Activities of Thomas BAJADA
Plenary speeches (11)
The future of European competitiveness (debate)
EU response to the Mpox outbreak and the need for continuous action (debate)
Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change (debate)
Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)
World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health (debate)
Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (debate)
Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities (debate)
Need to adopt an ambitious international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
Right to clean drinking water in the EU (debate)
Misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, such as TikTok, and related risks to the integrity of elections in Europe (debate)
Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
Written explanations (2)
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl
I voted in favour of the objection regarding the modification of the maximum residue levels for carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl and cyproconazole, because products imported from non-EU countries must meet the same standards as those produced within the EU. This is crucial for safeguarding public health and safety, both in Europe and in the countries of origin, and for protecting our farmers from unfair competition.These substances undermine our efforts to ensure fair competition globally and within the internal market. As S&D, we also objected to this measure in the ENVI Committee to uphold the EU's health and environmental standards. Our farmers are justifiably concerned about unfair competition from imports where these substances are still allowed. Therefore, we must ensure that substances banned in the EU for their harmful effects on health, biodiversity or the climate are not indirectly supported through imports from countries that continue to permit their use.
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
The world has been witnessing appalling atrocities committed against Ukrainian civilians by the Russian army and allied militias throughout the past thousand days.From this perspective, I condemn any form of military aggression, especially when it indiscriminately targets civilian populations.On the other hand, one gets the impression that the players in the conflict are ignoring all possible means of a peaceful resolution. I strongly believe that the EU, as well as all Western States, should strive towards peace and diplomacy, thereby refraining from any acts that could potentially lead to escalation.Moreover, as a representative of a population that enshrines neutrality in its Constitution, I find the resolution’s call for an obligation on all EU Member States to commit to militarily supporting Ukraine with no less than 0.25 % of their GDP to be highly problematic. Such an obligation would create constitutional problems for Malta and any Member State with a similar approach to foreign affairs. The Maltese people have always upheld global diplomacy as the best means of conflict resolution, above all other acts of armed war.Therefore, while solidly agreeing with some important points within the resolution, I was obliged to vote against certain amendments and on the resolution as a whole.
Written questions (7)
Closure period – common dolphinfish (coryphaena hippurus)
The EU’s preparedness with regard to the mpox epidemic caused by monkeypox virus clade I
Ensuring significant advances during the upcoming 47th Annual Session of the GFCM (4-8 November 2024, Rome)
Invasion and destructive impact of various pufferfish species ( Tetraodontidae ) in the Mediterranean Sea
Implementation of the ICJ advisory opinion as regards EU trade with illegal Israeli settlements
EU points-based driving licence system
Continued availability of operating grants under the 2025 EU4Health work programme
Amendments (31)
Amendment 14 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Citation 45 a (new)
Citation 45 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 5 October 2022 on access to water as a human right – the external dimension (2021/2187(INI),
Amendment 16 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Citation 45 b (new)
Citation 45 b (new)
– having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 6 on safe drinking water and sanitation, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Amendment 17 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Citation 45 c (new)
Citation 45 c (new)
– having regard to the UN report of 19 March 2019 on the development of the world’s water resources entitled ‘Leaving no one behind’,
Amendment 55 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas water is a fundamental resource for human life, agriculture, and ecosystems, and its availability is being severely impacted by climate change, leading to increased droughts, floods, and water scarcity across the globe; whereas the degradation of water-related ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and lakes, exacerbates the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and human livelihoods;
Amendment 60 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the ocean plays a vital role in regulating the climate by absorbing around 25% of human-caused CO2 emissions and over 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions; whereas marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds act as crucial carbon sinks that support global climate regulation; whereas the degradation of these ecosystems weakens the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon and adapt to climate change, exacerbating climate impacts; whereas marine biodiversity is seriously endangered, despite the ocean playing athis unique and vital role as a climate regulator;
Amendment 64 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas degradation of marine ecosystems disproportionately harms vulnerable coastal communities, threatens livelihoods, food security and climate resilience, and thus jeopardizes future generations' right for a sustainable environment;
Amendment 84 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the UNEP’s 2023 adaptation gap report highlights that the current adaptation finance gap is estimated at USD 194 billion to USD 366 billion per year, a gap that will be increasing as climate impacts intensify;
Amendment 97 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas cities, which cover only 2% of the world's surface, are responsible for around 70% of global CO2 emissions, primarily due to industrial activities and transportation systems reliant on fossil fuels1a; _________________ 1a Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/
Amendment 102 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
Kb. whereas people in the richest 1% of the global population are set to generate per capita consumption emissions in 2030 that are still 30 times higher than the global per capita level, while the footprints of the poorest half of the world population are set to remain several times below that level1a; _________________ 1a Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) and Oxfam. (2021). Carbon Inequality in 2030. https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/carbo n-inequality-2030
Amendment 104 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital K c (new)
Recital K c (new)
Kc. whereas the most vulnerable populations, including infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, facing greater risks of food and water insecurity, health threats, displacement, and loss of livelihoods;
Amendment 107 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital K d (new)
Recital K d (new)
Kd. whereas climate change is increasingly becoming a major driver of migration and displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, droughts, and resource scarcity; whereas by 2050, as many as 216 million people could be internal climate migrants across the regions of Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific and Eastern Europe1a; _________________ 1a World Bank. (2021). Groundswell Part 2: Acting on Internal Climate Migration. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/enti ties/publication/2c9150df-52c3-58ed- 9075-d78ea56c3267
Amendment 114 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note ofWelcomes the outcome of the first GST at COP28, which recognises that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C with no or limited overshoot requires deep, rapid and sustained reductions in global GHG emissions of 43 % by 2030 and 60 % by 2035 relative to the 2019 level, reaching net zero GHG emissions by 2050;
Amendment 131 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Supports the COP28 call on the Parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, with a view toensuring that the transition prioritises social justice and leave no one behind; highlights the urgency of accelerating action within this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050, in keeping with the science; reiterates its call on all Parties to work on developing a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; at the latest, as scientific evidence continues to show that delays in reducing fossil fuel reliance will lead to increasingly severe climate impacts1a; reiterates its call on all Parties to work on developing a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; _________________ 1a International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). Net Zero by 2050 Roadmap. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero- roadmap-a-global-pathway-to-keep-the- 15-0c-goal-in-reach
Amendment 142 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern at the findings of the UNEP’s 2023 emissions gap report that fully implementing current unconditional NDCs would put the world on track for 2.9 °C global warming while the additional implementation and continuation of conditional NDCs would lead to 2.5 °C global warming by the end of the century; draws attention to the fact that this trajectory is far from the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, putting the world on a dangerous path toward irreversible climate changes and the crossing of critical tipping points;
Amendment 189 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on all Parties to agree on a post-2025 nNew cCollective qQuantified gGoal (NCQG) on climate finance at COP29 with safeguards to reach the agreed quantum and timeframe; stresses that this new goal must exceed the outdated USD 100 billion target and should be set in a science- based manner, in line with developing countries’ climate finance needs; recognises that post-2025 climate finance needs will rise substantially; highlights that the NCQG must be ambitious enough to mobilize the necessary funds, while ensuring robust accountability and transparency mechanisms in the allocation and tracking of resources;
Amendment 248 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the need to significantly step up adaptation action within the EU and globally to minimise the negative effects of climate change and biodiversity loss; points out that while mitigation finance and implementation have progressed, adaptation efforts continue to lag behind, with a widening gap in both funding and concrete action; recognises that without immediate action, the costs of adaptation will continue to rise, with Europe already experiencing economic losses of EUR 650 billion between 1980 and 2021 due to weather and climate- related extremes1a; _________________ 1a European Environment Agency (EEA). (2023). Economic losses from climate- related extremes in Europe. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/ind icators/economic-losses-from-climate- related
Amendment 272 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for the incorporation of digital diplomacy and the increased use of virtual platforms for participation at COP29, and thereafter, to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with international travel and large-scale events; emphasizes that digital tools can enhance global inclusivity and participation, particularly for delegates from vulnerable regions and civil society representatives; urges the EU to lead by example in adopting these practices, ensuring that the Conference is aligned with the principles of sustainability and contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact of international climate negotiations;
Amendment 301 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that climate goals cannot be achieved without the support and involvement of the public, involvement and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the public, including indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, children and youth, persons with disabilities, and people in vulnerable situations; calls on all Parties to raise awareness of climate change and related issues, combat misinformation and work with public representatives to gain public support for mitigation and adaptation measures; encourages Parties to include children and young people in their national delegations to ensure that future generations have an active role in shaping decisions concerning their future;
Amendment 365 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Recalls that the Paris Agreement requires the revision of NDCs every five years, with the next revision due in 2025; underlines that this new NDC must reflect the findings of the first global stocktake and align with the EU’s fair share in limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as agreed at COP28;
Amendment 414 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recognises that achieving the Paris Agreement targets will require substantial decarbonisation of urban areas; emphasises the importance of ensuring that financial support reaches the local level to continue advancing climate action while protecting local economies; welcomes the efforts of EU cities and regions in the Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral Cities, Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, the Covenant of Mayors, and other initiatives; calls on the Commission to continue supporting and expanding these initiatives;
Amendment 454 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Stresses the need toat all climate actions must protect, respect, promotect the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and local communities; stresses the need to support and protect environmental defender and fulfil human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, children and youth, persons with disabilities, and people in vulnerable situations; emphasises the importance of gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and intergenerational fairness in addressing the climate crisis; stresses the need to support and protect environmental defenders; calls on all Parties to uphold these values and ensure meaningful public participation, access to information, and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for affected communities;
Amendment 459 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls on the Parties of COP29 to advance in the proceedings of the Conference in terms of social justice for all, with sustainable approach towards decision-making that strikes a balance between the social, environmental and economic pillars; emphasises the importance to fully protect our communities from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental hazards, and ensure equitable access to a sustainable, resilient and healthy environment for future generations;
Amendment 477 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Emphasises the importance of protecting, conserving and restoring water and water-related ecosystems as vital components of climate resilience and biodiversity conservation; highlights the devastating environmental, social and economic impacts of desertification, droughts, floods and water pollution; calls for enhanced international cooperation to address the growing water crisis, promote sustainable water management, and implement nature-based solutions that can mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and support long-term water security;
Amendment 481 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls for a global approach to water management, recognizing water as a fundamental human right. Urges the EU to lead efforts to protect and restore water ecosystems, in line with the Water Framework Directive, EU Biodiversity Strategy, and European Green Deal; calls on COP29 Parties to adopt a human rights-based approach to water and sanitation, ensuring no one is left behind; encourages the EU to promote knowledge-sharing, innovation, and capacity-building to mitigate climate change and improve access to water and sanitation, aligned with the SDGs;
Amendment 487 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Calls on EU Member States and COP29 Parties to join the precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, until a robust regulatory framework is in place to protect the marine environment and until the scientific knowledge is sufficient to allow for informed decision-making;
Amendment 488 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 b (new)
Paragraph 37 b (new)
37b. Emphasises the importance of promoting sustainable aquaculture practices, in order to prevent over- exploitation of marine resources, pollution, and habitat destruction; calls on the EU to support innovation in low- impact aquaculture techniques that ensure food security, protect marine ecosystems and reduce harmful impacts such as nutrient pollution and plastic waste;
Amendment 489 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 c (new)
Paragraph 37 c (new)
37c. Stresses the critical role of oceans in climate regulation calls for concerted efforts to enhance the resilience and protection of oceanic carbon sinks, including the safeguarding of marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs; urges the EU to advance global action on the restoration and conservation of these ecosystems as part of a broader strategy to mitigate climate change and ensure the health of marine environments;
Amendment 493 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Stresses the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, which poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, with an estimated 81a million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year; welcomes the ongoing work on the Global Plastics Treaty as a historic opportunity to establish binding international commitments to reduce plastic production, phase out harmful single-use plastics, and promote circular economy principles that minimise waste; calls for ambitious global targets to eliminate plastic leakage into the environment by 20401b, with clear accountability mechanisms for governments and corporations; urges the EU to lead in advocating for a robust treaty that fosters innovation in sustainable alternatives, and promotes extended producer responsibility (EPR) to ensure that the full lifecycle of plastics is addressed; additionally stresses the importance of tackling microplastics, especially in ocean and freshwater ecosystems, through strict regulation of industries responsible for microplastic pollution; _________________ 1a https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean- seas-and-coasts/ecosystem-degradation- pollution/plastic-pollution-marine-litter 1b https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/eu -calls-global-ban-some-plastic-products- fight-pollution-2024-04-19_en
Amendment 565 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Stresses that all sectors must contribute to the reduction of emissions; calls for a UNFCCC COP29 outcome of a strengthened Mitigation Work Programme that accelerates action pre- 2030 and complements the Global Stocktake, with a focus on sector-specific partnerships to implement outcomes and promote the rapid, equitable shift to renewable energy;
Amendment 582 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Stresses the urgent need to address the significant climate and environmental impact of the textile sector;, which is responsible for around 8-10 % of global GHG emissions and substantial resource consumption, particularly water and energy1a; calls for the adoption of circular economy principles, including sustainable production, waste reduction, and increased recycling, while tackling challenges such as microplastic shedding, overproduction, and water usage; urges the EU and international bodies to set ambitious targets for reducing emissions, phasing out harmful chemicals, and promoting eco-friendly materials, and to establish global standards for verifiable sustainability claims to prevent greenwashing and help consumers make informed choices; _________________ 1a International Finance Corporation (IFC). (2023). Strengthening Sustainability in the Textile Industry. https://www.ifc.org/en/insights- reports/2023/strengthening-sustainability- in-the-textile-industry
Amendment 597 #
2024/2718(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 a (new)
Paragraph 49 a (new)
49a. highlights the fact that the Mediterranean is one of the regions most affected by climate change, warming 20 % faster than the global average, with projections of 250 million people facing water scarcity within 20 years1a; notes that the Mediterranean Sea is becoming the fastest warming sea globally, with severe consequences for livelihood of coastal communities, economic sectors, and biodiversity; calls on the Commission and Member States to act urgently, cooperating with Mediterranean partners to implement ambitious adaptation measures and lead mitigation action, focusing on water management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable economic transitions; _________________ 1a Mediterranean experts on climate and environmental change, ‘Risks associated to climate and environmental changes in the Mediterranean region’, 2019. https://ufmsecretariat.org/wpcontent/ uploads/2019/10/MedECCBooklet_ EN_WEB.pdf