss and for an EU reduction target of 30% by 2025 and 50% by 2030 compared with the 2014 baseline.The Commission and the MS must take practical and political measures to tackle food waste at every stage in the food chain, including a definition and methodology for measuring food waste, setting specific reduction targets, and providing financial and fiscal incentives to facilitate food donation, engage in awareness-raising campaigns and provide targeted education programmes.The EU, as one of the most prosperous communities in the world, has a moral and political obligation to reduce the huge quantities of food wasted every year.

2016/11/22

There is a clear need for better EU cooperation with Member States to ensure a coordinated and uniform approach to implementation of the UCC (Union Customs Code). It is fundamental to secure availability of fund and IT resources. I support functional, modernised and harmonised approaches to customs procedures and controls throughout the EU. There is a need to improve cooperation between customs authorities, international organisations, third countries, other governmental authorities, including Union and national market surveillance authorities, as well as economic operators and organisations representing economic operators. I support an early transition towards an EU Information System for customs, where we could proceed from a paper to a paper-free customs environment. Finally, I support the call for a set of common key performance indicators (KPIs) in order be able to assess the performance of customs administration at home and abroad.

2016/11/22

These facts relate rather to activities of a purely national nature, given that his remarks were made on a TV programme in Portugal on a specifically Portuguese subject relating to the management of an association incorporated under national law. I therefore supported the request for the waiver of the parliamentary immunity.

2016/11/22

I welcome this file which takes existing directives and puts them in one. Thanks to this codification the new act on an EU trade mark passes through the full legislative process and replaces the acts being codified. It will make it easier and more user friendly for citizens and companies to use European legislation on aspects related to EU trade marks. The advantages of codification are that users need consult only one single authentic text, and the volume of the ‘acquis communautaire’ is reduced.

2016/11/22

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. After three years negotiations 140 countries signed the Convention on 19 January 2013 in Geneva. The Convention is named after the Japanese city Minamata, following the devastating cases of mercury poisoning there.The Convention contains measures that cover the entire life cycle of mercury. It addresses the direct mining of mercury, its export and import, its safe storage and its disposal.I therefore voted in favour of global action against the devastating health and environmental effects of mercury.

2016/11/22

This Commission proposal extends both the scope and operation of hybrid mismatch rules to cover intra-EU and third country hybrid and branch mismatches as well as imported mismatches, hybrid transfers and dual resident companies.Our main achievements at committee level was to include a number of hybrid mismatch situations that were not originally covered by the proposal such as permanent establishment mismatches, disregarded permanent establishment (e.g. Mc Donald’s case), diverted hybrid mismatches, tax residency mismatches (Apple case), etc., to ensure that no loopholes leading to mismatches can be exploited anymore.This report is another step in the right direction, towards tax justice to ensure that profits are taxed where the economic value is created and to prevent profit shifting to tax havens.

2016/11/22

This is the second phase of the procedure to establish a cooperation relationship between Denmark and Europol after the new Europol regulation comes into force on May 1, otherwise forcing Denmark out of Europol, after Denmark rejected the full JHA cooperation in a referendum in 2015.The first phase was concluded in February this year, somewhat controversially, assigning Denmark as a third country. In this second phase the Commission and Council are using the pre-Lisbon third-pillar procedure of making association agreements between Europol and third countries in order to conclude an operational and strategic cooperation agreement with Denmark as a third country.I voted in favour of the proposal.

2016/11/22

This financial program aims to prolong the programme adopted in 2014. I support accounting standards that ensure financial stability and sustainable growth, and a deep reform of the process of elaboration and endorsement of Accounting standards to ensure transparency and accountability. This revised financial programme for the Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation), the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) and the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) will contribute to these ends.

2016/11/22

I support the establishment of the Programme for the period from 1 May 2017 to 31 December 2020 and it shall co-finance the following activities: engaging with consumers and other financial services end-users; raising awareness, dissemination, financial education and training; activities reinforcing the interactions between the members of the beneficiary organisations as well as advocacy and policy advice activities. Regarding the implementation of the Programme, the maximum rate of direct co-financing should be 60% of eligible costs and the maximum rate of cumulative non-direct Union funding should be limited to 70% of the total eligible costs of the beneficiary.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report on the Commission discharge, which tackles the different problems caused by the different durations of the political and financial programming periods, and a rolling budgeting procedure with a medium-term planning horizon and rolling evaluation programme and a certain flexibility.

2016/11/22

The findings of the European Court of Auditors special reports carry a lot of political weight. I support amendments specifically on the problematic of ‘EU nuclear decommissioning assistance programmes in Lithuania, Bulgaria and Slovakia: some progress made since 2011 but critical challenges ahead’, where we called for clearer rules and incentives for decommissioning after 2020, if any EU funding will be made available.I would like to highlight the importance of the findings regarding better targeting of the EU budget for Roma, improved monitoring of the budget for European Union external migration spending in southern Mediterranean and eastern neighbourhood countries and the assessment of the financial instruments – Lessons to be learnt from the 2007-2013 programme.

2016/11/22

I welcome the EDF 2015 achievements and grant the discharge. The report is quite balanced and constructively oriented. There are still this year some concerns concerning effectiveness that involve not only Commission headquarters and European Union delegations in beneficiary countries, but also other actors such as the national authorising officers designated by ACP countries, where frequently weaknesses in checks have been detected.

2016/11/22

We worked hard to keep this report strictly within the scope of the Budgetary Control Committee’s competence, examining how Parliament has managed its own budget. We pursued a balanced approach, recognising achievements and improvements made, whilst also constructively highlighting weaknesses of Parliament’s administration that should be addressed.

2016/11/22

Discharge was postponed. Parliament and the Council continue holding different legal views of the discharge procedure. The Council does not recognise the authority of Parliament but sees itself on the same level as the two arms of the EU budgetary authority. Parliament’s interpretation of Article 319 of the TFEU clearly sees a distinction in the two institutions’ role – Parliament being the authority which gives the discharge, while Council is the institution which gives a recommendation as to whether to grant discharge.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court of Justice, considering that in its annual report, there is no significant weaknesses identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Court of Justice of the European Union (the 'Court of Justice') and the productivity of the judicial activity of the Court.

2016/11/22

Discharge was postponed, as there are different legal views of the discharge procedure being sustained by Parliament and the Council. The Council does not recognise the authority of Parliament but sees itself on the same level as the two arms of the EU budgetary authority. Parliament’s interpretation of Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union clearly sees a distinction in the two institutions’ role – Parliament being the authority which gives the discharge.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. The Agency’s activities is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Our group supports the Agencies in their many areas of work as this is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

Considering the importance of the CEDEFOP role to help develop and implement EU vocational training policies, always ensured that Erasmus+ plays an important role in promoting social inclusion and intercultural dialogue, and fighting youth unemployment, for these reasons I am voting in favour of the discharge.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the discharge to CEPOL, the agency of the European Union dedicated to develop, implement and coordinate training for law enforcement officials.

2016/11/22

I consider important the reinforcement of the protection of Europe’s external borders, including European cooperation on coastguard function, and as well the cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and the European Fisheries Control Agency, and I voted in favour of the Discharge.

2016/11/22

I strongly believe that serious consideration should be given to the harmonisation and Europeanisation of the asylum procedures towards a real solidarity sharing system between Member States which would become a unified and effective Common European Asylum system.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the discharge for ECDC because I consider an essential matter its mission to strengthen Europe’s defences against infectious diseases.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the discharge for EFCA as I strongly believe it is important to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination of the three European agencies to support the national authorities carrying out coastguard functions (pooling their operational capacities; by sharing and analysing information; providing surveillance and communication services; capacity building by elaborating guidelines, recommendations and best practices as well as by providing training and exchange of staff).

2016/11/22

In the current political atmosphere in Europe, I take a firm stance to make gender equality – a declared objective and principle of the EU enshrined in its Treaties – a priority, in order not only to demonstrate commitment to our values but also to use the potential of both women and men to increase the economic potential of the EU.

2016/11/22

Considering the importance for a better protection clinical trial for the participants and that the medicines that are intended for the EU should not harm clinical trial participants in low-income countries, whereas the transparency of EMA is necessary as it offers insight in its activities regarding ethical clinical trials, I am voting in favour of the discharge.

2016/11/22

Considering the health risks of high-potency products, the continued emergence of new substances, and changing patterns of drug use, which are among the issues highlighted in the European Drug Report 2016, and in view of the concern over rises in overdose deaths in some countries and the threats posed by internet drug markets, I chose to vote in favour for the discharge.

2016/11/22

Following the vote in the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) of the report on the European Maritime Safety Agency, all amendments were voted down, and the text as modified rejected.The Committee did not adopt the EMSA text as amended with 19 votes in favour, 25 against and 3 abstentions. No text report was adopted by TRAN.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. Our group supports the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. Our group supports the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the discharge to Eurojust.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting the Discharge to Europol.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The Agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the Agencies in their many areas of work e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean or our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

The agencies of the European Union have vital importance in terms of delivering the goals and results of EU policies. There is now good progress being made in terms of the agencies sharing best practice and, where feasible, support services. Their network is strong and they are working with the Commission to implement the Roadmap on Decentralised Agencies. I support the agencies in their many areas of work – e.g. to keep our food safe, our environment clean and our planes and flights safer and more secure. This is of clear benefit to EU citizens and their performance is improving year on year.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public-private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public-private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public-private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public-private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public-private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies. Domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion. I voted in favour of granting the Discharge.

2016/11/22

I consider the fact that the Joint Undertakings bring together industry and research bodies in public private partnerships to support research, new technology and demonstration activities and to accelerate the market introduction of specific technologies, and that domains covered include air traffic control, carbon-clean energy, nanotechnology, computing technology, cleaner aviation technologies and nuclear fusion.

2016/11/22

. ‒ These regions are very poor and the economic situation is catastrophic, especially for fisheries. They lack the capacity to have an autonomous economy. Replacing an old boat by a new boat does not come without cost and, as you know, banks are not willing to invest in many sectors in the current context. Today men and women are risking their lives on board frail 40-year-old craft in order to go on with their traditional activity, and casualties are occurring every month.In these areas with peak unemployment rates, fishing remains an active sector and a part of the insular way of life, most importantly offering the inhabitants of these regions a livelihood. But for how long? The EU has already started to sell fishing opportunities in Guyana to Venezuela, for instance.These areas feel abandoned by the EU, as proven by the recent anti-European results from outermost regions in the French elections. Let us not abandon them.

2016/11/22

My core values are guided by the respect for Human Rights and Labour Rights, that is why I strongly support binding rules for a responsible practices in the global supply chains in the Garment and footwear sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Land concentration particularly affects small and medium-sized family farms, which are at the base of the European agricultural model. It is important that land policies should not encourage land speculation. I supported the text.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Commission must take action as a priority to help Member States implement the provisions of the Directive properly, in order to protect the health of local populations and the environment.

2016/11/22

There will be no viable, peaceful and stable solution for Venezuela without national dialogue and calls on all parties to engage in a constructive, solution-driven process. In consequence, the objective of this dialogue must be to reach a national agreement that foresees a democratic and peaceful conflict resolution. The HR/VP shall also support any regional or international efforts that might lead to a mediation process.However, in light of the current circumstances and in order to move forward, I support the call on the Venezuelan Government to immediately free political prisoners; call for elections and avoid sidelining opposition candidates; put an end to the repression of demonstrations; and investigate the murders and allow humanitarian aid into the country.

2016/11/22

Since 2010 Sri Lanka has made significant progress. I consider that Sri Lanka meets the GSP+ entry criteria set out in the EU regulation. I welcome the fact that the new government of Sri Lanka established a path of major reforms aiming for national reconciliation, respect of human rights, the rule of law and good governance principles, as well as sustainable economic development.Moreover, I consider that the government made important efforts to achieve progress in order to fulfil the commitments and agree granting the GSP+ tariff concession to Sri Lanka.

2016/11/22

Visa liberalisation is one aspect of an increasingly close partnership between Ukraine and the European Union. Ukraine is a key partner country for the EU within the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership. The Association Agreement signed in June 2014 and its simultaneous ratification by the Verkhovna Rada and the European Parliament in September 2015 sent a strong signal and provided clear proof of the EU’s and Ukraine’s shared aspiration to achieve a substantive rapprochement on the basis of the principles of political association and economic integration. Waiving the visa obligation for Ukrainian citizens who hold biometric passports will represent a concrete achievement stemming from this shared aspiration and from the commitment shown by the Ukrainian people to peace, stability and a European and reformist direction for their country.

2016/11/22

The launch of the Commission's registration platform for potential young volunteers has spurred a tremendous amount of interest among young Europeans. Yet, this initiative could quickly turn into general frustration, if the Commission doesn't present a convincing and sustainable approach soon. In view of the high number of registrations, the Commission needs to make sure that sufficient funding is dedicated to the initiative and that all stakeholders are sufficiently involved in the development and implementation of the European Solidarity Corps. We cannot reallocate funds from priority programs, such as ERASMUS+, often lacking sufficient resources, to finance new policy initiatives. We need fresh money. And we cannot create a new initiative which goes against well-established and well-functioning programmes.

2016/11/22

The long-term viability of the Privacy Shield (PS) as an instrument capable of effectively safeguarding privacy rights according to EU standards has still to be confirmed. As to the commercial aspects, the Privacy Shield allows data processing for very broad and generic purposes, contrary to the purpose limitation principle as enshrined in EU law. Actually, the text of the PS requires firms to inform individuals of ‘the purposes for which it collects and uses personal information about them’; it is, however, unsure how detailed such a purpose must be, the PS does not require the firms to specify the actual use for which the information is intended. Moreover, the PS would be based on an ‘op out’ system (notice and choice), requiring users actively object to their data being processed by a company (if they are aware of such processing), and contrary to the EU ‘opt in’ system that requires companies to obtain prior user consent.

2016/11/22

Through the current report Parliament gives its consent to the ratification and accession by Member States, in the interest of the European Union, to the Protocol of 2010 to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, with regard to aspects related to judicial cooperation in civil matters.Swift ratification of Protocol 10 by all Member States in order to enable the implementation of the Convention as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

This consultation procedure relates to a proposed Council Decision to allow for certain provisions relating to the Schengen Information System (SIS) to be applied to Croatia. The application of those provisions will essentially allow for SIS data to be transferred to Croatia. This, in turn, will allow the European Commission to verify that Croatia meets the necessary conditions for the application of all parts of the Schengen Acquis in the SIS area. In essence, it is a further step on the way to Croatia becoming a full member of the Schengen Area without internal borders. Verification of Croatia’s compliance with the Schengen Acquis in the area of the Schengen Information System (SIS) should be carried out as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

Medical devices are an important and innovative industry in Europe, but we must ensure that devices are safe and that patients are protected. I welcome the new law which introduces much stricter requirements for manufacturers of medical devices and for the notified bodies that have responsibility for authorising devices. It is also important to tighten up the system of post-market surveillance: manufacturers will have to develop and maintain a post-market surveillance system for every device, including producing a Periodic Safety Update Report, to ensure that devices are constantly monitored and action can be taken quickly if things do go wrong. Crucially, we achieved a key demand to have additional pre-market scrutiny for certain high-risk devices. The new legislation will mean that patients can have more confidence in the safety of medical devices, without stifling the innovation that is key to this industry.

2016/11/22

I support better regulation of in vitro diagnostic medical devices to ensure that tests such as pregnancy tests and blood tests are accurate and reliable. The new law will require high-risk devices to undergo additional, pre-market assessment, while stricter rules on post-market surveillance will ensure a faster response if there is a problem with a device.

2016/11/22

The regulation, as it is now negotiated, reduces fragmentation of practices across Member States towards a deeper integration of the capital markets in the EU and unlocks liquidity from institutional investors who are currently facing a low interest rate environment and sitting on capital. Moreover, it reduces legal costs and red tape.The CMU is not only a European issue; therefore, I encourage the possibility of the issuers based in third counties to access the EU capital market. I fully support the use in the EU of the prospectus approved in third countries by fulfilling equivalence requirements. I also, approve and support the increasing role of ESM in developing guidelines on supervision and enforcement, as the scrutiny and approval practices of national competent authorities should be enhanced by them.The achievement of the SME Growth Prospectus allows SMEs to raise funds across EU.

2016/11/22

A revision was necessary to restore Europe’s capacity to take action. I welcome the fact that we were united in putting pressure on the Commission and the Council, and obtained a substantial revision, gaining up to EUR 3 billion euros more for flexibility by 2020 and the release of around EUR 3 billion for 2017-2020. In this battle, a notable victory was securing EUR 1.2 billion to fight youth unemployment. We can congratulate ourselves for this historic precedent. Nevertheless, this review remains insufficient to address the many issues we face. I hope we will remain steadfast and determined in the future negotiations on the annual budgets – as they already have shown this year on the negotiations for the 2018 budget – in order to give Europe a sufficiently ambitious budget. We will also be pushing for an ambitious budgetary programme following 2020.

2016/11/22

A revision was necessary to restore Europe’s capacity to take action. I welcome the fact that we were united in putting pressure on the Commission and the Council, and obtained a substantial revision, gaining up to EUR 3 billion more for flexibility by 2020 and the release of around EUR 3 billion for 2017-2020. In this battle, a notable victory was securing EUR 1.2 billion to fight youth unemployment. We can congratulate ourselves for this historic precedent. Nevertheless, this review remains insufficient to address the many issues we face. I hope we will remain steadfast and determined in the future negotiations on the annual budgets – as they already have shown this year on the negotiations for the 2018 budget – in order to give Europe a sufficiently ambitious budget. We will also be pushing for an ambitious budgetary programme following 2020.

2016/11/22

The decision on the Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin is part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) revision package voted in Plenary the same day.It confirms European Parliament’s long standing position that payment appropriations for special instruments are counted over and above the MFF ceilings.

2016/11/22

I support this report which reflects the position of the Committee on Budgets on the administrative and financial needs for the European Parliament. The report will allow the increase in the European Parliament budget for 2018 to be limited to 2.3% compared to the 2017 budget (which is a compromise between an increase of 3.6% proposed by the Secretary-General and the Bureau and an increase limited to a maximum of 1.9% requested by the Committee on Budgets). That means a decrease of the preliminary draft estimates by EUR 18.4 million.Moreover, it will set the overall level of the estimates for the year 2018 to EUR 1 953 483 373 corresponding to an increase by EUR 43.89 million compared to the 2017 budget.

2016/11/22

I support the draft Amending Budget No 1/2017 to the general budget 2017 which is linked to the Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund.It provides assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal relates to floods in the United Kingdom, drought and fires in Cyprus and fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira (EUR 71 524 810 in commitment and payment appropriations).

2016/11/22

The Plenary voted on a report giving the green light for the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission.The amount of the foreseen EGF contribution, EUR 310 000, is to be used for financing preparation, monitoring, data gathering and the creation of a knowledge base, administrative and technical support, information and communication activities as well as audit, control and evaluation activities. The measures aim at simplifying the application procedure of the EGF as well as at encouraging a general awareness about the EGF and its visibility.

2016/11/22

I support draft Amending Budget No. 1/2017 to the general budget 2017 which is linked to the Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund.It provides assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal relates to floods in the United Kingdom, drought and fires in Cyprus and fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira (EUR 71 524 810 in commitment and payment appropriations).

2016/11/22

The aim of the draft Council implementing Decision is to authorise Latvia to continue to receive and supply of personal data for the purpose of automated searching of dactyloscopic (digital fingerprints) data under the Prüm Treaty.Latvia has implemented the required data protection provisions into national law and the Commission has evaluated the pilot run and found Latvia ready to take part in Prüm.

2016/11/22

The aim of the draft Council implementing Decision is to authorise Slovakia, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Malta and Belgium to continue to be entitled to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison of DNA data under the Prüm Treaty.The Member States above have implemented the required data protection provisions into national law and the Commission has verified the pilot run and found said Member States compliant to continue to be entitled to be part of the Prüm Treaty.

2016/11/22

The aim 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 continue to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of dactyloscopic (digital fingerprints) data under the Prüm Treaty.The Member States above have implemented the required data protection provisions into national law and the Commission has verified the pilot run and found said Member States compliant to continue to be entitled to be part of the Prüm Treaty.

2016/11/22

The aim of the draft Council implementing Decision is to authorise Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary to continue to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data (VRD) under the Prüm Treaty.The Member States above have implemented the required data protection provisions into national law and the Commission has verified the pilot run and found said Member States compliant to continue to be entitled to be part of the Prüm Treaty.

2016/11/22

The aim of the draft Council implementing Decision is to authorise Malta, Cyprus and Estonia to continue to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data (VRD) under the Prüm Treaty.The Member States above have implemented the required data protection provisions into national law and the Commission has verified the pilot run and found said Member States compliant to continue to be entitled to be part of the Prüm Treaty.

2016/11/22

The Commission published a draft decision to authorise the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize Bt11 × 59122 × MIR604 × 1507 × GA21, and twenty sub-combinations thereof. Requirements for labelling and monitoring for environmental effects are introduced, as well as conditions or restrictions on the placing on the market, use or handling of the products.The objectors oppose the draft measure on the grounds that the Commission has exceeded the implementing powers provided for in the basic act. The planned authorisation concerns 20 different products, only a few of which have been tested for safety, and several of which have not even been created yet. The objectors also point out that the EFSA scientific opinion includes a minority opinion, which state that no specific data regarding any of those 20 sub-combinations was provided by the applicant, who also did not give a satisfactory rationale explaining the reasons why that data was missing and/or why they would consider that this data is not necessary for the risk assessment.Herbicide-resistant GMOs should not be authorised, because they could encourage the increase use of herbicides, and the wider health and environmental implications of this has not been taken into account.

2016/11/22

For a too long time, the external dimension has been missing in the definition of the EU response to migration movements although it is fundamental to address the root causes of this phenomenon. I support the call for the full respect of migrants and refugees’ rights and dignity, no matter their legal status; I reject any conditionality on EU aid upon collaboration of third countries on migration issues; I urge for the establishment of safe and legal channels to reach the EU for asylum seekers and potential migrants, which would be the best way to break the business of human traffickers and organised crime; and I believe the Parliament has be fully involved in all current initiatives and their budgetary consequences.

2016/11/22

The common fisheries policy (CFP) manages and establishes ceilings of total capacity of Member States’ fishing fleets, in terms of engine power and vessel tonnage, notably with a view to capping fishing means in consideration of the fisheries resources available. A significant number of EU rules under the CFP also refer, and apply, to fishing vessels based on their power, tonnage as well as some other technical characteristics, such as length, breadth and date of entry into service. Identical definitions of these characteristics and common rules for their determination have been set since 1986 (Council Regulation No 2930/1986, amended in 1994). On 23 May 2016, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to replace this 1986 regulation with a new one. I welcome the new rules which repeal and recast the Council Regulation in line with the European Union’s commitment to simplify and clarify EU law in order to make it clearer and easier to understand. The new Regulation should enter into force by mid 2017.

2016/11/22

I believe this report contains improvements, but we have to be more ambitious and equip the EU with a strong independent watchdog able to act independently to prevent future crises. We have to think of a future-proof solution, given the challenges posed by the IoT connected cars. A clear chain of liabilities must be defined and the missing piece is a strong technical body, as budget neutral as possible for EU citizens, capable to identify and report risks and failures.Second, we should be committed to a real consumer empowerment in contractual relations with any trader. This regulation is a piece of the puzzle. I support the call for the highest level of consumer protection when it comes to remedies and producer liability under consumer contracts proposals, and a strong role to be played by the national competent authorities and the EU in launching actions against fraudulent traders who cheat on EU consumers.

2016/11/22

Palm oil is extensively used in food, cosmetics and biofuels, however the unsustainable production of the cheap vegetable oil leads to deforestation, loss of nature habitats and greenhouse gas emissions.I strongly support the draft report makes reference to the environmental impacts of the palm oil industry while encouraging the sustainable production of palm oil. It is fundamental to call for a single mandatory certification scheme to ensure that palm oil products are only allowed to enter the EU market if they meet minimum sustainability criteria.Palm oil is not worth the devastation it causes. Over the past 20 years, intensive palm oil cultivation has led not only to massive deforestation of some of the world’s most precious ecosystems while pushing many species to the brink of extinction but it has also exploited millions of plantation workers, including children and violated rights of local and indigenous communities.EU shares global responsibility in achieving sustainable palm oil production.

2016/11/22

This report on women in rural areas highlights a domain in which the rights of women still lag behind and in which the issue of gender equality can be promoted significantly to improve women’s lives. Women in rural areas are not a homogeneous group, and bear an unequal share of the consequences of poor services or infrastructure, and find it harder to get secure and safe employment, or the resources needed to start their own businesses than do their male counterparts. Investment in women, and the services they need, in rural areas, will do much to ensure that living communities remain there and local economies thrive and build on agricultural and other businesses.

2016/11/22

Member states failed to monitor cars for illegal emissions and turned a blind eye to cheating by Volkswagen and other manufacturers on tests. Meanwhile, the Commission didn't enforce its own legislation, eroding consumer trust in the car industry and putting public health at risk. After Dieselgate, business as usual is simply not an option. We want to see stronger oversight in form of an independent EU agency for vehicle surveillance put in place to ensure that cars are not only clean in the lab but also on the road. Those countries who continue to block independent and transparent system for type-approval of European vehicles and the strengthening of the market surveillance at the EU level must stop putting the interests of their own car industry above those of consumers and citizens.

2016/11/22

The report explores the possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty to further develop the Common Security and Defence Policy. It underlines the importance of the operationalisation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the adoption of an EU White Book on Security and Defence, and calls for stronger EU-NATO cooperation and enhanced civil-military cooperation. It also asks for increased investment in defence expenditure (NATO goal), welcomes the activation of the defence clause (Art. 42(7) TEU), demands the revision of the Athena mechanism and welcomes the preparatory action for defence research as well as the European Defence Action Plan. I supported this balanced text, fully reflecting the possibilities that the Lisbon Treaty offers for further realistic progress in the field of CSDP.

2016/11/22

. ‒ As the geopolitical importance of the Arctic region is growing, with climate change effects and competition for natural resources bringing new environmental and security risks for the region and for the world, the EU should speak with one voice, protect the fragile ecosystems and push to keep the Arctic an area of cooperation.The Arctic has long been, and should remain, a low-tension area of constructive international cooperation. There is a strong need to avoid its militarisation and to respect international law there. I would like to stress the important role of the Arctic Council for maintaining constructive cooperation, low tension, peace and stability in the region.It should also be emphasised that the EU needs further to assert its interests vis-à-vis Russia through the use of selective engagement and to seek progress on issues of common concern where there is ground for global solutions to common challenges and threats.

2016/11/22

. – J'ai voté pour le rapport. Néanmoins, je déplore la clôture temporaire des plateformes de communication en ligne qui a dû être imposée le jour des élections ainsi que le piratage du site internet du Centre pour la transition démocratique (CTD) quelques jours avant les élections, qui a également freiné les travaux menés par les organisations de la société civile afin de surveiller les élections. Nous demandons aux autorités compétentes de remédier aux dysfonctionnements et d’enquêter sur les irrégularités de procédure présumées, y compris sur les allégations d’utilisation abusive de fonds publics et d’abus de pouvoir, ainsi que sur tout autre problème signalé, de manière efficace et transparente, et conformément aux recommandations de l’OSCE/BIDDH.

2016/11/22

. – J'ai voté en faveur de cet excellent texte. L’application et le développement des nouvelles TIC entraînent de profonds changements dans les sociétés modernes. Cette révolution technologique majeure est principalement régie par l’internet et les différents réseaux de communication et d’interaction sociale qui y sont associés. Le champ politique, et plus particulièrement la participation citoyenne, n’échappe pas à leur influence.L’essor des nouveaux outils de communication numérique et des plateformes ouvertes et collaboratives a donné naissance à un nouveau mode de communication, de débat et de participation sociale aux affaires publiques, mettant fin au monopole exercé par les médias traditionnels en tant que relais entre citoyens et monde politique.

2016/11/22

I have always supported an effective multilateral rules-based system such as the WTO. On the other hand, we have to acknowledge that European agriculture is facing today many challenges in terms of competition. For this reason, we need to strike a right balance and to take even more into account the concerns of all relevant actors when negotiating international agreements that could have a significant impact on specific sectors.

2016/11/22

J'ai voté en faveur du texte de ma collègue Grapini sur le projet de décision d’exécution du Conseil concernant le lancement de l’échange automatisé de données relatives à l’immatriculation des véhicules (DIV) au Danemark.

2016/11/22

J'ai voté en faveur du texte de mon collègue Claude Moraes sur le projet de décision d’exécution du Conseil concernant le lancement de l’échange automatisé de données pour ce qui est des données ADN en Grèce.

2016/11/22

In the light of food-related scandals, ensuring that EU citizens consume safe and high-quality food products is of paramount importance. Scrupulous safety checks along the food production chain are necessary to effectively combat fraudulent practices and to restore the consumer's trust in the integrity of the food chain.I welcome the fact that our concerns were taken on board in the final agreement with the Council, such as the wider scope, the strengthening the provisions on transparency all along the process, meat inspections, important progress in the area of animal welfare through fleshing out provisions on dedicated reference centres, and finally better enforcement, especially against fraudulent or deceptive practices. I believe the new Regulation will fulfil its initial aim of a comprehensive scope encompassing the whole agri-food chain and will guarantee that the food which consumers buy and eat in Europe is safe and wholesome, thus improving consumer health and preventing food crises.

2016/11/22

L’internet des objets, l’informatique en nuage, les services de communications mobiles, la numérisation des secteurs industriels ("Industrie 4.0") et l’amélioration de l’efficacité des services publics (l’administration électronique) ne sont que quelques exemples des services de connectivité qui connaissent une expansion rapide dans le monde et qui nécessitent des connexions rapides ainsi que des réseaux de communications capables de véhiculer de gros volumes de données, non seulement dans les régions à forte densité de population, mais aussi dans les régions périphériques. L’achèvement de l’Union numérique dépendra également des nouvelles technologies de transmission et de réception des données, et donc des plages du spectre disponibles pour les communications sans fil.J'ai voté en faveur de ce texte à la lumière des explications efficaces données par le responsable S&D sur le dossier.

2016/11/22

It is important to raise concerns about the consequences of the economic crisis on the freedom of movement of workers and to call on Member States to remove any discriminatory practices and unnecessary barriers under their rules to EU citizens and their family members who are non-EU nationals benefiting from the right to entry and residence in their territory, as well as from their social rights, while rendering their administration more efficient in order to facilitate labour mobility in the EU.EU citizens still complain about obstacles encountered to exercising their freedom of movement. Member States should fully fulfil the current EU legislation and fundamental principles of labour law in order to protect EU workers.

2016/11/22

The de-facto exemption from a road toll introduced by the German Government results in German-registered vehicles receiving a rebate clearly needs further clarifications.I believe it is important to question the Commission on the discussions they held with the German Government, how an agreement was reached and under what assessment the Commission no longer considers the road toll exemption to be discriminatory to non-German EU drivers and therefore in violation of EU law.Discrimination within the internal market is not permissible, and I therefore strongly believe that the Commission must give a public explanation of why it halted infringement proceedings and what discussions took place with the Government of Germany.

2016/11/22

I support in particular the need to fight corporate tax fraud and tax avoidance and their huge losses of tax income for Member States, and the special focus on the EU budget as a tool of external solidarity and the fight for poverty eradication and sustainable development.We must continue to push for a strong and progressive next year’s EU budget and we are in favour of mobilising all means available to tackle the European and global challenges.

2016/11/22

I support the holistic view of the equid sector in this report, focusing particularly on the economic and employment role which equestrian farms play in rural areas, and the need for them to be treated fairly and equitably in the VAT regime. Food safety concerns are also well integrated with calls for consumer protection vis—à—vis imported horse meat, which should be subject to the same standards of inspection, traceability, safety and quality as meat produced inside the EU. Good welfare for horses and donkeys throughout their lives, in transport and at the time of slaughter are also promoted in the report.

2016/11/22

After the signing the Minamata Convention under the UNEP, aiming to control the use of mercury, this ban on mercury fillings for children and pregnant women is a natural next step. However, in my opinion Member States must go further and prohibit all dental amalgam.I welcome the inclusion in the report of the mention that national plans on phasing out amalgam use should be made available publicly and to the Commission by 1 July 2019. Moreover, new products and processes containing/needing mercury will only be authorised when an assessment of the risks and the benefits demonstrates a significant environmental and health benefit. Finally, we get a ban on the use of amalgam in vulnerable populations. Limitations on certain exports and industrial processes were also achievements.

2016/11/22

I welcome the revision of the Shareholders’ Rights Directive, as I believe it will contribute to improve stability, increase corporate transparency and boost long-term investment, as opposed to the short-term risk taking behaviour identified as a key driver of the economic crisis and the high turnover of shares.For the first time in the history of European company law stakeholders of companies other than shareholders are mentioned. The report underlines the need for stronger transparency requirements with regard to share-based remuneration and to the ratio between fixed and variable remuneration of directors.Finally, I welcome the fact that we managed to push the Commission to present a proposal on Public Country by Country reporting and I believe we must continue to push for more tax transparency.

2016/11/22

I welcome the revised directive on the acquisition and possession of firearms in the EU, as I believe it will ensure that public security is strengthened – inter alia – via a better exchange of information among authorities, more stringent rules on deactivation and the use of the most dangerous semi-automatic firearms and monitoring systems for checking the medical conditions of users. The rights of legal owners and users is preserved.In particular, I welcome the improved conditions for authorisation requirements and safe storage: Member States will have to guarantee that an assessment of the conditions of license-holders is in place but can choose if carrying it on a continuous or periodical basis. Member States will establish rules on proper storage in a way which is proportional to the risk associated with the respective firearm.

2016/11/22

In order to be able to monitor the state of implementation of the waste legislation in the various waste streams, reporting systems on statistical data must be stream-lined, robust and well-functioning.It is important to establish a common methodology for the collection and processing of statistical data as regards recycling and recovery targets contained in the three directives; moreover, I support the review clauses, which states that the Commission to examine the directives in the context of the Circular Economy Action Plan and, if appropriate, propose comprehensive reviews of the legislation.I welcome reporting obligations for statistical data and the obligation for Member States to set up minimum quality standards for the treatment of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment that has been collected.

2016/11/22

Around 600 million tonnes of waste are thrown away in Europe when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is only by setting ambitious targets and goals and giving MS the instruments and tools to change attitudes and practices, that there will be any serious shift towards a more sustainable, resource efficient circular economy. Food waste in the EU is estimated to be at around 180 kg per capita per year. The Member States have to adopt a food waste hierarchy which will contribute towards our goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030.I welcome the inclusion, in the report, of higher recycling targets for municipal waste by 2025 and 2030, a single calculation method for calculating recycling targets, separate waste collection systems for different kinds of waste, the removal of exemptions on technical and environmental grounds, compulsory extended producer responsibility schemes for all products, a food waste hierarchy and a reduction in food and marine waste targets.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report, which aims at the aim of making better use of resources and reducing risks to human health of landfill sites. I believe these objectives have been broadly achieved in the report with the adoption of a stricter reduction target limiting the annual landfilling of municipal waste to 5% of the total generated by 2030, as opposed to the 10% target proposed by the Commission, with exemptions for Member States no longer automatic, but subject to specific conditions.In particular, I support definitions and economic instruments/measures to assist Member States in applying the waste hierarchy to be aligned with the Waste Framework Directive.A progressive reduction in landfilling is necessary to prevent detrimental impacts on human health and the environment, and to ensure that economically valuable waste materials are gradually and effectively recovered through proper waste management and in line with the waste hierarchy.

2016/11/22

We must continue to be committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes re-use, efficiency, durability and recycling. We cannot continue with the existing paradigm. Around 600 million tonnes of waste are just thrown away in Europe, when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.The circular economy package provide the appropriate measures that can help a change in attitude by making sure that very little goes to waste whilst protecting our environment, reduce resource loss and providing new economic opportunities whilst creating new jobs.I believe that the report has broadly achieved its objectives of preventing packaging waste and channelling it back into the production process by raising recycling targets and simplifying the calculation method for measuring these targets, removing incentives for the excessive use of packaging, promoting the design of packaging which can be recycled or re-used more easily and making producers more responsible for their packaging product.

2016/11/22

In the current political atmosphere in Europe, we must take a firm stance to make gender equality – a declared objective and principle of the EU enshrined in its Treaties – a priority, in order not only to demonstrate commitment to our values but also to use the potential of both women and men to increase the economic potential of the EU.I therefore strongly support this report, which calls for equal pay for equal work and work of equal value, including salary- and wage-mapping, delivers a package of legislative and non-legislative measures regarding work-life-balance for 2017 Work Programme, includes gender mainstreaming in the Europe 2020 strategy and in the framework of the European Semester and establishes a EU Child Guarantee.

2016/11/22

EU legislation guarantees the equal treatment between women and men in the access to and supply of goods and services but the application of this principle must be further improved on national level; further awareness raising among services and goods providers as well as users about provisions of the Directive is needed, national equality bodies must be financially and administratively enabled to fulfil their tasks, best practices should be further exchanged. I welcome the fact that services provided within the collaborative economy are covered by the Directive, as well. I strongly support the call for extending the application of this Directive to the advertisement and media sector.Finally, I hope to see national regulations that go further than required by the Directive covering also discrimination between men and women in media, advertisement and education.

2016/11/22

Gender equality is a fundamental principle and political objective of the EU enshrined in its Treaties, which should be translated into policies and spending. In certain policy areas this principle is already well applied, EU funding being in some cases the only support that is specifically aimed at women. The importance of this report is to recognize the value that this funding brings to many people’s live; however, it also identifies where and how we can do better, calling for applying gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting in all EU budget titles and in all phases of EU projects.I welcome our main achievements, in particular highlighting the EU’s high level commitment to gender equality and intended gender mainstreaming, however deploring that this has not yet been fully reflected in the budget allocations and spending decisions in all EU policy areas, and pointing out ESIF as most important financial support for gender equality in the EU.

2016/11/22

With the report on the impact of Big Data on Fundamental Rights, we want to stress that the opportunities of big data can only be fully enjoyed by citizens and institutions if there is public trust in these technologies and the way they collect and process data about our lives. Big data analytics pose specific challenges for fundamental rights and raise concerns over discrimination and security. We need to address these risks with specific guidelines, more transparency and algorithmic accountability. We have a strong data protection framework in the EU, but tackling these issues in will require cooperation between the private and public sectors, law enforcement authorities and independent supervisory authorities. This is certainly an issue that I will continue to look at.

2016/11/22

I believe that farmers should ensure a high degree of animal welfare for rabbits, as they do for other animals, and that more investment in housing conditions is necessary. This investment should be accompanied by an increase in the research and development of new solutions and more studies on the health and well—being of rabbits which are farmed.

2016/11/22

A request for the waiver of the immunity of Marine Le Pen was forwarded by the French Minister of Justice. This immunity case concerns tweets. I voted in favour of waiving her immunity.

2016/11/22

This is a technical file, which updates the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement between the EU and Lebanon by taking into account the accession of Croatia to the EU.Lebanon is a key partner of the EU in the Middle East. The EU invests in the country’s stability and resilience in the face of multiple challenges, such as the terrorist threat, the fall-out from the civil war in Syria and a great number of refugees from Syria (1.5 million in a country of 4 million).

2016/11/22

This report proposes to give Parliament’s consent to certain rules under which Liechtenstein may participate in and benefit from the Internal Security Fund (External Borders and Visa), a fund established in 2014 to replace the former External Borders Fund.The Internal Security Fund (ISF) Borders and Visa is intended to ensure a high level of security in the European Union while facilitating legitimate travel, through a uniform and high level of control of the external border and the effective processing of Schengen visas. As the ISF (Borders and Visa) represented a development of the Schengen acquis and affects the legal framework of the agreement between the EU and Liechtenstein on Liechtenstein’s participation in Schengen, it is necessary to lay down rules for Liechtenstein’s financial contribution to and participation in the fund.On 12 August of last year, the Commission proposed a Council Decision to sign an agreement with Liechtenstein laying down such supplementary rules for the ISF with regard to Liechtenstein. I supported Parliament’s consent for the Council to proceed.

2016/11/22

This concerns requiring Member States to notify the Commission of intergovernmental energy agreements which they intend to sign with third countries in order to allow for an ex-ante assessment by the Commission to see if the agreements are compatible with EU legislation, notably the internal energy market and competition rules. I supported the agreement as I believe Member States should not undermine the internal energy market by signing up to agreements with third countries which go against its core principles.

2016/11/22

Citizens of five Member States (Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Croatia and Cyprus) are still required to obtain a visa if they want to travel to the USA.Because this situation has not been resolved by the deadline set by the regulation (12th April 2016) the Commission is obliged to adopt a delegated act suspending for 12 months the visa waiver for nationals of these countries. However, due to the sensitivity of the matter and consequences of such decision the Commission has not adopted this delegated act so far. The LIBE Committee debated this issue in September in the presence of Commissioner Avramopoulous. The debate during plenary session of December and the answers we got from the Commission were not satisfactory either.In the meantime Canada committed already to lift the visa requirements for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens by December 2017.Because of the persistence of the US Government in still imposing visas on those European nationals I voted in favour of this resolution calling on the Commission to adopt a delegated act on the basis of Article 265 TFEU within two months from the day of adoption of the present resolution at the latest.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Improving access to medicines is a political priority, especially in the context of the financial crisis and struggling public health systems. Cases of huge and prohibitive prices for life-saving medicines – for hepatitis C and HIV, for example – have drawn more attention to this problem.Recognising the urgency of the problem, I support the task force and the development of a set of recommendations to improve access to medicines, as well as the own-initiative report on the subject in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.

2016/11/22

I welcome the success of the programme in the objectives of promoting European cultural diversity and strengthening the potential of the cultural and creative sector, although it is important to strongly call for an increase in the Creative Europe budget, which is seriously underfinanced, in order to bring it into line with the expectations. I believe we must continue to strongly support the cultural, creative and audiovisual sector, asking for an increased budget for the Creative Europe Programme to meet the expectations and avoid frustration, together with better management of the existing programme, with more transparency and simplified procedures. The creation of three new strands on innovation crossovers, social inclusion and Creative Europe Mundus to include third countries will reflect our objectives and priorities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Europe for Citizens programme is a key tool for strengthening a sense of European citizenship and belonging, enhancing solidarity, mutual tolerance and respect, promoting a better understanding of the EU, its origin and development, its values, its institutions and competences, and fostering active dialogue between EU citizens.Given the current rise of euroscepticism, the Europe for Citizens programme is extremely important. I therefore support the suggestion that consideration be given to a total financial envelope of approximately EUR 500 million for the programme under the next MFF, as it represents only EUR 1 per citizen. Such a programme has to focus on citizens and allow EU institutions to engage directly with civil society on the ground, in order to exchange views on current challenges for Europe such as migration, refugees, radicalisation, social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

2016/11/22

Trade policy can play a crucial role in the fight against wildlife trafficking.I support the adoption by the EU of legislation akin to the United States Lacey Act which prohibits the import of wildlife that has been illegally harvested in third countries even if it does not fall under the protection of international instruments such as CITES.Moreover, I believe Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters in trade agreements should be enforceable. Policy coherence for development and poverty reduction are key to ensure people are not forced into poaching activities.In particular, I welcome references to the broad interpretation of the ‘public morals’ exception in trade law by the WTO Appellate Body extending also to the prevention of cruelty against animals.I strongly support the call for a European ban of trade of elephant ivory, including ‘pre-Convention’ ivory in a manner compliant with WTO law.

2016/11/22

I welcome this proposal, which replaces Framework Decision 2002/475 and seeks to put in place updated EU-level legislation establishing minimum rules on the definition of terrorist offences, offences related to a terrorist group or terrorist activities, and penalties in this area. It also provides specific measures on protection, support and assistance to the victims of terrorism. Victims of terrorism need special attention, support and protection due to the particular nature of the crime that has been committed against them, as they can be under significant public scrutiny. We should therefore take particular account of their needs, and should seek to protect their dignity and security.It is important to reinforce the safeguards as much as possible, especially on controversial issues such as the rather broad definition of certain offences and the criminalisation of certain preparatory acts with a minimal or no direct link to a violent act of terrorism.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I fully support increased security at the external borders of the Union, and, as a consequence, within the Schengen zone, but we must be aware of introducing ill-thought-through measures which will cause unnecessary hardship to all those lawfully seeking to enter or leave the Union. We must not create havoc at the external borders by introducing additional checks with no additional security benefits.Nevertheless, against the current political backdrop, it is unthinkable not to support the overall intention of increasing security at external borders. The provisions on the extended derogation for airports, the additional clarity regarding the databases which will be searched against, and the Commission’s review after two years of the effectiveness of the checks give me sufficient reason to back the first-reading agreement.

2016/11/22

European citizens expect more efficient solutions for challenges like growth, jobs, security or migration. I ask to equip the European Union with the necessary competences and instruments to be more successful. The S&D priority for a sustainable and clean European energy policy is largely reflected in the AFCO final text. S&D amendments on fundamental values control have been completely incorporated in the report. I therefore voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I welcome our main achievements, such as the incorporation of a strong social dimension and the final content on Economic, Banking and Fiscal Union. Our proposals could be a direct solution for immediate action in order to improve the life of European citizens.

2016/11/22

I believe both the European economy as well as European citizens and consumers would benefit from a coherent EU regulation on robotics. I welcome this legislative report which comprehensively deals with general principles as well as research and innovation, ethical principles, a possible European Agency, Intellectual Property Rights and the flow of data, standardisation, safety and security, various categories of robots, education and employment and liability.This revolution can bring huge benefits to our societies – new jobs in research and innovation, robots performing dangerous tasks currently done by humans, lower risk of car accidents by excluding human error, and smarter energy consumption. However, we need to ensure that the robotic revolution does not bring about unemployment, destabilise our tax and social system and widen the gap between the rich and poor in our societies.

2016/11/22

It is crucially important to recognise the importance of making the European Union a centre for global research, gaining critical mass and creating clusters of excellence and I welcome the Open Science approach and the role it plays in building a European knowledge economy, and in further stimulating the quality of research and its development in the European Union. A specific focus should be given to SMEs in this context, creating the necessary legislative and administrative framework to allow them to prosper.I recommend the Commission to ensure that the EOSC benefits all regions of the Union, exploring the use of regional development funds for widening the initiative; I urge the Commission to present targeted steps which could genuinely enhance the involvement of all EU funds, in particular EFSI, in DSM—related projects, including data-sharing initiatives, digital accessibility, infrastructure and Union-wide digital connectivity.

2016/11/22

With a budget of EUR 454 bn for 2014-2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) are the EU’s main investment policy tool. During the financial and economic crisis, as well as thereafter, ESIFs are often the main /only public investment tool in the Member States. Maximising the impact of this investment tool therefore is essential.

2016/11/22

This report covers important social issues, including measures to tackle precarious work, protecting the right to strike, health and safety, training and lifelong learning, preventing circumvention of social legislation, institutionalised social dialogue and the importance of all workers being aware of their rights throughout such a mobile sector.Aviation is a key industrial sector and economic driver in the European Union, making a major contribution to research and development, manufacturing and connectivity. I therefore welcome measures to keep the EU sector globally competitive while contributing to cross-border mobility in the internal market. It is crucial that future development of the sector takes place with environmental concerns, passenger rights, multimodality and strong social protection at its core.In particular, I support measures for improving market access and investment opportunities in growth economies through the conclusion of comprehensive air agreements with third countries, measures for improving connectivity, efficiency, capacity and a reduction in congestion, and for maintaining high EU standards.

2016/11/22

The ESI Funds investments are meant to contribute to reducing the economic, social and territorial disparities in the EU while helping to achieve EU2020 goals. As they are often the main/only investment source of public investments, the delay may negatively impact the achievement of the goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation in the Member States. Such a delay is not only bad from the point of view of the objectives of the EU Cohesion policy as such but also for the ‘support’ of these programmes locally and regionally.

2016/11/22

I have consistently supported the conclusion and provisional application of CETA in order to ensure non-discriminatory access for all Europeans, including for Romanians, in the economic benefits of the agreement.CETA is an agreement progressive setting new standards in free trade agreements which will allow, in addition to the elimination of 98% of customs duties, to create economic opportunities and investments in Romania, while preserving public services and the right to regulate in the public interest.A key aspect is that CETA is the abolition of visas for all Romanian citizens, thanks to the commitment made by the Canadian authorities. Therefore, CETA adoption by the European Parliament is of particular importance in terms of positive implications for Romanian citizens.

2016/11/22

I have consistently supported the conclusion and provisional application of CETA in order to ensure non-discriminatory access for all Europeans, including for Romanians, in the economic benefits of the agreement.CETA is an agreement progressive setting new standards in free trade agreements which will allow, in addition to the elimination of 98% of customs duties, to create economic opportunities and investments in Romania, while preserving public services and the right to regulate in the public interest.A key aspect is that CETA is the abolition of visas for all Romanian citizens, thanks to the commitment made by the Canadian authorities. Therefore, CETA adoption by the European Parliament is of particular importance in terms of positive implications for Romanian citizens.

2016/11/22

Canada is a trusted friend and ally with whom we share our fundamental values, references, freedoms, and action for good across the world.The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) aims to intensify this bilateral cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, the fight against organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. This agreement will allow EU-Canadian relations to become even stronger, aid closer cooperation and increase people-to-people contacts for the shared benefit of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.

2016/11/22

I supported granting consent to the Partnership and cooperation Framework Agreement is the EP´s contribution to the further development of the EU-Mongolia relations and support for reforms in that country.

2016/11/22

I supported granting consent to the Partnership and cooperation Framework Agreement is the EP’s contribution to the further development of the EU-Mongolia relations and support for reforms in that country.

2016/11/22

Signed by 32 parties and entered into force in 1980, the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (ATCA) eliminates import duties on all aircraft, other than military aircraft, as well as on all other products covered by the agreement - civil aircraft, all components and sub-assemblies of civil aircraft, and flight simulators. I am in favour of approving the proposed Protocol amending the Product Coverage Annex of the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft.

2016/11/22

Considering the enormous danger that climate change is posing to our existence, and the fact that there are islands which are sinking while we are talking, I believe is our immediate responsibility to do whatever it takes to combat climate change.The ETS (emission trading scheme) is indeed a fundamental tool in our hands. I welcome the fact that in the DEVE Committee we have been called to give an opinion, as this ETS has important consequences on developing countries and communities. It is important to give a voice to the most impacted countries that are, at the same time, the least responsible for it.

2016/11/22

I believe Albania has made good progress on its accession related reforms. It has notably embarked on a comprehensive judiciary reform process which has been a major demand by Albanian citizens. Albania should now ensure that the judicial and other key reforms are being implemented. The judiciary reform will allow Albania to move forward on other key priorities as well, such as the fight against corruption and organised crime. Accession negotiations should be opened as soon as there is credible progress on the implementation of the judicial reform. I welcome the inclusion, in the report, of the need to reinforce the legislative framework for protection of human and minority rights.Albania is on the right track, all political forces now need to assume their responsibilities, ensuring implementation of the reforms and offering a European future for the country.

2016/11/22

I welcome this balanced report, as I support the start of consideration of Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) EU membership application and the call for internal cooperation in order to have coherent replies to the Commission's questionnaire. Moreover, I fully support the European perspective of BiH, as it will lead to a common, peaceful future for all its inhabitants within the EU. We must continue to insist on the importance of the social dimension, on equal rights for all citizens and on the need to promote reconciliation and socially sensitive reforms. It is essential that reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina are promoted in a balanced manner, through transparency and dialogue with social partners, in a way that will lead to positive changes in the daily life of all citizens, by providing new jobs and by protecting effectively disadvantaged people in society.

2016/11/22

The use of conventional plant protection products is increasingly contentious, on account of the risks that they pose for human health and the environment. Biological low-risk pesticides may constitute a viable alternative to conventional plant protection products, for both conventional and organic farmers, and contribute to more sustainable agriculture.The health of EU citizens is of paramount importance and any pesticide that can directly or indirectly cause harm to human beings and the environment should not be allowed to be placed on the Union market. At the same time, European agriculture has to remain competitive and food security in Europe has to be maintained. European farmers are increasingly looking for alternatives to conventional pesticides, which are nevertheless not available on the market. That is why we need measures that help farmers to switch to more sustainable practices to minimise the risks for human health and the environment.

2016/11/22

The agreement will have positive consequences on the conservation of resources, responsible and sustainable fishing, combating of IUU fishing, and upholding of human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.This agreement does not present any problematic aspect, and the financial contribution will be used to promote sustainable fishing practices and to safeguard long-term productivity for Cook Islands local fisheries.

2016/11/22

The agreement will have positive consequences on the conservation of resources, responsible and sustainable fishing, on combating of IUU fishing and upholding of human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.This agreement does not present any problematic aspects, and the financial contribution will be used to promote sustainable fishing practices and to safeguard long-term productivity for Cook Islands local fisheries.

2016/11/22

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

2016/11/22

Both the whistle-blowers and the public body or institution involved should ensure the legal protection of rights guaranteed by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and by national legal provisions. I supported the report in plenary.

2016/11/22

The association agreement would not give Denmark a full membership in Europol, but would allow certain types of cooperation and the exchange of information and personal data. The future association agreement with Denmark is only of a transitional nature and valid for only five years, during which time a legally sound way of association or membership must be found. I voted in favour of the proposal.

2016/11/22

Currently, 16 Member States control α-PVP under national legislation complying with the obligations of the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and five Member States use other legislative measures to control it. Subjecting this substance to control measures across the Union would help avoid the emergence of obstacles in cross-border law enforcement and judicial cooperation, and would help protect against the risks that its availability and use can pose.Taking into account the above, the new proposed approach will include expanding the proposed Directive based on Article 83 TFEU with the provisions on information exchange and the introduction of two categories of risk that the substance can pose (‘risk’ allowing to take further action at EU level and ‘no risk’ stopping further actions at EU level). In the event that the substance will be assessed harmful (‘risk’), the substance will be subject to the permanent control measure in the form of an EU-wide obligation to declare the substance illegal on the national level.

2016/11/22

The application relates to 1 096 redundancies at several retail companies in the regions Drenthe and Overijssel in the Netherlands, operating in the economic sector classified under NACE Rev. 2 Division 47 (Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles) during the reference period from 1 August 2015 to 1 May 2016.The EGF funding of EUR 1 818 750 shall contribute to the costs of a coordinated package of eligible personalised services, providing assistance for 800 targeted beneficiaries following redundancies in the NUTS level 2 regions of Drenthe (NL13) and Overijssel (NL21) with the aim of providing assistance for integrating the affected persons into the labour market. The redundancies were caused by major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation.

2016/11/22

Against the backdrop of the new global challenges the world has to digest such as climate change, migration and security, the Committee on Development of the European Parliament today gave its green light on its priorities for the revision of the European Consensus on development.The Revision of the European Consensus on Development comes at a good moment to pave the way for guidelines that will serve as a framework for European Development policies for many years to come. The European Parliament’s resolution will serve as a basis for the negotiations with the EU institutions.We must ensure that poverty eradication and fighting inequality remains at the heart of the EU development policy including in the new Consensus. The EU and Member States should put their efforts towards the successful implementation of the Agenda 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

2016/11/22

I believe we all agree on the fact that we must stand strong in fighting discrimination and promoting gender equality in all areas.Women have particular health concerns and needs, and are more vulnerable, especially in developing countries. Women’s different biological and physiological make-up requires proper information about the effects on drug on their bodies and I welcome the fact that many of my colleagues agree with me on this point. If health services are to meet the needs of both women and men, then sex differences need to be taken seriously in the planning and delivery of care.We must question and investigate the causes of inequalities in health status, health-related behaviour, access to health and treatment and offer effective answers. It seems that, especially in Least Developed Countries, the exclusion of women from biomedical research is often caused by lack of information and awareness campaign, their fulfilment of their role as mothers and caregivers and their lack of decision-making in the household.

2016/11/22

By sending this strong message to the Council we will make sure that key priorities for reaching economic empowerment of women in the world are taken into account by the EU Council preparing the EU position of the UN Conference in NY. These are: gender equality and women’s rights as fundamental human rights; enhancing women’s economic empowerment by overcoming barriers on the labour market; women’s equal share in all levels of decision making; the involvement of the social partners and women’s organisations in decision making and to address the needs of the most marginalised women.These commitments must be translated into expenditure and become more visible.

2016/11/22

Drawing up common minimum standards at European level is a means to ensure better cooperation between the authorities of Member States, as well as for facilitating adoption procedures. I welcome this proposal that sets non-legislative guidelines for best practices and the fact that the report stresses the need to focus mostly on the interest of the child, as evaluated on a case-by-case basis.I believe we have seen a good implementation of the Convention so far and I believe it is important to provide automatic recognition in all signatory states (which include all Member States of the European Union). However, I deplore the lengthy and costly procedures. Intensifying cooperation between national authorities is of the utmost importance. I believe we must set up an effective European network of judges and specialised authorities in order to facilitate coordination.

2016/11/22

I welcome the recommendation and I believe we must lay down as clearly as possible the procedures to guarantee the effective application of the bilateral safeguard clause and for applying the stabilisation mechanism for bananas as foreseen in the agreement in respect of Ecuador. We must be focused on calling on the Commission to provide a report assessing the EU banana market to be presented no later than one year before the expiry of the stabilisation mechanism, in cases where trigger volumes have been met. Moreover, I believe we must use a stronger language on adopting implementing acts that suspend preferential customs duty, and on receiving information regarding the development of banana imports to the EU well in advance. We must ensure the possibility of resorting to the extension of the applicability of the stabilisation mechanism or compensatory measures in cases where risks are identified.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Human slavery and repeated IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing still represent major problems in the fishing industry. This legislation is therefore extremely important because it revises the system of issuing and managing fishing authorisations. It is intended to improve monitoring and transparency in the EU external fishing fleet and to ensure its sustainable management. It applies to all EU vessels fishing outside EU waters, and to third-country vessels fishing in EU waters.Clearly we must ensure that a flag Member State may issue an authorisation for fishing activities outside Union waters only if the master of the fishing vessel concerned has not been subject to a sanction for a serious infringement during the 12 months prior to the application. Otherwise, we will not be able to guarantee the sustainability of our fishing vessels.

2016/11/22

Georgia is a strategic partner for the EU in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and in particular of the Eastern Partnership. The Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia signed in 2014 has brought relations to a new level by enhancing the cooperation in wide range of fields. The Association Agreement constitutes an integral part of the EU policy of a sequenced engagement with Georgia and its commitment to a close relationship that encompasses political association and economic integration. The visa liberalisation will contribute to the deepening of people-to-people contacts and will boost the economic and cultural relations among the EU and Georgia by intensifying political dialogue on various issues, including human rights and fundamental freedoms.With the adoption of this proposal of the Commission, we confirm the principle that every country after the successful fulfilment of all benchmarks can benefit from the visa liberalisation of the visa regime and recalls that the criteria which lead to this liberalisation must be continuously respected in the future after the entry into force of the decision.

2016/11/22

I strongly believe we must continue to play a leading role in the field of further developing partnership and cooperation with the African continent, and further promote democracy and the rule of law. Delegations from the European Parliament have been on several visits to Africa and specifically to the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to ensure better understanding of key developments issues at grass roots level.I welcome the measures taken by the EU Council, such as imposing targeted sanctions against some key authorities responsible for the violent crackdown and for undermining the democratic process in the DRC, and considering extending restrictive measures in the event of further violence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This year, Erasmus+ is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The first two-and-a-half years of programme implementation were difficult and improvements have been made in the meantime. However, many challenges must be addressed: visibility and awareness, bureaucratic obstacles across the project cycle, IT tools, evaluation of applications, the contacts between the Commission, national agencies, programme beneficiaries, representatives of civil society organisations and the EACEA.We must continue to ensure that Erasmus+ plays an important role in promoting social inclusion and intercultural dialogue, and fighting youth unemployment.I support the call not only for the current budget level to be secured for the next programme generation under the new Multiannual Financial Framework, but also for a budget increase in order to safeguard the programme’s success and enable those who currently cannot participate because of financial constraints to do so.

2016/11/22

The EU-Kosovo stabilisation and association agreement paves the way for the future European path of Kosovo. In this context it is important that the agreement’s provisions are implemented in practice and that concrete steps are taken to develop Kosovo’s economy sustainably, particularly on integration into European value chains.The EU-Kosovo Stabilisation and Association Agreement entered into force on 1 April 2016 and it is now necessary to lay down rules for the implementation of certain provisions. This proposal for a regulation confers implementing powers on the Commission.The INTA report endorsed the proposal, while adopting some technical amendments. Our modifications have been accepted by the Council, which is why we can conclude the procedure at first reading.

2016/11/22

The regulation to be amended establishes quotas for the level of textile imports from Belarus to the EU. The only other country covered by these rules is North Korea. In light of recent, though very modest, improvements in the human rights situation in the country, it is proposed to abolish the autonomous quotas for Belarus as symbolic encouragement for further political reform.This measure is economically insignificant, both for the EU and for Belarus because in the past textile imports have not reached the threshold. A rise in imports is not to be expected. Nevertheless, surveillance and safeguard measures will be maintained. The human rights situation in Belarus remains very bad, but isolating the country has not made any positive difference. The recent parliamentary elections saw modest improvements. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider abolishing the quotas as a purely symbolic gesture to encourage Belarus on its path to increasingly opening its society and political system.

2016/11/22

The ISTC Continuation Agreement will ensure that ongoing and new projects continue with a changed membership, a broader geographical scope possibly including the Middle East region, and a set of updated objectives more specifically targeting dual-use knowledge. I gave my consent as I fully support measures aimed at preventing proliferation of know-how, technology and materials, as well as their means of delivery in this respect, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and G8 commitments, aimed at States and non-State actors attempting to acquire or use them.

2016/11/22

The European Union has to remain in the forefront of the fight against money laundering, terrorism and corruption. Therefore, when the EU has decided to go ahead and issue a list of identified high risk third countries with strategic deficiencies regarding their legal framework for anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism and criminal activities, then this list should reflect reality, and not be a political compromise as negotiated by the FATF.

2016/11/22

I strongly support this report, which highlights the need for a renewed EU strategy on freight logistics in order to tackle competiveness, sustainability and employment challenges in this key sector of the economy. I believe it is important to call on the Commission and Member States to make full use of the multimodal TEN-T infrastructure, and better coordinate its development. Particular action to be taken should also aim at further reducing regulatory, operational and technical barriers, ensure optimal use of resources, and facilitate the uptake of new technologies, including digital solutions, automated vehicles and drones in freight transport logistics. In addition, we must call for measures to help increase the sector’s attractiveness for new professionals, and to improve statistical information on intermodal transport and logistics performance.

2016/11/22

I strongly believe we have to make strong efforts in order to adapt our social security systems to the living and working conditions will Europeans have in the 21st century, ensuring that everyone has the necessary education and skills and providing a decent living wage, maternity leave, sick leave, pensions and childcare for all.The Single Market needs rules on decent working conditions in all forms of employment, so that all working people have basic rights regardless of the type of their contract. Decent national wage floors must be ensured in all EU countries. Secondary education should be compulsory and a Skills Guarantee should ensure that everyone has the skills needed in tomorrow’s economy. A Child Guarantee should ensure that every child at risk of poverty has free healthcare, childcare, education, adequate nutrition and decent housing. Public budgets must include enough public investment in people, such as in education and childcare.

2016/11/22

A well-functioning Customs Union guarantees better access for consumers to safe goods and maximises trade opportunities for economic operators. I voted in favour of this report, as all S&D amendments are included, including the request to have an interim report by May 2017, achievable/deliverable targets which take account of the implementation calendar, the call to help via co-financing the establishment of a coherent electronic system based on an identical data model and common movement system. This resolution is part of a broader political dialogue at committee level. The Commissioner attended in 2016 a meeting dedicated to the Union Customs Code and on that occasion renewed its commitment and availability to continue this dialogue.

2016/11/22

956 Written explanations of Doru-Claudian FRUNZULICĂ

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