[ParlTrack]

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report given that the overall evaluation report conducted by the Council confirms that Ireland has fully implemented the general provisions on data protection set out in Council Decision 2008/615/JHA. This decision will authorise Ireland to receive and supply personal data in accordance with Decision 2008/615/JHA.

2019/09/17

. ‒ I voted in favour of the proposal for the Draft Amending Budget (DAB) 1/2019 presented by the Commission on 15 April, which relates to the surplus for budgetary year 2018. This is in line with Parliament’s long-standing position that it should be possible for any revenue resulting from fines or linked to late payments to be reused in the Union budget.

2019/09/18

. ‒ I give my utmost support to this report, as I see it being deeply beneficial to the citizens of the Union. It is proposed that Horizon 2020 be reinforced by EUR 80 million for specific climate-related research activities and projects – with the aim of approaching the target of 35% of the overall Horizon 2020 budget for climate-related activities. This and the Erasmus+ programme, where it is proposed to reinforce core mobility activities (particularly in the fields of higher education and vocational education and training) by EUR 20 million, will benefit our citizens while simultaneously ensuring EU competitiveness.

2019/09/18

I fully support the Commission proposal to grant financial assistance for Romania, Italy and Austria. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the people of regions impacted by extreme events. Solidarity is a key component of the European Union and the EUSF plays a vital role for this reason. I am therefore pleased to vote in favour of the mobilisation of financial assistance relating to the recent flooding in Romania and extreme weather events in Italy and Austria.

2019/09/18

I voted in favour of this report concerning the mobilisation of EUR 610 000 from the EGF, covering technical assistance for the Commission. This allows them to finance monitoring and data gathering, information, to create a knowledge base interface and to advise Member States on using, following up and evaluating the EGF. I fully support this report as I believe in the importance of monitoring and data gathering, as well as the importance on robust statistical series compiled in appropriate form to be easily accessible and understandable to all Union citizens. I welcome the continued work which allows for the simplification and faster processing of applications, and better reporting.

2019/09/18

I voted in favour of the report.

2019/09/19

I voted in favour of this report.

2019/09/19

I voted in favour of this report.

2019/09/19

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, regarding the proposal to extend the dates of application of two Brexit contingency Regulations: Regulation (EU) 2019/501 on road traffic and Regulation (EU) 2019/502 on air traffic. This will be important in order to achieve the intended purpose of the Regulations, and to give affected stakeholders more time to adjust to the new Brexit deadline.

2019/10/10

I voted in favour of this report regarding the cooperation agreement between Eurojust and Serbia. It seeks to improve judicial cooperation in the fight against serious crime, particularly organised crime and terrorism.

2019/10/10

I was pleased to support this report, as amended by Parliament, rejecting all proposed reductions in DAB 4/2019, and accepting the increases (+EUR 11.9 million) for reinforcing EU institutions, including Parliament, due to the postponement of Brexit.

2019/10/10

I rejected this vote, as a number of technical considerations should be taken into account – notably that the amending budgets should follow one purpose only, or that these appropriations should not be cancelled but rather redeployed to other EU programmes.

2019/10/10

I voted in favour of this resolution as it stresses the importance of free and fair elections as well as the protection of fundamental rights and points to the risks posed to them through malicious foreign influence, including disinformation campaigns and the circumvention of political funding rules. It calls for a holistic approach to counter threats related to disinformation and foreign electoral interference, including better cooperation of social media platforms with public authorities.

2019/10/10

I voted in favour of this resolution as its aim was to reconfirm and update Parliament’s negotiating mandate of November 2018 on the 2021-27 MFF and respond to several initiatives following the European elections but also to ask for an MFF Contingency plan to be put in place in case of no agreement till the end of 2020.

2019/10/10

I supported this report as it calls for well-designed labour market policies and reforms with relevant social protection systems. It point out the need for the transformation of education and training systems in line with the labour market demands, emphasises the lifelong learning approach and asks for targeted attention to the most vulnerable groups.

2019/10/10

. ‒ I supported this report. This proposal harmonises the VAT and excise-duty treatment of defence efforts within the EU and under NATO frameworks as set out in the Commission’s Action Plan on Military Mobility from March 2018.

2019/11/26

I supported this resolution. I condemn all forms of violence against children and ask the Commission and Members States to protect children in their internal and external policies.

2019/11/26

I voted in support of the new European Commission that Ms von der Leyen has established. She has chosen an excellent group of leaders, which will bring prosperity and hope to the EU for the next five years. The gender balance in the Commissioners is also to be celebrated, and I am delighted to support this.

2019/11/27

. ‒ I supported this report. It is crucial that we help our European neighbours in their time of need.

2019/11/27

I voted in favour of this report. In order to address the ongoing challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats, it is necessary to mobilise significant additional amounts to finance such measures as a matter of urgency.

2019/11/27

I voted in favour of this report. The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by natural disasters. I want to be able to allow payment of advances in a timely and efficient way in the event of a disaster occurring next year.

2019/11/27

I supported this report. This allowed for large funds to aid commitments to finance Parliament’s priorities, notably climate-related expenditure, research, youth, infrastructure and digitalisation.

2019/11/27

I support this report and welcome this agreement which will avoid possible and legitimate retaliation by the United States.

2019/11/28

I support this resolution and welcome this agreement, which will avoid possible and legitimate retaliation by the United States.

2019/11/28

I voted in favour of this resolution, denouncing the lack of transparency and credibility displayed by the Bolivian authorities and the violation of the right of Bolivian citizens to freely and democratically elect their President.

2019/11/28

I was glad to support this report, making Europe the first continent to declare a ‘climate emergency’. This shows our sincerity in taking the necessary climate action to reach our targets, and encourage big emitters such as the United States to follow suit.

2019/11/28

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which seeks to end the Russian Federation’s violation of the independence of the judiciary and the criminal proceedings against the Lithuanian prosecutors, investigators and judges in the 13 January case.

2019/11/28

I voted in favour of this resolution, which is a response to the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on EUR 4.3 billion worth of EU agri-food exports following a WTO ruling in favour of the US in the Airbus dispute. EU producers must be supported amidst trade tensions.

2019/11/28

I supported this Resolution. The European Commission should insist on negotiating with the partners, particularly the United States, to find solutions that would keep the WTO Appellate Body system in place. Until then provisional arrangements with our partners could provide temporary solutions.

2019/11/28

I am pleased to support this resolution regarding ongoing negotiations on a new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the ACP. Key objectives of the future agreement should be the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals with effective monitoring mechanisms, respect for human rights, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

2019/11/28

. ‒ I am pleased to support this proposal to update the numerical strength of committees. While it is extremely regrettable that the UK’s exit from the Union is set to go ahead at the end of January 2020, it is important to administratively ensure the committee numbers are set for the incoming members. I support this proposal.

2020/01/15

. ‒ I support this report which establishes the extension of the application of the ‘recast’ Eurodac Regulation to Iceland and Norway and therefore it enables the law enforcement authorities of Iceland and Norway and of all other participating States, whether other EU Member States or Associates Countries to request the comparison of fingerprint data with those stored in the Eurodac central database when they seek to establish the exact identity of or obtain further information for the purpose of prevention, detection or investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences. This will facilitate better law enforcement and cooperation with these countries.

2020/01/15

I am pleased to support this text. The Agreement will amend or complement provisions in bilateral air services agreements only to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with Union law. Additionally, it will serve a fundamental objective of the external aviation policy of the Union by bringing existing bilateral air services agreements into line with Union law.

2020/01/15

. ‒ I am pleased to support this report which proposes to reform the VAT rules concerning small businesses. With this directive, compliance costs for SMEs are expected to be reduced by 18% (EUR 56.1 billion per year, compared to EUR 68 billion per year at present) and cross-border trading activities by SMEs within the EU are also expected to increase by 13.5%, which is particularly important given the high costs that SMEs face currently.

2020/01/15

I strongly support this report and its call for the EU to step up its ambition on tackling climate change, and to increase the 2030 target to 55%. If the EU is to meet its Paris commitments, increased efforts towards decarbonisation and the deployment of clean, climate-friendly technologies will be essential. I also welcome the Commission’s initiative towards a new Just Transition Mechanism. This is vitally important to support the workers whose livelihoods may be affected by our climate policies, notably those in the Irish midlands, where the move away from the use of peat energy will have a big impact on communities.

2020/01/15

there are currently around 3.2 million citizens from the EU27 resident in the UK, and 1.2 million UK citizens resident in the EU-27. It is essential to ensure that the rights of these people are ensured as we move into phase two of the negotiations. I am therefore pleased to support this report.

2020/01/15

I am pleased to support this important report on human rights and democracy in the world and I congratulate the rapporteurs on the excellent work they have done. I welcome the emphasis the report puts on armed conflicts and military attacks aimed at ethnic cleansing, which continues to claim civilian lives and causes mass displacement. Additionally, I strongly support the focus in the report on the importance of advancing gender equality and women’s rights worldwide. The EU and its Member States have a key role as a global political actor, and it is important that we step our efforts to help ensure such people are better protected. As a member of the INTA Committee, I welcome the recognition of trade and its potential to offer positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy and corporate responsibility.

2020/01/15

Unfortunately, I was unable to support this report. While I believe this work that is done each year to put forward the Parliament’s view on the Common Foreign and Security Policy is important, there are a number of texts included in the document that is contrary to my position, and that of my Government. The proposal to move towards a system of qualified majority voting at Council on defence issues would be in conflict both with Ireland’s policy of neutrality and indeed our ‘triple lock’ of UN authorisation, Government approval, and Parliament approval for the deployment of troops. It is true, as recognised by the report, that we are in increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment at the moment and cooperation between EU Member States on certain issues is important, however many of the proposals in this report go beyond what I can accept.

2020/01/15

Unfortunately, I was unable to support this report. There are a number of elements included in the text that go beyond what I can support, and are in contrast to Irish Government policy. Firstly, the spending target of 2% as proposed in the text is not something that I can support and such a target should not be put on EU Member States. Additionally, I believe that much of the language on the strategic autonomy for the EU is too strong and we must be mindful of differing positions across Member States. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the proposal to move towards a system of qualified majority voting at Council on defence issues would be in conflict both with Ireland’s policy of neutrality and indeed our ‘triple lock’ of UN authorisation, Government approval, and Parliament approval for the deployment of troops.

2020/01/15

I am pleased to support this report and the work that has been done so far on this important issue. It is important that we listen to EU citizens throughout these discussions on the future of Europe. The conference is first and foremost a listening exercise, and then it is a place for public debate about what sort of Europe we want in the future. I look forward to discussing and debating the important issues, such as Climate Change, social justice, EU integration, enlargement, and the EU’s role in the world.

2020/01/15

I support this resolution. The National Assembly is the only legitimately elected democratic body of Venezuela. Therefore, their Assembly’s constitutional prerogatives must be respected. This is the only way a peaceful political solution can be reached.

2020/01/16

The rule of law is our fail-safe for democracy. It guarantees our fundamental rights. It is essential for democracy that independent courts are in place to guarantee the protection of fundamental rights and civil liberties. The rule of law is non-negotiable in the European Union. I therefore support this report regarding the ongoing Article 7(1) procedures.

2020/01/16

. ‒ I was pleased to vote in favour of this important report. It is our duty to protect the planet with all its natural biological diversity. Biodiversity is essential to keep our ecosystems intact, and protecting the environment also means protecting biodiversity. The EU needs to be the driving force behind stopping the decline in biodiversity globally, and therefore must lead by example at next year’s UN conference in China.

2020/01/16

I am pleased to support this report. Dialogue between the Committee on Petitions and the office of the Ombudsman is extremely important, and I welcome the recognition of this in the text. I also echo the report’s proposal to work on closer relations with the national Ombudsmen. Finally, I strongly welcome the Ombudsman’s commitment to improving the transparency of EU lobbying.

2020/01/16

I am pleased to support this measure regarding the allocations of airport slots. The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on air carriers in recent weeks and has caused a substantial decline in air traffic not just in Europe but worldwide. For this reason, it is important to protect the grandfathering rights of air-carriers for airport slots that have not been used during the period when the aviation market has been most affected by the outbreak. The measures I have supported today will cover an eight-month period between March 2020 and 24 October 2020 for all flights and will provide much needed certainty to air carriers during these challenging months ahead.

2020/03/26

The outbreak of COVID-19 has already had a major impact on the economies of EU Member States and has created significant liquidity problems and put pressure on health systems. I am pleased to support this important measure that has been proposed by the European Commission which aims to quickly mobilise available cash reserves in the European Structural and Investment Funds in order to help Member States fight the crisis and respond to the negative impacts on growth this ongoing crisis is causing. This measure will allow Member States to use the amounts not recovered under these Funds to accelerate investments related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a sensible and necessary part of the EU’s overall response to the pandemic.

2020/03/26

I am pleased to vote in favour of this important COVID-19 response measure which will extend the scope of the European Solidarity Fund in order to include major public health emergencies and to define specific operations eligible for financing, including medical assistance and measures to contain the further spread of an infectious disease. I also welcome measures to increase the level of advance payments permitted, and the simplification of the mobilisation process. Solidarity is one of the cornerstones of the European Union, and in challenging times like these, it is extremely welcome that this fund will be used to support those Member States and Accession Countries that find themselves most in need of EU support.

2020/03/26

I am pleased to have voted in favour of this report on a new protocol with the Republic of Cape Verde following the expiration of the previous agreement in December 2018. This is an important agreement which will provide fishing opportunities for a maximum of 69 Union vessels to fish in Cape Verde waters on the basis of the best available scientific advice and following the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). I also welcome the earmarking of funds to promote the sustainable management of fisheries in Cape Verde, notably through measures aiming at reinforcing control and surveillance capacities and supporting local fishing communities.

2020/06/17

I am pleased to have voted in favour of this report on a new protocol with the Republic of Cape Verde following the expiration of the previous agreement in December 2018. This is an important agreement which will provide fishing opportunities for a maximum of 69 Union vessels to fish in Cape Verde waters on the basis of the best available scientific advice and following the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). I also welcome the earmarking of funds to promote the sustainable management of fisheries in Cape Verde, notably through measures aiming at reinforcing control and surveillance capacities and supporting local fishing communities.

2020/06/17

The protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories: freezer shrimp trawlers, freezer finfish and cephalopod trawlers, small pelagic trawlers, tuna freezer vessels and longliners, pool-and-line tuna vessels. The agreement is multi-species and covers tuna, cephalopods, shrimps and demersal species.I voted in favour of this agreement as it is part of a network of tuna agreements in West Africa and is one of only three multi-species agreements in the region (the others being with Morocco and with Mauritania).

2020/06/17

I welcome this agreement with Guinea-Bissau which has provisionally applied since its agreement in 2018. The agreement is part of a network of tuna agreements in West Africa and is one of only three multi-species agreements in the region. This protocol is particularly important in that it will enable the EU and the Republic of Guinea Bissau to work more closely in order to promote the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources.

2020/06/17

I welcome this new agreement between the EU and the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. This agreement provides important fishing opportunities for Union vessels in São Tomé and Príncipe waters and will enable the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe to work together to promote the sound and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. Additionally, this agreement will support efforts by São Tomé and Príncipe to develop its fisheries sector.

2020/06/17

At the end of 2015, the Swiss Parliament adopted a motion for the reclassification of certain ‘seasoned meat’ due to a strong surge of imports, thereby bringing about a substantial increase in the relevant tariffs. In 2017, the EU challenged this measure with the WTO and in April 2018, Switzerland agreed that it had to compensate for the increase of tariff and launched an ‘Article XXVIII GATT’ procedure. This includes new tariffs (including for dry beef meat) and the increased tariff quota from 22 500 tonnes (current) to 23 700 tonnes. I voted in favour of this report as it is a fair result for EU exporters.

2020/06/17

. ‒ I am pleased to support this resolution on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which correctly points out that the allocated funding so far by the Commission is insufficient There is a need for additional funds for projects specifically focused on biomedical research related to M.E. It is vital that the Commission ensures the adequate funding of the necessary logistical support for researchers to promote coordination of research activities, as well as funding to ensure appropriate and improved medical education and training for health and social care professionals working with ME/CFS patients.

2020/06/17

. ‒ I am pleased to support this report relating to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. This application concerns the mobilisation of EUR 345.000 from the EGF, covering technical assistance for the Commission. The objective of the technical assistance is to finance monitoring and data gathering, information, to create a knowledge base interface and to advice Member States on using, following up and evaluating the EGF.

2020/06/17

. ‒ I am pleased to support this report regarding the mobilisation of the EUSF to grant financial assistance relating to extreme weather events in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. The four events in question caused significant damage in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria, and it is vitally important that the European Union is there to support Member States in such circumstances.

2020/06/17

. ‒ I am pleased to support this report regarding the mobilisation of the EUSF to grant financial assistance relating to extreme weather events in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. The four events in question caused significant damage in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria, and it is vitally important that the European Union is there to support Member States in such circumstances.

2020/06/17

. ‒ I voted for this agreement as it establishes an EU-Moldova Common Aviation Area as part of the EU Eastern Partnership and wider EU neighbourhood policy. The existing bilateral agreements on air traffic services between the EU Member States and Moldova are to be superseded by the new agreement. It provides for gradual market opening in terms of access to routes and capacity on a reciprocal basis, ensures a level playing field for economic operators based on EU principles and provides for alignment of Moldavian aviation legislation with EU legislation on issues such as safety, security and air traffic management.

2020/06/17

. ‒ This Protocol to the Common Aviation Area Agreement between the EU and its Member States and the Republic of Moldova takes into account the accession of Croatia to the EU on 1 July 2013. This is a procedural matter which I am happy to vote in favour of.

2020/06/17

. ‒ The purpose of the Protocol is to allow the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to become a party to the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco. The Protocol will not introduce any changes to the substance of the Agreement, therefore I voted in favour.

2020/06/17

. ‒ This Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement regulates relations in the field of aviation between the EU and its Member States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I voted in favour of this technical consent procedure to take into account the legal consequences of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and of the ruling of the Court of Justice (Case C-28/12) of 2015.

2020/06/17

. ‒ The Agreement will support the European Union’s aeronautical sector by facilitating trade in aircraft and related products, due to shorter and simpler, hence less costly, product-approval procedures and facilitated acceptance of certification findings. I voted in favour of the agreement as it will provide a framework for aviation safety cooperation with China, enhancing the level of civil aviation safety and environmental compatibility.

2020/06/17

. ‒ The Agreement will extend to Georgia all the legislation and rules governing the EU single market in air transport and will establish uniform framework conditions for all aviation undertakings in the EU and Georgia. This consent procedure is a purely technical one, to take into account the legal consequences of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and of the 2015 ruling of the Court of Justice. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2020/06/17

. ‒ This is an aviation agreement of a technical nature that was agreed in 2013 and is part of a package of similar agreements with other countries – bringing them under the wider umbrella of the EU aviation regulatory framework. However, considering the recent developments regarding the occupied territories, I could not support the report when it was voted on in Plenary.

2020/06/17

I voted in favour of this Resolution to ensure the best possible outcome for Ireland when the UK withdraws from the EU. The Resolution fully supports the Commission in its negotiations and aims at providing clear political messages before the High-Level Conference and the European Council in June that will take stock of the progress of the negotiations. Additionally to reiterating the general principles of negotiation and the effective, full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and its three protocols as a precondition, the report emphasises the indivisibility of the economic areas and the need to advance all subjects in parallel under a comprehensive framework as proposed by the EU.

2020/06/18

I am pleased to vote in favour of this resolution and particularly welcome its recognition that the COVID-19 crisis has made the need for the discussion on how best to reform and improve the European Union even more urgent. The crisis has demonstrated the need for a strong and efficient European Union which can respond as quickly and as effectively as possible in times of crises, and this needs to be at the forefront of these discussions. For this reason, I also welcome the call from Parliament for work on the Future of Europe to be recommenced as quickly as possible.

2020/06/18

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report as it states the EU should be a leader in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities including support with treating the impact of COVID–19 on the people with disabilities. It states that EU funds should aim to promote inclusive, accessible environments, services, practices and devices including strong support for personal assistance and independent living.

2020/06/18

I am pleased to vote in favour of the creation of this important special committee. Free and democratic elections without interference from foreign states is one of the most important elements of European Democracy and it is important that we investigate and make recommendations regarding any instances in which this is not the case. We must ensure that EU citizens are protected from such interference and prevent attacks on our democratic institutions. This committee will play an important role in highlighting the dangers of foreign interference in European elections.

2020/06/18

I am pleased to support the creation of this special committee on artificial intelligence. AI will continue to play an important role in our economies and will drive innovation and technological developments in the years ahead. Given the important role this technology already has in our societies, it is vital that we ensure that it is used ethically and transparently. We need a human-centric, risk-based and balanced framework for AI with high ethical standards, appropriate liability rules and legal certainty for developers and users. The work of this committee will be important in setting out how we should approach AI from a policy-making perspective and ensure the frameworks we put in place are fit for the digital age.

2020/06/18

I supported this resolution as it demands that the Prime Minister renounces to participate in budget-related negotiations in the European Council until his potential conflict of interest is fully resolved. Should a potential conflict of interest be confirmed, he must resolve it by either selling his business interests, stop receiving any public subsidies or funding distributed by his government including EU funds, or stepping down as Prime Minister.

2020/06/19

The report recalls the progress made regarding the implementation of the Banking Union, namely on risk reduction; stresses, however, that further progress has to be made on risk sharing and on risk reduction. The report underlines the crucial role of the banking sector in channelling funding into the real economy, and particularly into sustainable and socially responsible investments, thereby fostering growth and employment and enabling the transition to a climate-neutral economy, while not endangering financial stability. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2020/06/19

The Commission proposed this quick fix to the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC) in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Member States will have three additional months to exchange information on financial accounts of which the beneficiaries are tax residents in another Member State (DAC2). The proposed tax measures only affect the deadlines for reporting obligations. The entry into application of the DAC6 Directive is on 1 July 2020, hence the need for an urgent adoption of the amending act and why I voted in favour.

2020/06/19

I am pleased to support this resolution as I believe it is vitally important that we avoid considering this to be an ‘American problem’. We must be vigilant against racism and racial inequality in all its forms, look hard at our own societies, listen to those speaking out about their own experiences, and tackle the scourge of racism head on. We have countless examples of racism here in the European Union, be it in the form of hate speech, discrimination based on skin colour, or even acts of violence. Racism in every form is unacceptable and must be eliminated.

2020/06/19

I voted in support of the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) No 514/2014 (AMIF/ISF General Provisions regulation) and Regulation (EU) No 514/2014. This proposal aligns the deadlines for de-commitment and submission of requests for payment of the annual balance. I welcome this amendment as it allows Member States, who may experience difficulty with programme expenditure, especially during the current pandemic, the flexibility to fully benefit from the programme’s available implementation period which is open up until 31 December 2023.

2020/10/05

I voted in favour of this proposal. Due to the remote locations of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion, Article 349 allows for derogations from EU rules particularly in the tax field. Due to their isolation, it is in the best interests of these regions, that France is authorised to apply a reduced rate of certain indirect taxes on their ‘traditional’ rum.

2020/10/05

. ‒ I am pleased to support this important report which aims to establish certain criteria from which to monitor the state of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in the Member States. An annual report laying out recommendations for specific Member States would be drafted by the Commission and reviewed by Parliament and the Council – a mechanism I believe would be welcome. Rule of law is a cornerstone of democracy, and we must do what we can to ensure it is upheld across the EU.

2020/10/07

I am pleased to support the European Climate Law. This important legislation increases our ambition in the fight against climate change, increasing the 2030 ambition and enshrining the 2050 climate-neutrality objective into law. I welcome the strong support this report has received, and I am confident it will help to trigger the needed investments to drive us to a climate-neutral economy as quickly as possible.

2020/10/07

I voted in favour of Ukraine’s application to be granted ‘equivalence’ status. The EU’s seeds regulations allow third countries to market their seeds on the EU market only if their regulations and controls are found to be equivalent to those of the EU. An assessment has been carried out and the EU considers Ukraine’s seed regulations to be equivalent to those of the EU.

2020/10/07

I am pleased to vote in favour of this report which emphasises the need for an ambitious and independent post-2020 Forest Strategy. Forests benefit the climate and maintain biodiversity. The new strategy, which is to be revealed by the Commission at the beginning of 2021, aims to foster the economic, environmental and social aspects of forest management.

2020/10/07

I voted in favour of the text as it is vital to ensure the safe and efficient operation of railways within the Channel Tunnel. Because of the UK’s change in status to a third country, the FR-UK Intergovernmental Commission, which previously supervised the Channel Tunnel, no longer has the authority to do so. It is important that France is permitted to negotiate an agreement with the UK to maintain the Intergovernmental Commission and amend the Directive (EU) 2016/798 so that the Commission may continue as the Tunnel’s single safety authority.

2020/10/08

I voted in favour of the text as it is vital to ensure the safe and efficient operation of railways within the Channel Tunnel. Because of the UK’s change in status to a third country, the FR-UK Intergovernmental Commission, which previously supervised the Channel Tunnel, no longer has the authority to do so. It is important that France is permitted to negotiate an agreement with the UK to maintain the Intergovernmental Commission and amend the Directive (EU) 2016/798 so that the Commission may continue as the Tunnel’s single safety authority.

2020/10/08

I support the Commission’s proposal to postpone the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Postponing the application of certain aspects of this Regulation by one year (until 1 January 2022) will allow Member States and organic operators to properly implement and apply the regulation as the COVID-19 situation has hindered proceedings. This amendment is key to avoiding the disruption of the market, organic operators and fulfilling the intended purpose of the regulation. I’m pleased that this will allow more time for the circulation of new regulatory requirements to Irish organic contributors.

2020/10/08

. ‒ I was pleased to vote in favour of this report. Over the course of the COVID crisis, we have seen the importance of digital finance grow in the EU economy. It’s vital that we embrace digital finance as it will add to the digital transformation of our economy and society.

2020/10/08

I voted in favour of this motion. The Youth Guarantee aims to improve the lives of millions of young Europeans and has achieved so much for young people in the last five years. It is a commitment by all Member States to ensure that all young people under the age of 25 years receive a good quality offer of, employment or continued education within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.

2020/10/08

I voted in favour of this report to codify EU legislation on firearms. The codification will not result in any substantive changes. It simply clarifies and consolidates the existing legislation.

2021/02/08

I voted in favour of this agreement, which aims to support reforms and investments by Member States to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and make EU economies more sustainable. The RRF consists of EUR 672.5 billion (2018 prices) of which EUR 312.5 billion grants and EUR 360 billion loan.

2021/02/09

I welcomed this report, and the actions of the ECB during 2020. The COVID-19 crisis caused strong economic shocks, to which the ECB responded quickly and effectively. The report recognised that the pandemic has had a particularly strong impact on SMEs, and noted the importance of SMEs to the EU. I also supported calls for the ECB to improve the gender balance of its decision makers.

2021/02/09

. ‒ I voted in favour of the final compromise reached on this report. We need to move away from the linear model of the past towards a circular economy that will allow us to reduce harmful consumption while ensuring sustainable competitiveness. As policy makers, we need to support businesses and industries in making this transition.

2021/02/09

. ‒ Human trafficking must be condemned in the strongest terms. It is a modern day form of slavery that is taking place in Ireland and across the EU. Overall, I supported this report which noted the failings and challenges of the current anti-trafficking legislation, and set out the changes that need to be made to protect potential victims.

2021/02/09

I supported this report which calls for better monitoring of the implementation of Article 43 of the Asylum Procedures Directive. Before considering any extension of border procedures at the EU’s external borders, it is necessary to assess how the current system is working in practice. Most importantly, the human rights situation at the borders must be monitored to ensure that the fundamental rights of asylum seekers are being respected.

2021/02/09

I was happy to support this report. Public access to documents is safeguarded by the Treaties and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Any denial of such access must be truly exceptional. Transparency is central to the EU project. It allows citizens to participate in the process and to hold the EU accountable where necessary, and it ensures that citizens can trust in the integrity of the EU.

2021/02/09

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. While in-work poverty is less common in the EU than elsewhere, it remains a problem. We have yet to feel the full social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and action needs to be taken to limit its negative impact on workers. The European Skills Agenda is a positive step in this area, as increased levels of education and training will help to combat in-work poverty.

2021/02/09

. ‒ I was happy to vote in favour of this motion for a resolution. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has negatively impacted youth and sport. The resolution stresses the importance of maintaining a high-quality level of education, by investing in digital infrastructure and advocates for a better attention to vulnerable groups. It also asks the Commission and the Member States to support the sports sector in general within the recovery measures since they strengthen physical and mental resilience.

2021/02/09

I voted in favour of this proposal, which aims to amend MiFID II in order to support the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key elements of the text agreed include reduced red tape for investors, and it will make it easier for clients who make orders via phone to receive the information on costs and charges ex-post, which is particularly important in times of COVID-19.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of this proposal, which aims to create a temporary EU Recovery Prospectus, i.e. the document that companies need to disclose to their investors when they issue shares and bonds. The prospectus will be easy to produce for companies, easy to read for investors and easy to scrutinise for national competent authorities.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of the temporary relief from the slot utilisation rules at Community airports. The COVID-19 crisis has led to a sharp drop in air traffic due to efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The impact on air carriers has been detrimental. The agreed text provides for an adequate balance between the protection of historic series of slot and a progressive return to a normal situation, while preventing companies from being forced to fly empty planes.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of this regulation, which proposes specific and temporary measures applicable to the renewal and extension of the period of validity of certain certificates, licenses and authorisations and the postponement of certain periodic checks and training, in the area of road, rail and inland waterways transport and maritime security. This is in response to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of this report. I support the increased economic cooperation between the EU and Ukraine and the plans to strengthen cooperation in trade, digital economy and energy and environmental policy. Respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights are core values of the EU, and the Ukraine must continue its reforms in these areas.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of this resolution on the Commission’s European Skills Agenda. We need to deliver concrete results in this area. I supported the plans to improve equal access to education for all, with a focus on vulnerable groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the need for strong digital skills. It is also vital that we reskill and retrain in order to be prepared for the green transition.

2021/02/10

I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution. The Ostrovets nuclear power plant, located 50 km from Vilnius (Lithuania) and in close proximity to other EU countries, such as Poland, Latvia and Estonia, started to generate electricity on 3 November 2020 despite multiple safety concerns. Belarusian authorities must ensure full compliance with international nuclear and environmental safety standards, and transparent, inclusive and constructive cooperation with international authorities.

2021/02/11

I voted in favour of this resolution, which condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing violence in Yemen since 2015, which has degenerated into the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. It upholds that the crisis can only be resolved sustainably through an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned negotiation process involving all quarters of Yemeni society and all parties to the conflict.

2021/02/11

I was happy to support this resolution, having led the negotiations for the EPP. My colleagues and I strongly condemned the military coup in Myanmar and called for the military to reinstate the democratically elected civilian government. We also urged the civilian government to deliver a true democracy representing all ethnic groups in Myanmar.

2021/02/11

This resolution took stock of the progress that has been made in women’s rights since the Beijing Declaration. It highlighted the targets that have not been met and new threats to women’s rights, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was please to vote in favour of this resolution and to support its calls for action.

2021/02/11

I was happy to vote in favour of the InvestEU Programme, the EU’s proposed flagship investment programme to kick-start the European economy. It will provide support to companies and ensure a strong focus on investors on the Union’s medium and long-term policy priorities, such as the green and digital transitions, and enhanced resilience.

2021/03/09

I voted in support of this legislative proposal. It is important that we build on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 crisis to advance our main priorities: strengthening health systems, making medicines available and affordable and tackling cross-border health threats.

2021/03/09

I supported this report on the introduction of a CBAM that is compatible with WTO rules and EU free trade agreements. A CBAM will protect European companies from unfair competition from non-European climate polluters who operate in countries with less stringent environmental standards. This will allow the EU to continue its leadership in climate action, without sacrificing our competitiveness.

2021/03/10

I voted in favour of this latest update on the Directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (DAC 7). The DAC 7 proposal extends EU tax transparency rules to digital platforms in order to counter underreporting of income and level the playing field between the digital and traditional economies. It is vital that we avoid excessive regulatory burdens for European companies.

2021/03/10

I voted in favour of this report. Undertakings under the scope of the directive will have to take proportionate measures to ensure that breaches of human rights and environmental standards, and other practices which are not accepted in the EU, do not take place in their value chain.

2021/03/10

. ‒ This Regulation establishes harmonised rules for the marketing of construction products in the EU and provides a common technical language to assess the performance of construction products. I voted in favour of this, as it is important that reliable information is available to professionals, public authorities and consumers, enabling them to compare the performance of products from different manufacturers in different countries.

2021/03/10

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on creating a more inclusive and accessible workplace in order to allow people with disabilities to participate in the labour market. Employment is important as it offers a sense of fulfilment and independence. I was particularly glad to support this report knowing that it was informed by extensive engagement with persons with disabilities.

2021/03/10

I supported this report, which aims to modernise and simplify the rules of monitoring fisheries activities. One measure introduced by the report is limited risk-based CCTV monitoring of vessels that are at high-risk of non-compliance with landing obligations.

2021/03/10

The Commission proposed to extend the approval period of several substances by one year because evaluations for the substances could not be concluded within the original time frame. The delays were beyond the control of the applicants. I voted against an objection to this proposal.

2021/03/10

According to the European Food Safety Authority, restrictions on placing this plant on the market are not justified. I therefore voted against this objection.

2021/03/10

According to the European Food Safety Authority, restrictions on placing this plant on the market are not justified. Therefore, I voted against this objection.

2021/03/10

I voted in favour of this report on the activities of European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly in 2019.

2021/03/10

I was proud to vote in favour of declaring the EU an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone. This vote signals that the EU is a place where all members of the LGBTIQ community should be free to be themselves, and that discrimination against LGBTIQ persons will not be accepted.

2021/03/11

I voted in favour of this resolution relating to the Commission’s upcoming EU Strategy on Children’s Rights. Among other things, the resolution called on the Commission to ensure that the EU Strategy takes into account the impact of Covid-19 on child poverty, access to education, healthcare and violence against children. It also called for investment in digital literacy.

2021/03/11

I voted in favour of giving consent to a draft Council regulation which lays down implementing measures for the system of own resources of the EU. These measures relate to the calculation of the annual balance and the control, supervision and reporting requirements for national authorities.

2021/03/24

I voted in favour of report on the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027). The pandemic has shown that digital literacy is vital, both now and for the future. This Plan will ensure that education and training are geared towards the digital age.

2021/03/25

I supported this motion for resolution. It sets out a systematic approach to combat marine litter – both litter that is visible to the naked eye and microplastics. This work will involve improving knowledge on ocean pollution, making the existing EU legislative framework more effective, and helping the fishing industry move towards a more circular economic model.

2021/03/25

I supported this motion for a resolution, which recognises the threat that climate change poses. The cohesion policy is key to meeting the EU’s climate targets while ensuring a just transition and preserving the EU’s competitiveness.

2021/03/25

. ‒ I was pleased to support this report. A single digital market is an important part of the digital transformation. This report is a step towards a market that will ensure the EU’s competitiveness, while also being transparent and trustworthy.

2021/03/25

. ‒ This report is part of the Securitisation package. While securitisation has a bad reputation, it is a tool, and as such whether it will have a positive or negative effect depends on how it is used. Securitisation within the correct regulatory framework, as provided for in this report, will help us to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2021/03/25

. ‒ This report is part of the securitisation package. While securitisation has a bad reputation, it is a tool, and as such whether it will have a positive or negative effect depends on how it is used. Securitisation within the correct regulatory framework, as provided for in this report, will help us to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2021/03/25

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which will lead to an upgrade of the current EU export control system, in particular in relation to cybersecurity systems. This reform will prevent human rights violations, without imposing an excessive bureaucratic burden on SMEs.

2021/03/25

The European Parliament stood firm earlier this year in a legally-binding mechanism that ties EU money to the rule of law. This is irrefutable logic – if you want EU money, you must stick to EU values. I supported introducing the mechanism then, and I was happy to vote in favour of this resolution now, urging the Commission not to delay the application of the mechanism.

2021/03/25

This vote related to the national contribution based on the amount of non-recycled plastic packaging waste generated in each Member State. More specifically, it related to the rights and obligations of the Member States and the Commission in the levying and collection of this contribution. I voted in favour.

2021/03/25

I supported this vote to call on the Council to amend a regulation on own resources accruing from VAT. This type of own resource will overall be maintained. The changes are to simplify the calculation, implementation and control of own resources accrued from VAT.

2021/03/25

I voted in favour of this important report. It will allow us to build a close cooperative relationship with our friends in Africa based on trust and shared values. The new EU-Africa Strategy will improve the business environment, which in turn will help to combat problems such as climate change and poverty.

2021/03/25

I was happy to support this resolution to establish an EU strategy for sustainable tourism. This strategy will help to rebuild the tourism and travel industries, which have suffered very badly since the outbreak of the pandemic. This strategy will help the industries not only to rebuild, but to come back better than before and prepare for the digital and green future.

2021/03/25

I voted in favour of this report on strengthening the international role of the euro. The euro, a symbol of unity and prosperity in the EU, has the potential to play a stronger role in the global economy, boosting the EU’s resilience and leadership.

2021/03/25

I fully support the EU’s GDPR rules. Our data protection laws should remain the global gold standard. However, I abstained on this vote, as the Resolution was unjustly critical of the Irish Data Protection Commission. Many tech companies are based in Ireland, which puts a heavy responsibility on the DPC. The Resolution did not take this into fair consideration.

2021/03/25

I voted in favour of this report. The report welcomed Albania’s commitment to the EU and the steps the country has taken to reform in areas that are of fundamental importance to the EU. It also held that such reforms, particularly in the area of free elections, must continue as they are essential to any accession negotiations.

2021/03/25

I supported this report, which welcomed Kosovo’s commitment to undergoing reforms to align itself with the fundamental values and standards of the EU. Among other things, the report noted that, the reform of the energy industry in Kosovo, in pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future, is vital.

2021/03/25

I voted in favour of this report, which welcomed North Macedonia’s commitment to EU integration and the reforms that are being undertaken in the country in order to meet EU standards and values. The report called for the start of formal accession negotiations.

2021/03/25

I voted in favour of this report. It welcomed Serbia’s commitment to EU accession and the cooperation of the Serbian government. The report noted that, while Serbia has made positive progress, more reform is needed to align with EU values.

2021/03/25

I voted to give my consent to the conclusion of this Agreement. Tariff-rate quotas in the EU-Norway Agreement will be modified to reflect the fact that the UK has left the EU.

2021/04/26

I supported the recommendation and report on the EU-Honduras VPA, which has the aim of reducing illegal logging and encouraging a sustainable forest sector.

2021/04/26

I supported this report. The report considered the achievements and shortcomings in the implementation of the Package. It also made a number of recommendations, including additional checks for vehicles in use as taxis, ambulances and delivery, harmonisation on odometer fraud and including new advanced safety and driver assistance systems in roadworthiness tests.

2021/04/26

I voted in favour of this resolution. After World War II, ammunitions were disposed of in the Baltic Sea and their decomposition has had a negative effect on the environment. This resolution aims to find environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for controlling and cleaning the pollution.

2021/04/26

With a budget of EUR 95.5 billion, Horizon Europe is the most powerful research and innovation programme in the world. It will foster innovation and help the EU rise from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than before.I was happy to vote in favour of this recommendation laying down the rules for participation in the programme and dissemination.

2021/04/27

With a budget of EUR 95.5 billion, Horizon Europe is the most powerful research and innovation programme in the world. It will foster innovation and help the EU rise from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than before.I was happy to vote in favour of this report on the implementation of the programme.

2021/04/27

I voted in support of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) as one of the three components of the ‘Innovative Europe’ pillar of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme (2021-2027). The EIT will have EUR 2.965 million over the next seven years, which is roughly 3.4% of Horizon Europe’s budget.

2021/04/27

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The key measures aim to strengthen higher education, increase transparency, extend geographical distribution, simplify the funding model, launch two new KICs and achieve a gender balance.

2021/04/27

. ‒ The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a framework for cooperation between participating countries in disaster preparedness, prevention and response. I supported this report, which aims to strengthen the framework, particularly in relation to large-scale emergencies.

2021/04/27

. ‒ I supported the recommendation and report on the EU-Honduras VPA, which has the aim of reducing illegal logging and encouraging a sustainable forest sector.

2021/04/27

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on a new scheme to strengthen transparent and ethical interest representation in the EU institutions. This register aims to facilitate a greater awareness at citizen level of who and what is influencing decision making.

2021/04/27

I voted in support of this INI report. It lays the expectations of the European Parliament towards upcoming legislative proposals related to maritime transport. Elements include the gradual phasing out of the use of heavy fuel oil in ships and the urgency of negotiating the reduction of CO2 emissions of the maritime transport sector at international level within the IMO framework.

2021/04/27

I voted to ratify the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The TCA protects Ireland from the damaging consequences of a ‘no-deal’ outcome and provides a new, more stable basis on which to build EU-UK relations. Ratification provides certainty to our citizens and businesses.

2021/04/27

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which strongly welcomed the conclusion of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

2021/04/27

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal. Due to the current status of the bluefin tuna stock in these areas, emergency measures are no longer required. The proposed plan is therefore, generally speaking, more flexible, while still providing for management of the stock.

2021/04/28

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which recognises the important role that soil plays and calls on the Commission to design an EU common legal framework on the threats to soil.

2021/04/28

I voted in favour of this proposal, which will establish a common framework for certificates on vaccination, testing and recovery, to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as it is safe to do so.The Certificate will be valid across the EU, but it will be up to individual Member States to decide which public health restrictions to waive for Certificate-holders.

2021/04/28

I voted in favour of this proposal. Relating to third country nationals, it is the twin to the main Regulation on Digital Green Certificates for EU citizens.

2021/04/28

I abstained on this vote and await the outcome of the OECD negotiations.

2021/04/28

I voted in favour of this resolution, which follows the latest revelations in the investigations into the assassination of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, especially regarding the possible involvement of Government Ministers and political appointees. The debate took place in March II plenary.

2021/04/28

I voted in favour of this recommendation. The existing Regulation will be improved in a number of ways, and rail passengers will have stronger rights as a result. The new rules include spaces for bicycles on all trains, liability of the railway company for the whole journey, the right to self-re-route, and improved rights for persons with reduced mobility.

2021/04/29

The European Defence Fund does not affect Ireland’s military neutrality, and I am in favour of initiatives improving the EU’s ability to contribute to international peace and security.I supported the majority of the tabled amendments in this vote.

2021/04/29

I voted for this report, which aims to amend Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 389/2012 which lays down the legal basis for administrative cooperation between Member States in the field of excise duties. The amendment is to include the information that Member States must register in relation to operators who are moving excise goods only occasionally and are granted a temporary certification.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this report regarding the EP budget, which will be integrated into the proposal of the Commission on the 2022 Draft Budget. Parliament’s budget for 2022 will be finally adopted in the normal budgetary procedure in the autumn as part of the whole EU budget. The priority of the budget is to provide the necessary resources to return to normalcy after the COVID-19 crisis.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this resolution. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Alexei Navalny, whose sentencing is politically motivated and runs counter to Russia’s international human rights obligations. It demands from Russia to immediately end the practice of unjustified military build-ups on Ukraine’s border. It also deplores that Russian intelligence services perpetrators caused the explosion of the arms depot in Vrbětice in the Czech Republic.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this resolution as there has been significant, positive progress made by the Colombian Government vis-a-vis the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed in 2016. Despite the numerous challenges (illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Venezuelan migration crisis), the Colombian Government is to be commended for its cooperation with the EU.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this resolution, which complements the EU strategy on the Rights of the Child. The main objective is to prevent and combat poverty and social exclusion by ensuring the free and effective access of children in need to key services such as: early childhood education and care, education and school—based activities and healthcare.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this resolution. It calls for free testing as negotiated in the COVID—19 Certificate. It also calls for free testing for front—line workers and a cap on the prices of tests.

2021/04/29

I voted in favour of this report, which considers the importance of implementation of the EU—India Roadmap to 2025 and reinvigoration of the idea of negotiating a Strategic Partnership Agreement, with a strong parliamentary dimension. It emphasises the need for closer coordination in international security policies. It prioritises human rights as well as trade.

2021/04/29

I was happy to give the green light to the €17.5bn Just Transition Fund to support coal-dependent regions in the move to clean energy. Eligible countries will only be able to receive half their share of funds until they adopt a national target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

2021/05/18

The European Union Solidarity Fund enables the EU to provide financial support to a Member State, an accession country or a region in the event of a major natural disaster. I voted in support of this report. It assesses the functioning of the EUSF, especially in light of the various adjustments that have been made (the 2014 reform and the 2020 amendment in the context of the COVID-19 crisis) and presents proposals to be considered during a possible future reform.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. The euro is, as the single currency of the Union, a core European interest, and its integrity must be protected. Counterfeiting of the euro poses a true problem, harming citizens and businesses (that are not reimbursed for counterfeits even if received in good faith). Having a specific programme dedicated for this purpose has been a priority since the introduction of the euro as a single currency.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. It deals with the apportioning of the quantitative commitments contained in the EU28 WTO schedule for various tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), split across two separate customs territories: the EU27 and the UK. On 15 June 2018, the Council authorised the Commission to launch negotiations with the relevant WTO Members with a view to apportioning the Union’s WTO concessions on TRQs. Negotiations with Cuba resulted in an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters, which was initialled on 3 July 2020.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. It concludes that the European Parliament gives its consent to the accession of Croatia to the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement EU/Tunisia establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Tunisia, on the other.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. The report concludes that the European Parliament gives its consent to the accession of Croatia to the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Central America, of the other part.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this agreement, which aims to confirm the establishment of clear and non-restrictive wet lease arrangements between the EU and the US. The agreement clarifies the wet lease rules of the US-EU ATA and states that no party shall impose time limitations on the operation of any wet lease, which is to be considered any arrangement between two airlines for the provision of aircraft with crew for international air transportation. For any potential dispute, the wet lease agreement is linked to the dispute resolution mechanisms established by the US-EU ATA.

2021/05/18

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. Dock dues are a charge on products imported into or produced in the French outermost regions of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte and Réunion. EU law does not generally allow differences in taxation between local products and products imported from metropolitan France or from the other Member States, these measures are designed to take account of the particular characteristics and constraints of the outermost regions

2021/05/18

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The introduction of the landing obligation is one of the greatest challenges in the history of EU fisheries management, with ecological and socio-economic impacts. Its goal is to eliminate discards by encouraging fishers to fish more selectively and to avoid unwanted catches. The INI report points out that the landing obligation raises serious concerns in the fishing industry and the scientific community. The report stresses the need for improved data collection and an assessment of the socio-economic impact of the landing obligation.

2021/05/18

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal, which will remove VAT as a cost factor for EU programs dealing with transactions among others diagnostic tests and testing materials, and laboratory equipment. The proposal aims to introduce a VAT exemption for the acquisition of goods and services by the Commission, agency or body established under Union law in the fulfilment of a mandate conferred on it by Union law in the public interest.

2021/05/18

I supported this report to facilitate the Mobilisation of the EGF for an amount of EUR 4 474 480 (60% total costs) to support Estonia facing redundancies in the tourism sector. An estimated 5 060 redundant workers and self-employed persons are expected to participate.

2021/05/18

I supported this report, which facilitated the mobilisation of the EUSF to provide assistance to Greece and France further to regional natural disasters that took place in these countries in the course of 2020 and 20 Member States and accession countries (Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain) relating to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic early 2020.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of the Draft Amending Budget. It aims to provide additional funding for the prevention, preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic as proposed in the Commission Communications on the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). It introduces the necessary technical changes to the 2021 budget following the adoption of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) in December 2020.

2021/05/18

I voted in support of this report. Piracy of online broadcast of sports events is a big problem in the EU. This European Added Value Assessment (EAVA) looks at the existing EU legislation and checks if it provides sports events organisers and their licensees with an adequate level of protection against this risk as well as presenting potential EU level action that could help solve the problem and estimates economic benefits of addressing the problem.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. It aims to update the EUR 55 million RFCS Research Programme objectives, in line with the EU climate, energy and environmental targets. It should support using coal wastes for developing highly advanced products in strategic value chains and carbon capture and use and storage. At the same time, it rewords the commission proposal, which simply states that research projects should contribute to the 2050 net-zero target, to indicate that projects should also contribute to the 2030 emissions reduction target.

2021/05/18

I abstained on the final vote on this report. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees recently said that a change to the international legal system to categorise those displaced by climate change as refugees would not be not be a good thing overall, and that there are many existing tools and instruments that are sufficient. I believe that attention should be focused on climate adaptation and mitigation, and supporting those displaced through humanitarian funding.

2021/05/18

I voted in favour of this report. Artificial intelligence is a source of opportunities as well as challenges. In the education sector, it can be a great learning lever as well as a discriminating factor for students. The report will ensure a high level of protection for children in the use of their data, to ensure a fair digital transformation, beneficial to all.

2021/05/19

I supported this report on the Commission’s July 2020 ‘EU Strategy for Energy System Integration’. Integrating sectors means linking energy carriers with one another and with the end-use sectors, which will allow for the optimisation of the energy system as a whole. This report contains many positive points, such as highlighting the need for better forecasting of energy demand, calling for the digitisation of energy and considering the impact of energy system integration on jobs.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report on the Commission’s July 2020 ‘Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe’. The report addressed issues such as hydrogen classification and standards, hydrogen infrastructure and production, R&D and the role of hydrogen in an integrated energy system.The future climate-neutral energy system will largely rely on renewable electricity. However, Hydrogen will play a key role in enabling emission-free transport, heating and industrial processes as well as inter-seasonal energy storage.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report on human rights obligations of EU external dealings when cooperating on migration with third countries. The report calls for meaningful solidarity between Member States and migration policies that fully respect fundamental human rights as well as international and EU law.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report on the progress of Turkey regarding potential EU accession. The report condemns the attacks on a wide range of freedoms in Turkey, including freedom of expression, of the media, of assembly and of religion. The report notes that, if respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights continues to deteriorate in Turkey, the Commission should suspend accession negotiations.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report on the progress of Montenegro regarding potential EU accession. The report welcomes the progress Montenegro has made in certain areas. However, it also notes numerous areas where further progress is required, such as freedom of media, employment rates, and the independence of the judiciary.

2021/05/19

I supported this report, which called for greater protection of human rights and environmental defenders. The report addressed the important role that indigenous communities, as well as private and state actors, play in this regard. It also called for the EU to continue to promote a human-rights-based approach to climate action.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report. It addresses the demographic challenges such as demographic decline, ageing, depopulation of certain areas, and overconcentration of population in other urban areas with related economic and social consequences, and puts forward long term policy recommendations to appropriately reverse negative demographic trends, with a special focus on rural and disadvantaged areas and regions.

2021/05/19

I was happy to vote in favour of this report, which renewed the European Parliament’s support towards the global AIDS response and assessed the UNAIDS strategy to end AIDS by 2030.

2021/05/19

I voted in favour of this report, which is a mandate to enter inter-institutional negotiations. It aims to reform the Aarhus Regulation on access to environmental justice. The initial text was criticised as insufficient by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee. Parliament’s position would allow all EU administrative decisions to be challenged, including State aid and pesticide approvals, if they have an environmental impact.

2021/05/20

I abstained on the final vote on this motion for a resolution, as I believe that it was overly and unjustly critical of the Irish Data Protection Commission.

2021/05/20

I supported this own—initiative report, which calls for a new and fully harmonised legislative proposal on the environmental liability of companies. The current directive is over 20 years old, and needs to be updated. The emphasis of the proposal is on prevention, but it also covers fines on polluters, and ensures that taxpayers would not bear the cost in case of company insolvency.

2021/05/20

I voted in favour of this INI report, which focuses on the challenges towards the completion of the Digital Single Market, and on the role the EU can play for the further development of high quality AI-driven products and services. It gives guidance for common EU rules on accessible, inclusive, human-centric and trustworthy AI technology.

2021/05/20

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU’s new system to assess and grant entry permission to third-country nationals who are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the EU.I voted in favour of this report which contains amendments regarding police and judicial cooperation, such as imposing specified limits on the amount of time a prior conviction will be flagged, and a number of technical amendments.

2021/06/07

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU’s new system to assess and grant entry permission to third-country nationals who are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the EU.The report included a number of amendments to the ETIAS, such as ensuring that data used in ETIAS is accurate and up to date, and a number of technical amendments. I voted in favour of it.

2021/06/07

. ‒ I supported this report to facilitate the Mobilisation of the EGF for an amount of EUR 1 081 706, representing 60% of the total cost to support Germany facing redundancies in the basic metals sector. An estimated 585 redundant workers are expected to participate.

2021/06/07

. ‒ I supported this report to facilitate the mobilisation of the EGF for an amount of EUR 3 719 224, representing 60% of the total cost to support Belgium facing redundancies in the aviation sector. An estimated 1 468 redundant workers are expected to participate.

2021/06/07

. ‒ I supported this report to facilitate the mobilisation of the EGF for an amount of EUR 5 019 218, representing 60% of the total cost to support the Netherlands facing redundancies in the aviation sector. An estimated 1 201 redundant workers are expected to participate.

2021/06/07

. ‒ I supported this report to facilitate the mobilisation of the EGF for an amount of EUR 1 752 360, representing 60% of the total cost to support Finland facing redundancies in the aviation sector. An estimated 500 redundant workers are expected to participate.

2021/06/07

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU’s new system to assess and grant entry permission to third-country nationals who are exempt from requiring a visa to enter the EU.I supported this report and the amendments it contains regarding the European Criminal Records Information Exchange System on third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN). The report holds that the ETIAS should be able to verify if correspondence exists between its data and existing ECRIS-TCN data about serious criminal offences or terrorist offences for a specified limited period.

2021/06/08

I voted in favour of this text, with a view to adopting the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation. The Certificate will provide information about an individual’s vaccination status, test results or whether they have recovered from COVID-19, and will facilitate free movement in the EU during the pandemic.

2021/06/08

I also voted in favour of this text, which extends the rules of the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation to third-county nationals legally staying or residing in the EU.

2021/06/08

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on the competition policy of the EU in 2020. EU competition policy is normally designed to maintain free, fair an effective competition, but during the period covered by this report, necessary extraordinary temporary competition rules were adopted in response to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

2021/06/08

. ‒ This report assessed the application of gender mainstreaming in cohesion policy, which aims to reduce disparities between different regions in the EU. The report makes a number of recommendations, including introducing national and regional gender equality strategies, strengthening measures to bridge the digital gender gap, and rejecting project applications from ‘LGBTI-free zones’.

2021/06/08

. ‒ I supported this report on the Commission’s EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which seeks to put a stop to biodiversity loss and restore degraded ecosystems. The balanced report emphasises the importance of biodiversity and also calls for incentives and training to support those working in the agriculture, fishing and forest sectors to help to achieve these goals.

2021/06/08

I voted in favour of this recommendation, which supports effective multilateralism and in particular highlights the UN as a key forum for working on solutions to global challenges. The recommendation calls for, inter alia, increased efforts to protect sexual and reproductive rights, safeguard the human rights of journalists, eradicate terrorism and promote disarmament.

2021/06/09

I voted in favour of this report to modernise the Statute of the Ombudsman. Changes from the current Statute include the introduction of a cooling-off period before members of national governments or the institutions can become a candidate for Ombudsman, the reinforcement of co-operation with national authorities, and increased access to documents.

2021/06/09

I voted in favour of this regulation, which sets out new emission limits which are designed to reduce the current ones of air pollutants from engines for non-road mobile machinery (e.g. lawn mowers, chainsaws, bulldozers, railcars or inland waterway vessels).

2021/06/09

I voted in favour of this resolution on the Commission’s formal investigation into the Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš’s, conflict of interest. The Commission’s audit concluded that Babiš had direct economic interest in the success of the AGROFERT Group, a beneficiary of EU funds, and power over the implementation of the EU budget in the Czech Republic, thus violating the EU’s Conflict of Interests Act.

2021/06/09

I abstained on the final vote of this motion for resolution. Ensuing an adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide is hugely important. The best way to achieve this is by increasing production capacities, which can be done by the lifting of all export restrictions on vaccines and all raw materials required for vaccine production, by the EU investing in the vaccine production capacity of developing countries, and by industrialised countries making surplus vaccines available to developing countries as soon as possible. The strength of this approach is evidenced by the fact that the 46 least-developed countries in the world are exempt from TRIPS but, due to remaining problems with the availability of resources, raw materials, qualified personnel, etc., still do not have better access to vaccines.

2021/06/09

I voted against this objection to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/621 of 15 April 2021 amending Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 to classify the substance imidacloprid as regards its maximum residue limit in foodstuffs of animal origin.

2021/06/09

I voted against this objection to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/745 of 6 May 2021 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the extension of the approval periods of a number of active substances, including flumioxazine.

2021/06/09

I give my utmost support to this motion for resolution, as I see it being deeply beneficial to the citizens of the Union. The new Cybersecurity Strategy aims to safeguard a global and open Internet, while at the same time offering safeguards, not only to ensure security but also to protect European values and the fundamental rights of everyone. The measures in this resolution will prevent future cybersecurity violations, without imposing excessive bureaucratic burdens on businesses or individuals.

2021/06/10

In December 2020, the European Parliament approved the historic rule of law conditionality mechanism, under which EU budget payments can be withheld from Member States who breach the rule of law.I voted in favour of this resolution which reiterates that the mechanism must be triggered when such breaches occur, as is currently the case, if we are to protect the fundamental values of the EU.

2021/06/10

I support this motion for resolution as it will strengthen the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience, crisis preparedness, adjustment capacity and growth potential of the Member States in light of COVID-19. The national recovery and resilience plans will enable a green transition, by contributing to the achievement of the Union’s updated 2030 climate targets, with the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050.

2021/06/10

I voted in favour of this Joint Motion for Resolution. Unfortunately, the systemic violation of human rights by the Cuban authorities has become common practice. This resolution condemns the human rights violations committed by the Cuban state and urges the state to respect basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.

2021/06/10

I voted in favour of this motion for final resolution. This will play an important part in moving towards sanctions against companies and individuals associated with the Lukashenko regime in Belarus. The new sanctions will cover individuals involved in the forced landing of Ryanair flight 4978 and the arrest of Raman Pratasevich, which was a clear breach of international law.

2021/06/10

The recent spike in violence in Afghanistan has taken place against a background of long-term, widespread human rights violations in the country perpetuated by terrorists, armed groups and security forces, including extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual violence. I voted in favour of this Joint Motion for a Resolution, as the EU can play a constructive role in the facilitation of political dialogue and the coordination of aid.

2021/06/10

I was happy to see citizens so engaged in EU decision making on this topic, and to support this resolution. This initiative is in pursuit of a valiant cause. It will improve the welfare of caged farm animals while ensuring the safety of the animals and the farmers. The right balance is achieved with the implementation plan, as farmers will receive support and incentives to make the necessary changes.

2021/06/10

I was happy to support this important report, which emphasised the importance of supporting women to pursue STEM studies and careers. Among other things, the report highlighted the importance of mentorship programs, bridging the gender digital gap, and removing gender—specific barriers to accessing financing for female entrepreneurs. The report also highlighted the importance of an intersectoral approach in this area.

2021/06/10

I voted in favour of this motion for final resolution. Euranet Plus, as a pan—European independent network of local and regional radio stations with a public service mission, has successfully bridged the information gap between the EU and its citizens. I supported calls for Euranet Plus’s current core funding to be renewed in the form of a transitional grant agreement for at least two years. This will enable the network to develop a long—term strategic plan, to develop further by the end of 2027.

2021/06/10

I voted in favour of this report. The proposal was to transpose the amendments to the conservation and enforcement measures adopted by NAFO at its last annual meeting into EU law, which the EU is obliged to do as a contracting member of NAFO.

2021/06/23

I voted in favour of this proposal for the codification of the Cross Border Payments Regulation, which will bring Regulation 924/2009 and the amending Regulations 260/2012 and 518/2019 together in a single new act, simply codifying the existing legislation.

2021/06/23

I voted in favour of this report. I had voted in favour of the draft regulation in the last plenary session. The final vote was postponed until the Council had issued its consent and the Commission had issued its opinion.

2021/06/23

Having acted as Shadow Rapporteur on this recommendation, I was pleased to vote to give consent to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Thailand to modify the concessions on all tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV. This modification is to reflect the fact that the UK has left the EU.

2021/06/23

Having acted as Shadow Rapporteur on this recommendation, I was pleased to vote to give consent to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the Republic of Indonesia to modify the concessions on all tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV. This modification is to reflect the fact that the UK has left the EU.

2021/06/23

I voted to give consent to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the Argentine Republic to modify the concessions on all tariff-rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV. This modification is to reflect the fact that the UK has left the EU.

2021/06/23

. ‒ I supported this report, which was adopted unanimously at committee level. The Black Sea plays a key role at regional level in sustaining the economies of both Bulgaria and Romania, particularly within the fishing sector and local tourism. Importantly, this report highlights how communities in the Black Sea region can work together to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on ‘life below water’. It will prevent overexploitation of maritime resources and improve the amount of available data concerning fishing activity in the Black Sea.

2021/06/23

. ‒ I supported this significant report, which emphasised the importance of supporting those most acutely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report calls for increased assistance to those working in the informal sector, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and women and girls. It also calls for education, including lifelong upskilling, to remain a spending priority and for the delivery of a ‘horizontal’ universal health care system post-pandemic.

2021/06/23

. ‒ I was delighted to vote in favour of this resolution. The European Climate Law writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal – for the EU to be climate-neutral by 2050. This historic piece of legislation will essentially guide our policies for the next 30 years. In particular, I welcome that the Law includes measures to keep track of progress.

2021/06/24

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking is a joint initiative between the EU, European countries and private partners that pools resources to develop an excellent supercomputing ecosystem in Europe. The report focused on scientific, digital and industrial leadership of the Union in the world, the creation of new jobs, and ensuring the highest possible (cyber-) security.

2021/06/24

I voted in favour of this report. The public sector loan facility constitutes the third pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism, an integral part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It will benefit the territories most adversely affected by the climate transition. The Facility specifically targets public entities, creating preferential lending conditions for projects that do not generate sufficient revenue to be financially viable. It consists of a combination of grants (EUR 1.5 billion) from the EU budget and loans (EUR 10 billion) provided by the EIB.

2021/06/24

The amendment in question relates to the verification of compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products, which is to do with antimicrobial resistance for animals and products of animal origin exported to the EU. I voted in favour of the report, as antimicrobial resistance is a growing health problem.

2021/06/24

I voted in favour of this report, which is in response to the Commission’s first annual report on the rule of law in the 27 Member States. The European Parliament’s report suggests a number of improvements that can be made to the annual reports moving forward, such as a more detailed analysis, expanding the scope of the report, and providing recommendations that are more concrete.

2021/06/24

I voted in favour of this resolution, which recognises sexual and reproductive health and rights as human rights. The resolution covers a wide range of topics, including discrimination linked to menstruation, access to contraception, comprehensive sexual education, safe and legal abortion, fertility treatments and pregnancy care.

2021/06/24

I voted in favour of the provisional agreement on this regulation, which aims to combat child sexual abuse and related material online. Providers of communications services such as web messaging and VoIP may continue to apply voluntary measures to detect, remove and report (un)known child sexual abuse material on their services. These temporary rules are required as the comprehensive European electronic communications code entered into application in December 2020, bringing with it a new definition of electronic communications services.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this proposal, which emphasises the importance of revising the mandate of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. This agreement partially reflects elements of the important EP interim report adopted in May 2021, which sought the expansion of judicial and police cooperation in criminal matters between Member States across the EU. This proposal will enable the Agency to adjust its work and thematic focus to new and emerging priorities.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this recommendation. The Interbus Agreement ensures the regular international carriage of passengers by coach and bus across Europe and further afield, maintaining an affordable price structure for citizens. Both coaches and buses are important in providing mobility to European citizens and their further development will equally benefit EU citizens, foreign tourists, the tourist industry and European regions.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this proposal. The ISF will have an overall budget of 1.931 bn EUR for the next seven years, 2021-2027. Its specific objectives are to 1) increase information exchange, 2) strengthen cross-border joint operations, and 3) to improve capacity building and it will be implemented through national programmes managed by the Member States.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this proposal. The new European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund for the period 2021-2027 amounts to EUR 6.1 billion for sustainable fisheries and safeguarding fishing communities. EUR 5. 3 billion will be allocated to the management of fisheries, aquaculture and fishing fleets, while the remaining sum will cover measures such as scientific advice, controls and checks, market intelligence, maritime surveillance and security.

2021/07/06

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a single European signalling and speed control system launched in the early 1990s to ensure the interoperability of national railway systems, reduce the costs of signalling systems and increase the speed of trains, the capacity of infrastructure and the level of safety in rail transport. This report highlights the inadequacies in the ERTMS deployment and makes recommendations, as the ERTMS is essential to enabling the rail sector to meet the European Green Deal’s ambitious targets.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this report, which focuses on the trade-related aspects of the current crisis, the possible lessons learned and the experience gained from the trade emergency. It also seeks to provide recommendations for the economic and industrial recovery and sets out the prospects for post-COVID international trade.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this report. The only existing tool for the Commission to promote the uniform application of EU VAT rules is an advisory committee set up under Article 398 of the VAT Directive, the ‘VAT Committee’. It proposes a change to the VAT Directive in order to create a committee that would oversee the Commission’s adoption of implementing acts in certain areas of VAT. The new committee will be set up pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament.

2021/07/06

I abstained on the final vote on this report, as I believe that the strict gender balance introduced in the amended paragraph 1 of Rule 213 is unworkable.

2021/07/06

I voted against this objection, as the European Food Safety Authority found that soybean DAS-81419-2 is ‘as safe and as nutritious as its conventional counterpart.’

2021/07/06

I voted against this objection, as the European Food Safety Authority found that soybean DAS-81419-2 × DAS-44406–6 is ‘as safe as safe as its conventional counterpart and the non-GM soybean reference varieties tested with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment’

2021/07/06

I voted against this objection, as the European Food Safety Authority found that the four-event stack maize and its subcombinations are ‘as safe as the non-GM comparator and the tested non-GM reference varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment.’

2021/07/06

I voted against this objection, as the European Food Safety Authority issued a favourable opinion on the insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant genetically modified maize Bt11.

2021/07/06

I voted in favour of this report. Its purpose is to assess to what extent the EU funds or revenue of the EU budget are at risk of misuse due to fraudulent or non-fraudulent irregularities, and to describe the actions taken to address the issue. It presents the anti-fraud measures at EU level and by the Member States, with a focus on the PIF directive, the EPPO and the role of OLAF.

2021/07/06

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. Alternative energy systems and offshore windfarms are necessary to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal, but it is also important to carry out studies to assess the impacts of offshore windfarms on the seabed, marine life and biodiversity.

2021/07/06

. ‒ I welcome that both the European Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the second edition of the EU’s flagship programme the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). CEF 2.0 will continue to fund key projects in the areas of European transport, digital connectivity and energy supply and demand, with a focus on meeting our ambitious climate targets. Therefore, I voted against this proposal to reject the Council’s position.

2021/07/06

. ‒ I welcome this updated proposal, which is part of a legal package revising the Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). The proposal outlines that the RFCS will support breakthrough technologies leading to near zero-carbon steel-making by 2030 and research projects for the coal sector.

2021/07/07

. ‒ This proposal received widespread support across Parliament as we prepare for the transition to zero-carbon steel-making by 2030. This piece of legislation will ensure the fair financial management of formerly operating coalmines, which are in the process of closure. The proposal ensures that funds are available as and when needed for firms facing closure within this sector, with the aim to maintain a high degree of security and stability over the long term.

2021/07/07

I support this key piece of legislation, which allows Schengen States to exchange visa data and improve visa processing for third party countries. The Visa Information System (VIS) connects consulates in non-EU countries and all external border-crossing points of Schengen States. VIS plays an important role in the processing of data relating to applications for short-stay visas to visit, or to transit through the Schengen Area. Therefore, I voted against the proposal to reject the Council position.

2021/07/07

I was happy to vote in favour of this report, having been the EPP shadow rapporteur for it. The report looks at how the EU can become more effective in engaging with citizens and giving citizens a greater voice in EU decision making.

2021/07/07

I abstained on the final vote on this report due to some of the references in the text concerning a European Defence Union and defence spending.

2021/07/07

I voted in favour of this report on ageing policy, which covers issues such as combating discrimination against older people, improving health and long-term care for older people, promoting the social protection and inclusion of older people.

2021/07/07

I voted in favour of this motion for resolution, which adopts the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime as an essential addition to the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox. The ‘Magnitsky Act’ is significant in this regard as it enables the EU to freeze assets and impose travel bans on individuals involved in serious human rights abuses. This resolution strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in serious human rights violations everywhere in the world.

2021/07/07

I am pleased to support this motion for resolution, which reinforces the role of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to contribute to the EU health crisis management framework. This will be achieved by enabling the EMA to monitor and mitigate the risk of shortages of critical medicines and medical devices.

2021/07/08

I supported this motion for a resolution which reflects a welcome step by the Commission, which has created the New European Area for Research and Innovation. The ERA sets out strategic objectives and actions with the aim of reaching the goal of 3% GDP spending on research across the EU. It calls on the Member States to adopt a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe. It also underlines that the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of research cooperation and better connectivity, the need to improve synergies and to create a research-enabling environment.

2021/07/08

I voted in favour of this decision, which simply amended the number of members of special committees of the European Parliament, included the committee on Beating Cancer.

2021/07/08

I supported this report, which reflects the contribution of the European Parliament to the public consultation by the Commission on the review of the European economic governance framework. The report highlights the importance of fiscal buffers in times of financial crises and the sustainability of EU sovereign debt in the long-run.

2021/07/08

Antarctica is one of the most inhospitable and vulnerable places on Earth. It is, therefore, a place where the two biggest crises of our time are coming to a head: climate change and biodiversity loss. I voted in favour of this resolution, which will contribute to tackling these crises.

2021/07/08

I was happy to support this resolution. It strongly condemned the bill recently passed by the Hungarian Parliament banning the dissemination of content deemed to ‘promote’ homosexuality and gender change as an act of discrimination, and called on the Commission to take action against this breach of fundamental EU values.

2021/07/08

I voted in favour of this resolution concerning the extension of the term of protection from 25 years to 30 years for the species asparagus, and the species groups of flower bulbs, woody small fruits and woody ornamentals. The extension is required because of the technical difficulties in the breeding of those species.

2021/09/13

I am voted to approve this draft Council decision, establishing the rules and procedures governing the EU’s association with the OCTs. I particularly welcome that this report calls for the recognition of gender equality as a vital tool for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and endorses increases in annual climate targets in line with the EU Green Deal package.

2021/09/13

I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution. It welcomes the Commission’s first LGBTIQ equality strategy. and underlines that it is imperative that same-sex families are granted the same family rights as different-sex families in all Member States. It also calls on the Commission to address the discrimination suffered by the LGBTIQ community in Poland and Hungary.

2021/09/13

I voted in favour of this resolution, which calls on the Commission to put forward proposals to improve and standardise regulations on inland navigation, vessels and qualification of crews. It also calls on the Commission to put forward proposals to ensure that inland waterways infrastructure will be better integrated into the European energy grid to facilitate the use of on-shore power supply.

2021/09/14

I was pleased to vote in favour this resolution. I particularly welcome that this report envisions a reinforced partnership with the outermost regions through a new cross-sectoral development model, which protects human potential and natural resources, while also investing heavily in training for young people.

2021/09/14

I voted in favour of this resolution, which was adopted unanimously at committee level. The resolution made a number of recommendations for the new Atlantic action plan, including promotion of sustainable fisheries and tourism, the development of industrial and employment strategies, and better inclusion of the outermost regions and islands.

2021/09/14

I voted in favour of this resolution, in line with my position on the overall adoption of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

2021/09/15

I voted in support of the proposed regulation. Its aim is to extend the period of validity of certificates and licences issued by the UK to rail operators in the Channel Tunnel, thereby ensuring the continued safe and efficient operation of the Channel Tunnel.

2021/09/15

I voted in favour of these amendments to the proposal for a regulation on controls on animal imports to ensure compliance with the prohibition of certain uses of antimicrobials. I support the aim of the proposal, which is to address rising levels of antimicrobial resistance.

2021/09/15

As lead MEP for UK trade matters in the European Parliament and chair of the UK Monitoring Group, I welcome the fact that we have reached an agreement on the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and was happy to vote in favour of this resolution. The BAR will help counter unforeseen and adverse consequences in Member States and sectors that are worst affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. Locally, the fund will be spent on compensating Irish businesses for lost trade, preserving jobs and helping coastal fishing communities.

2021/09/15

The Blue Card Directive does not apply in Ireland. Nevertheless, I was pleased to vote in favour of this resolution on a proposal that will replace the existing Blue Card Directive 2009. The proposed directive will help to make the EU a more attractive destination for highly skilled third-country nationals, for example by making the criteria for admission and the procedures to follow more user-friendly.

2021/09/15

I voted against this proposal to reject the Council’s position on the new IPA for 2021-27. The IPA gives financial support to EU-related reforms in candidate and potential candidate countries. The IPA will have a budget of EUR 14.2 billion, and will be used to support the accession process in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.

2021/09/15

. ‒ I broadly support the Commission’s proposal to extend and reinforce the mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), so that it may support the Commission and the Member States in the areas of epidemiological surveillance as well as preparedness and response planning. I voted in favour of Parliament’s amendments to the proposal, which prioritise solutions to improve cooperation and exchange of information between Member States, the Commission, the Health Security Committee and the ECDC.

2021/09/15

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which broadly supported the proposal for a regulation on serious cross-border threats to health. The proposal serves as a building block for the Commission’s proposed European health union. It aims to strengthen the scope of national and Union preparedness and cohesion of healthcare, screening, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, and better coordinate medical transfers for Member States sharing at least one border.

2021/09/15

. ‒ This legislative resolution relates to an amendment to the agreement on facilitating the issue of short-stay visas to citizens of the Republic of Cabo Verde and of the EU. After changes of both the EU and Cabo Verde’s domestic legislation related to visas, namely the revision of the EU’s Visa Code 3 and the Cabo Verde decision to exempt EU citizens from the visa requirement for stays up to 30 days, the rules had to be adapted taking into account the new circumstances. I voted in support.

2021/09/15

. ‒ I voted in support of the Commission’s proposal to align Council Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA with EU rules on data protection.

2021/09/15

. ‒ I voted in support of the Commission’s proposal to align Directive 2014/41/EU with EU rules on data protection. Ireland is not bound by the European Investigation Order in criminal matters (EIO) Directive.

2021/09/15

I voted to give consent to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and the Republic of Korea on certain aspects of air services. The agreement permits EU airlines to fly to the Republic of Korea from any of the twenty-two EU Member States that currently have a bilateral air services agreement with the Republic of Korea. This should further improve the connectivity between EU and Asia and increase competition.

2021/09/15

I did not support this objection to the Commission’s proposed Delegated Act concerning criteria to determine which antibiotics will be reserved for human use only. The proposed Delegated Act was developed with the input of the European Medicines Agency and with the aim of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for the future.

2021/09/15

I voted in favour of this report calling for the EU to develop a new EU-China strategy which includes a greater focus on human rights, the environment and global health. The report acknowledges the importance of the EU’s strategic trade and investment relationship with China and calls for an audit of EU dependency on China in certain strategically-important sectors.

2021/09/15

I abstained on this vote due to a reference in the text to the establishment of a ‘genuine EU defence force’.

2021/09/15

I supported this resolution and the amendments to the Commission’s proposal on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. The amendments concerned, inter alia, including specific reference to vulnerable groups, expanding on provisions regarding teleworking, inserting a new recital on prevention of homelessness, and additional provisions concerning child poverty.

2021/09/15

This own-initiative report was developed to feed into the Commission’s upcoming proposal on the working conditions of platform workers. I voted in favour of the resolution, which highlights that platform workers do not currently have sufficient protection regarding their employment status, and calls on the Commission to include a rebuttable presumption of an employment relationship for platform workers, triggered in in case of litigation and subject to certain criteria, in its proposal.

2021/09/15

This resolution addresses the generational turnover of workers in the fishing industry. It calls for better working conditions and habitability on board fishing vessels. This is key to attract young people to this line of work and improve safety for all. I was happy to vote in favour.

2021/09/15

I was happy to vote in favour of this resolution calling on the Commission to step up efforts to achieve the final goal set out in the 2010 Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, which is full replacement for procedures on live animals for scientific and education purposes as soon as it is scientifically possible to do so. This new approach will accelerate this transition.

2021/09/15

I supported this resolution. It calls on the Commission to initiate the process for gender-based violence be identified as a Euro-crime. Currently, there is not a comprehensive EU strategy to combat gender-based violence; A directive on this area would help to combat this issue, and counter the increase in gender-based violence recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2021/09/16

I voted in favour of this resolution. It calls for the widening of the scope of exchange of information to cover e-money/crypto-assets in the future. It demands less bureaucracy and less loopholes. The text builds on past EU actions, calling for problems in the implementation and application of existing EU requirements for tax exchange to be addressed.

2021/09/16

I voted in favour of this motion for resolution concerning the worrying human rights situation in Afghanistan. It recognises that efforts need to be made to conclude the evacuation of all EU citizens and those Afghans who worked and supported the international effort over the last two decades. The resolution also underlines the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis and to ensure humanitarian aid is made available.

2021/09/16

I voted in favour of this resolution on the current situation in Lebanon. It calls on the new Lebanese Government to be transparent, accountable and to adhere with the rule of law. It also calls on the Commission and the Member States to release additional humanitarian aid and to increase their efforts to support the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Lebanon.

2021/09/16

This resolution built on previous European Parliament resolutions on media freedom and the rule of law in Poland. I voted in support of it.

2021/09/16

I abstained on this vote. While I am, of course, in favour of high ethics standards for those who hold public office, the European Parliament fulfils a fundamental democratic scrutiny role, and this cannot be outsourced to an independent administrative body.

2021/09/16

I voted in favour of this provisional agreement, which supports the transposing of the international Aarhus Convention on public participation and access to information and justice regarding environmental matters into EU law. Significantly, this regulation will ensure the right of all citizens to receive environmental information held by public authorities across the EU.

2021/10/05

I welcome this proposal, which will set up a delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, consisting of 35 members. Once established, the assembly will be informed of the EU-UK Partnership Council’s decisions and can make recommendations to it. Importantly, the new delegation will work closely with the European Parliament’s UK Contact Group, which also gathers representatives from all political groups to scrutinise EU-UK relations and coordinate Parliament’s position on the matter. This is a significant step forward in improving EU-UK relations and re-establishing trust post-Brexit.

2021/10/05

I voted in support of this recommendation, which will allow EU fishing vessels to continue fishing in Greenland’s waters, while continuing to contribute to the development of the fisheries sector in the region. This agreement covers a period of four years, with the possibility of a two-year extension, leaving the total annual financial contribution to Greenland at EUR 21.6 million.

2021/10/05

As per the recommendation, I voted in favour of this resolution, which is in line with the overall objective of granting the EU fishing access to Greenland’s waters.

2021/10/05

I voted in favour of this report calling on the EU to temporarily suspend autonomous common customs tariff duties on imports of certain industrial products into the Canary Islands. I believe this proposal was justified as the Canary Islands face significant structural constraints (as well as being impacted enormously by COVID-19), which hamper the competitiveness of local economic operators, most notably in the tourism sector, thus preventing stable employment on the islands.

2021/10/05

I welcome this proposal, which is part of the EU’s long-term vision to move as close as possible to zero fatalities in road transport by 2050. Every year almost 1 million crashes occur on road across the EU. Therefore, this framework also includes measures to further strengthen road safety in both urban and rural areas, as well as improving operational safety throughout the life cycle of vehicles.

2021/10/05

. ‒ I voted in favour of adopting the draft amending budget without any amendments. This vote passed by a very large majority. The purpose of the draft amending budget is to update several sources of revenue in the 2021 budget, including changes to own resources and the UK contribution.

2021/10/19

. ‒ I voted to refuse discharge for the 2019 budget of the Council and the European Council. Parliament has refused discharge for over a decade, mainly due to finding issue with a lack of transparency and cooperation from the Council.

2021/10/19

. ‒ The purpose of the proposed directive is to introduce a framework for the regulation of credit servicers and in doing so, contribute to the development of secondary markets for non-performing loans. I voted in favour of this resolution, which reflects the outcome of trilogue negotiations. I believe that there are sufficient consumer protection safeguards in the text and that it is in line with Irish legislation.

2021/10/19

I voted in favour of this resolution on the Farm to Fork Strategy. The resolution recognises the important role the Strategy will have to play in furthering the aims of the European Green Deal, and emphasises the need to perform impact assessments before developing new legislation.

2021/10/19

While this report included a number of positive aspects, there were also quite a few issues, including a lack of both pragmatic solutions and respect of the principle of subsidiarity. Therefore, I abstained on the final vote.

2021/10/19

I voted in favour of this own-initiative report, which calls on the Commission to present a European Strategy for the Removal of All Asbestos. This is of particular importance now during the Renovation Wave.

2021/10/19

The media and digital sectors have suffered massively during the pandemic.Through this INI report, MEPs call on the Commission and on Member States to tackle low audio-visual production capacity of some Member States. The report also outlines the necessary conditions for the survival and efficient functioning of the audio-visual sector. I was happy to vote in favour.

2021/10/19

I voted in favour of this own-initiative report, which examined how effectively money under the EU Solidarity Fund has been spent, and the manner in which checks and balances have been carried out in crises. The EU Solidarity Fund is used to provide support to disaster-stricken regions within the EU.

2021/10/19

I voted in favour of this report. It aims to endorse a strong support to the cultural and creative sector and its professionals. The often precarious employment status of professionals of the Cultural and creative sector was undeniably exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting a European Status of the Artist. This report has the potential to offer them better and fairer working conditions.

2021/10/19

I voted in favour of this resolution on the draft general budget of the EU for 2022. The priority of the 2022 budget is to support the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, to boost investments and tackle unemployment, and to lay the foundations for a more resilient and sustainable EU.

2021/10/20

I voted in favour of this proposal to revisit and update the current Motor Insurance Directive. The main aims of the proposal were to clarify the scope of the directive, to harmonise minimum levels of compulsory cover for personal injury and material damage across the EU, and to provide for cross-border checks of vehicle insurance.

2021/10/21

I voted in favour of this file on nine public-private partnerships under Horizon Europe. The aim of the file is to ensure effective spending of the EUR 22 billion budget for these nine joint undertakings, of which EUR 10 billion will come from the EU research programme, Horizon Europe. The partnerships include key technology areas of Global Health, Innovative Health Initiative, Key Digital Technologies, Circular Bio-based Europe, Clean Hydrogen, Clean Aviation, Europe’s Rail, Single European Sky and Smart Networks and Services.

2021/10/21

I voted in favour of this resolution, which criticises the lack of full transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID—19 vaccines and calls for better dialogue with citizens in order to understand their concerns and doubts about COVID—19 vaccination.

2021/10/21

Methane is second only to CO2 as the biggest contributor to climate change. I supported this resolution on reducing methane emissions by way of a cross—sectoral approach. The resolution recognises that the EU must set binding targets and encourage innovations in this area.

2021/10/21

I voted in favour of this resolution. Ahead of the COP26, the resolution welcomes the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) updates that have raised climate ambition, but stresses that these contributions will still not be enough to reach the goal of the Paris Agreement. It calls for NDCs to be enhanced and parties to implement concrete measures and policies to reach climate targets.

2021/10/21

I supported this resolution on the Pandora Papers, which were published on 3 October 2021 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The resolution highlights the key role investigative journalism plays in exposing wrongdoing, and supports measures combating money laundering.

2021/10/21

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution. On 7 October, Poland’s highest court ruled that parts of EU treaties are incompatible with the Polish constitution, raising serious concerns about the primacy of EU law. The resolution calls on the Commission and the Council to stall the approval of Poland’s recovery and resilience plan until the Polish Government implements the judgments of the CJEU and international courts. At the same time, the resolution aims to ensure that Polish citizens are not deprived of the benefits of EU funds due to the actions of the current government.

2021/10/21

The current energy and environmental State aid guidelines (EEAG) set out the conditions that Member States must meet in order to give State aid to projects for environmental protection and measures to ensure energy generation adequacy. The EEAG guidelines are currently under review, and the revised guidelines will be named the ‘climate, energy and environmental State aid guidelines’ (CEEAG). I voted in favour of this resolution, which aimed to influence the new CEEAG.

2021/10/21

I voted in favour of granting discharge to FRONTEX in respect of their 2019 budget.

2021/10/21

The objective of this proposed directive is to require multinational enterprises operating in the EU with global annual revenues over the threshold amount to publish information on where they make their profits and where they pay their tax in the EU on a country-by-country basis across the EU27. I voted against The Left’s amendments. The rejection of these amendments allowed for the adoption of the recommendation for second reading. There was no final vote.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this provisional agreement, which builds on the successes of the European metrology research programme and the European metrology programme on innovation and research. Importantly, this new partnership aims to facilitate the EU’s green and digital transition in a sustainable manner.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this provisional agreement, which aims to improve the application of asylum policy within the EU, by turning the current European Asylum Support Office into a fully-fledged agency. This new legislation increases the EU’s ability to enhance cooperation among Member States and third countries, thereby also contributing to the solidarity among Member States regarding the EU’s external actions.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this report on the European Parliament’s position on the proposed Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health Regulation. The proposed Regulation provides for a stronger legal framework within which the EU can react rapidly and trigger the implementation of preparedness and response measures to cross-border threats to health across the EU.

2021/11/11

I voted to give consent to the conclusion of the agreement between the EU and Australia to modify the concessions on all tariff rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV. This modification is to reflect the fact that the UK has left the EU.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this motion for resolution that aims to tackle the issue of strategic and suppressive lawsuits being taken out against journalists, media organisations, academics, NGOs and other actors engaging in public participation.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this motion for resolution, which presents an ambitious plan to create the European Education Area by 2025 and details the key milestones that must be reached to achieve this objective. Closer cooperation between the EU and Member States is needed to promote the European Education Area and to improve the quality and inclusiveness of national education and training systems.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this motion for resolution that establishes an intellectual property action plan to support the EU’s recovery and resilience mechanisms. I am hopeful that this plan will pave the way to an overall intellectual property strategy in order to make better use of the EU’s innovative and creative potential.

2021/11/11

The objective of this report was to make suggestions for the revision of the regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and foundations. In spite of a reference to the creation of a pan-European constituency, I voted in favour of the report on the balance.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this resolution on the 2020 ruling of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal which declared the country’s 1993 abortion law unconstitutional and the effect it has had. The text expressed concern for the rule of law in Poland and expressed solidarity with the women of Poland.

2021/11/11

I voted in favour of this report, which highlighted that changes in national law relating to the introduction of new types of insolvency proceedings in Germany, Hungary, Italy and Austria would require amendments to Annexes A and B of Regulation (EU) 2015/848.

2021/11/23

This report is closely intertwined with ECON – A9-0301/2021. The report is a necessary step in extending a number of key dates for the application of the packaged retail investments and insurance-based products (PRIIPs) regulation for undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) products and in amending the UCITS Directive. I therefore voted in favour of the text.

2021/11/23

I voted in favour of this report, which acts as a ‘quick fix’ for packaged retail investments and insurance-based products (PRIIPS). The objective of the report is to extend the transitional arrangement for management companies, investment companies and persons advising on units of undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS).

2021/11/23

. ‒ I was delighted to support this report, which brings several important ideas to the forefront of EU sports policy. In particular, an EU sport coordinator will help enhance a value-based sport model. This report will help efforts to make the world of sport more inclusive and encourage sporting bodies to be more environmentally sustainable.

2021/11/23

. ‒ I voted in favour of this draft report, which contains a concrete legislative suggestion on the setting-up of an integrated electronic information and monitoring system for the distribution of EU funding at various levels.

2021/11/23

I supported this joint text, which will enable the proper functioning of key financing elements of the 2022 EU budget. This includes support mechanisms for a number of EU flagship programs, including but not limited to, the EU4Health program, Horizon Europe, Erasmus +, and the single market programme.

2021/11/24

I voted in support of this draft amending budget, which provides continued support to the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey as a consequence of the Syria migrant crisis. The text highlights the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the region through ensuring financial aid is made more accessible and is easily distributed.

2021/11/24

I supported this text, which will provide additional appropriations to speed up global vaccinations to provide an extra 200 million doses to lower and middle income countries.

2021/11/24

I voted in favour of this report on the Commission’s strategy on critical raw materials. The report highlighted that the green and digital transitions will create an even higher demand for critical raw materials, and that therefore the EU must increase efforts to encourage a circular economy in this regard, and to source these materials in the EU.

2021/11/24

I voted in favour of this draft report, which stresses that the revision should aim to modernize the rules applicable to the EU budget in line with the latest evolutions, while preserving the budgetary principles and ensuring increased parliamentary oversight, democratic accountability and ability to respond to citizens’ needs.

2021/11/24

I supported this report on the Commission’s pharmaceutical strategy, which addresses issues such as cancer, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of generic medicines. It also addresses rare diseases in the context of the planned revision of pharmaceutical legislation, which is of particular interest to me.

2021/11/24

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund was created to provide additional assistance to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. On 25 June 2021, Spain submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 491 displacements at the País Vasco metal plant. Therefore, I was pleased to support this text, which will provide financial assistance to those workers who have lost their jobs.

2021/11/25

I supported this report, which calls for a holistic approach to legal labour migration, including the reduction of bureaucracy and an increase in efforts to combat labour exploitation in the EU.

2021/11/25

I abstained on this vote due to the calls it contained for a TRIPS waiver. I do not believe that the TRIPS waiver would solve the issue of access to vaccines in developing countries. I believe that a better solution is the Commission’s proposal to enhance and simplify the use of TRIPS in the interests of all, in collaboration with industry and investment in production.

2021/11/25

I voted in favour of this report. The issue was that Paraguay has a tariff rate quota of 1 000 tonnes for high-quality bovine meat, which is not included in the EU’s WTO schedule. Following the UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU, the EU-28 WTO schedule had to be ‘apportioned’. The TRQ was reduced to 711 tonnes on the EU-27 side without any corresponding volume being modified on the UK side, meaning that Paraguay’s market access has been reduced from 1 000 tonnes to 711 tonnes as of 1 January 2021. This regulation aims to restore the correct volume.

2021/12/13

I supported this text because of its recognition of the adverse impacts the pandemic has had on young people and its emphasis on supporting and engaging the youth in a post-pandemic era. The Commission along with Member States, civil society, organisations and young people will organise activities at the European, national, regional and local level that follow the priorities emphasised in the European Youth Goals, such as equality and inclusion, sustainability, mental health and well-being, and quality employment.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of reports A9-0236/2021 and A9-0237/2021 on the EU data protection framework. In June 2020, the Commission was obliged to review the Union legal acts, which regulate processing by the competent authorities for law enforcement purposes, in order to assess the need to align them with the Law Enforcement Directive. On discovering that ten legal acts were not in line with the Law Enforcement Directive, targeted amendments were announced. The first two of these proposals amend Directive 2014/41/EU regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters, and Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA on joint investigation teams, respectively, by aligning them with the principles and rules provided for in the Law Enforcement Directive.

2021/12/14

I was happy to vote in favour of this report. Existing EU legislation does not adequately address gender-based cyber violence. This report calls for the introduction of EU legislation to define the crime of gender-based violence as well as related sanctions, and to set out measures to help the prevention of this crime.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report to grant financial assistance to Croatia following a series of earthquakes between 28 December 2020 and 21 February 2021.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report to support the reintegration of 190 displaced workers in Italy into the labour market.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report to support the reintegration of 611 displaced workers in Italy into the labour market.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report to support the reintegration of 320 displaced workers in Spain into the labour market.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report. Within the European Parliament’s legislative opinion to the Council on the proposed amendment to the so-called ‘Making-Available-Regulation’ (MAR), the co-rapporteurs proposed a number of changes, mostly regarding the operational handling of the Traditional Own Resources, i.e. the newly-introduced review process, and the calculation of late payment interest rates, aiming to prevent delays.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this procedure. During its administrative application, the US-EU ATA has generated considerable economic benefits to both the EU and the US. The agreement has seen the EU-US passenger market measured in seat capacity has grown by 4% per year and has contributed to an unprecedented boost in transatlantic connectivity. The US-EU ATA also provides better market access for EU airlines and for cargo, the US is the largest extra-EU market, representing more than 20% of all goods transported to or from the EU by air.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of the conclusion of this Protocol. Following negotiations with Gabon, to conclude a new protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, fishing opportunities for certain EU vessels in the Gabonese waters were granted. The Protocol also aims to reinforce cooperation between EU and Gabon, and advocate for decent working conditions and a sustainable fisheries policy in the interest of both parties.

2021/12/14

I voted in favour of this report. Following years of standstill, Council adopted its mandate on the IPI proposal under the Portuguese Presidency in June 2021.The report aims to signal to third countries that European public procurement markets will remain open, maintain a level-playing field, and limit bureaucratic burdens.

2021/12/14

Vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) such as HIV tests, pregnancy tests or SARS-CoV-2 tests have played a key role in protecting the health of citizens globally in recent decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed the need for a more robust regulatory framework for IVDs in the EU. Therefore, I supported the Commission’s proposal to put in place transitional provisions as we move towards building a stronger regulatory framework for IVDs.

2021/12/15

. ‒ I supported this report. Under the DMA, online platforms that fulfil certain criteria and have a significant impact on the internal market will be categorised as ‘gatekeepers’ and will be required to comply with certain obligations in order to create a more level playing field in the digital sector.

2021/12/15

This draft report looks at the impact of organised crime on the EU’s own resources and on the misuse of EU funds, with a particular focus on shared management from an auditing and control perspective. The report calls on the Commission and Member States to more coherently utilise all available tools to detect and tackle fraud. It also calls on the Commission to start developing a common approach for assessing the impact of organised crime in EU finances and tackling it together with the Member States. I voted in favour of this report.

2021/12/15

I voted in favour of this report that proposes concrete measures regarding the design and implementation of better anti-corruption policies for emergency funds and crisis-related spending areas. The COVID-19 pandemic was seen by some as an opportunity to take advantage of the health crisis and to abuse their power for private gain. Therefore, a wave of corruption-related incidents linked to the pandemic underscores the importance of continuing and strengthening transparency and accountability efforts.

2021/12/15

I was delighted to vote in favour this report, for which I was the rapporteur. This implementation report focuses on the latest changes to the EPBD, which is the main EU-level legal instrument for decarbonising Member States’ building stock. The report, among other things, proposes a standardised template for Member States’ long-term renovation strategies, calls for better integration of Energy Performance Certificates, and highlights the success of one-stop shops.

2021/12/15

Given the threat that weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), in particular nuclear weapons, pose to our security, and given Ireland’s position as a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, I voted in favour of this report.

2021/12/15

I voted in favour of this DEVE own-initiative report, which provided precise policy recommendations to the overall EU humanitarian action. Ahead of the EU Humanitarian Forum which will take place in January 2022, this report was an opportunity for the European Parliament to set its strategic priorities and policy recommendations regarding the EU’s humanitarian aid.

2021/12/15

I supported this report, which underlines the importance of utilising available EU instruments to target corruption and organised crime in the Western Balkans. To date, organised crime in the Western Balkans has seriously hampered countries’ democratic and accession processes. This report calls on the Western Balkan countries to keep a sustained track record in tackling organised crime, corruption and money laundering, and to develop periodic national reports on this matter in order to better understand and tackle organised crime.

2021/12/15

This report draws attention to the specific role played by the Committee on Petitions within the wider institutional EU framework and outlines its valuable function. In 2020, the main subjects of concern for EU petitioners were fundamental rights, health, environment, justice and education. I welcome the improvements made in 2020 on data protection and on the security features, which have made the Petitions Web Portal more user—friendly and secure for citizens. I voted in favour of the report.

2021/12/16

I was happy to support this resolution, which calls for specific measures to prevent and fight sexual harassment within the EU institutions, such as training sessions and awareness campaigns.

2021/12/16

I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution, which proposes implementing a certification scheme for the international trade in rough diamonds. The trade of rough diamonds is a matter of serious international concern, which can be directly linked to the fuelling of armed conflict. Indeed, this motion outlines that any international certification scheme for rough diamonds must be consistent with international law governing international trade and such a scheme will only be credible if all participants have established systems of control.

2021/12/16

This convention will ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fisheries resources in the North Pacific Ocean area, while also putting in place protection mechanisms to preserve the marine ecosystem. I therefore voted in favour of this text.

2022/02/14

I supported this report addressing some of the most serious challenges of urban areas in the post-COVID era, organised into four chapters: inclusive cities, green cities, innovative cities and tailor-made policy initiatives.

2022/02/15

This report calls for increased harmonisation amongst Member States in the area of taxation, as well as a move away from decisions being taken unanimously by Member States when it comes to tax policy. The report supports the idea of the establishment of a single set of rules in the area of corporate taxation across the Union, which would not take the economic differences between Member States into account. I abstained from voting on this report, as I believe it has the potential to prove harmful to the Irish economy, as well as the economies of other Member States.

2022/02/15

I voted against this text, which objects to the European Commission’s authorisation of the placing on the market of products containing genetically modified soybean. The risk assessment of the product in question has been carried out by the competent authority and no serious ill-effects have been identified.

2022/02/15

This text seeks to object to the renewal by the European Commission of the market authorisation for genetically modified cotton. I voted against this, as there is a lack of evidence to support the link between genetically modified cotton and adverse effects to health. Indeed, the European Food Safety Authority last year declared genetically modified cotton to be as safe as its conventional counterpart.

2022/02/15

I abstained from this vote. While the proposed delegated act on the EMFAF pre-empts the result of ongoing trilogues, the conditions of inadmissibility for some minor infringements are only slightly tightened and, in most cases, the inadmissibility starts as of the second serious infringement.

2022/02/15

I voted against this text, as it objects to the use of digital COVID certificates for purposes other than travel in Member States, as part of wider public health measures. It also objects to the introduction of time limits on the validity of digital COVID certificates, despite the fact that the scientific evidence supports the imposition of limits on validity in order to ensure optimum levels of protection against the virus.

2022/02/15

I voted in favour of this proposal, which sets out the rules for a Union bluefin tuna catch documentation programme, in order to implement conservation and management measures. The text establishes a level playing field for all operators involved in the catching documentation of bluefin tuna, while promoting the EU’s high sustainability standards.

2022/02/15

. ‒ I was happy to vote in favour of this report, which concerns use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support Airbus workers in France. This fund is an important source of support to workers affected by major structural changes in world trade patterns. The Airbus workers in question have been severely impacted by the downturn in the aviation industry as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and continue to suffer the effects. The provision of this funding will ensure that they are provided with further training and supports.

2022/02/15

. ‒ This report welcomes the role of the ECB in safeguarding euro stability and highlights that the statutory independence of the ECB is a prerequisite for it to fulfil its mandate. I therefore voted in favour of the final report.

2022/02/15

. ‒ This report calls for on-farm animal welfare standards to be updated in order to ensure the welfare of food-producing animals. Although standards are already in place in this regard, it is difficult to assess their implementation currently, and an update to the Directives in question would ensure better implementation of any improved standards. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/02/15

In 2020, the European Ombudsman dealt with almost 2 200 complaints, opened 370 inquiries and also opened a number of strategic initiatives. This report should have focused on these activities, but unfortunately also included too much ideology. Despite this, I was able to support the text overall.

2022/02/15

I voted in favour of this strategy, which seeks to facilitate the necessary investment of EUR 800 billion in offshore renewables by 2050, through increasing certainty for investors and smoothing the path for investments, easing bottlenecks, and finding the best combination of public and private finance. The EU must cement itself as a technical leader in this field, secure adequate port infrastructure and also realise the full potential of the economic benefits to be reaped from green hydrogen production.

2022/02/15

I voted in favour of this report assessing the implementation of Article 50 for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the way in which this withdrawal was conducted. The report recognised that the constant threat of a no-deal scenario created an unprecedented level of uncertainty for citizens and businesses which should not be repeated.

2022/02/15

I voted in favour of this text, which will provide for an extension of supports to the railway sector in order to counteract the severe losses suffered because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The text allows Member States to reduce, waive or defer charges for accessing rail infrastructure. Rail service providers have seen a significant decrease in income because of the pandemic, and supports are necessary to guarantee the future of rail infrastructure.

2022/02/16

The risk arising from the current geopolitical tension and the security concerns at the border between Ukraine and Russia have been rising steadily since November 2021. An abrupt reversal in investors’ confidence has triggered a steady outflow of capital and a drain on Ukraine’s official foreign reserves to the sum of almost EUR 2 billion. This MFA package is therefore designed to give a reassuring signal to investors of continued and constant EU commitments and support. I voted in favour of the final text.

2022/02/16

I voted in favour of this implementation report, which recognizes that the Toy Safety Directive is effective in guaranteeing the free movement of toys in the single market, while also ensuring an improvement in the safety of children in this regard. The Directive also requests a stronger role for online market places and enhanced cooperation between manufactures and market surveillance authorities.

2022/02/16

I was happy to vote in favour of this report by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer. In 2019, the EPP Group presented a 10-step European Master Plan to fight cancer, and I am delighted to see that we have succeeded in making beating cancer an EU priority. The report covers many issues, such as the right to be forgotten for cancer-survivors, addressing inequalities in healthcare access, and a proposed reform of the cross border healthcare directive.

2022/02/16

I voted in favour of this text, which focuses in particular on the EU’s role in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights globally. It also reaffirms the EU’s position as a global leader in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities, outlines that the pursuit of strategic solidarity with like-minded partners is in the EU’s interest and that further developing regional strategies, including economic engagement and security cooperation is a key EU priority.

2022/02/16

I abstained on this vote as several paragraphs of the report did not align with Ireland’s national security and defence policy.

2022/02/16

This report draws attention to the deteriorating situation of human rights and democracy in the world at present, a trend which has been exacerbated by both the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. I voted in favour of this report, as I am deeply concerned by the weakening of democratic governance and institutions in recent times, as well as by the lack of protections for those working to improve the human rights situation across the world.

2022/02/16

I supported this text, which calls on the Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to work towards an EU global anti-corruption strategy. Corruption represents a serious obstacle for the improvement of the human rights situation in many countries, and it is vital that the European Union works towards greater transparency and accountability in both external and internal activities to reduce the levels of corruption in society.

2022/02/16

This report follows the Commission’s communication entitled ‘Identifying and addressing barriers to the Single Market’ and looks at the functioning of the single market and obstacles to its full completion. It highlights that non-trade barriers prevent the single market from unleashing its full potential, especially for SMEs, by creating unnecessary and unfair barriers to the free movement of goods, including agri-food products, and services. I therefore voted in favour of this report to tackle non-trade barriers.

2022/02/16

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text, which stresses the important role played by civil society in the EU and aims at supporting freedom of association and functioning of non-profit organisations across borders. The directive is aimed at providing a common set of measures for non-profit organisations established in the Union, in order to secure an enabling environment in which it is possible for these organisations to contribute to the functioning of the internal market.

2022/02/16

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, as it represents an important recognition of the many challenges faced by Europe’s young people in the aftermath of COVID-19. Given that 2022 is the European Year of Youth, it is crucial that young people be provided with employment and social supports, including in key areas like mental health and sport.

2022/02/16

. ‒ I was happy to support this report, which consists of an update to the general minimum requirements for the reduction or elimination of worker exposure to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxins in the workplace. It is proposed that two new substances, acrylonitrile and nickel compounds, will be added to the occupational exposure limit values list, which sets out limits for exposure to carcinogenic substances. The existing limits for the substance benzene will also be updated. Workers across a range of sectors are regularly exposed to these harmful substances, and I welcome the imposition of new limits on acceptable levels of exposure.

2022/02/17

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, as it outlines important priorities for achieving gender equality ahead of the 66th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Both the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have had a profoundly negative impact on the status of gender equality across the world, and it is essential that action is taken as soon as possible to reverse this deterioration and move towards greater equality.

2022/02/17

. ‒ I was proud to vote in favour of this resolution. I welcome strong sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. I supported paragraph 20 in particular, condemning Russian aggression and murderous brutality against children, women and men in Ukraine. I also support granting EU candidate status to Ukraine.

2022/03/01

I was happy to vote in favour of this provisional agreement, which provides for a regional-level adaptation of the economic accounts for agriculture. National-level figures are not an accurate reflection of what is happening at regional level, and these accounts will aid our comprehension of the diversity between regions.

2022/03/08

I voted in favour of this resolution, which will allow for the use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to assist workers in Spain. The fund was created to provide additional help to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. The application concerns a targeted 450 displaced workers and refers to the mobilisation of a total amount of EUR 2 795 156 from the EGF for Spain representing 85% of the total costs of the proposed actions, including workshops and further training.

2022/03/08

I was happy to vote in favour of this motion, which allows for the mobilisation of EUR 290 000 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to finance technical and administrative expenditure for the implementation of the EGF, such as monitoring, control, evaluation, and communication activities.

2022/03/08

I voted in favour of this report, which outlines the range of challenges that NGOs across Europe face, such as a lack of sufficient resources, and burdensome administration procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased pressure on many civil society organisations, and support is particularly crucial at this time.

2022/03/08

I voted in favour of this resolution. Racism is still a widespread problem across the EU and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This report underlines the need for racial justice across all EU policy areas and also encourages efforts to mainstream gender equality across different policy areas.

2022/03/08

I voted in favour of this text because of its two principal objectives. The first is to explore the possibility of maximising the impact of cohesion policy funds with the aim of reducing inequality across healthcare systems. The second objective is to identify long-term recommendations for innovative solutions through analysis of cross-border health cooperation projects.

2022/03/08

I voted in favour of this report, which seeks to align the European digital transformation agenda with regional cohesion, social inclusion and territorial structuring. It is crucial that public money is used to support the digital transformation in a transparent way, with a view to reducing digital gaps and promoting the digitalisation of SMEs and public services.

2022/03/08

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text, which seeks to regulate tax-free shops on the French side of the Channel Tunnel, given their changed status as a result of Brexit.

2022/03/09

. ‒ I supported this report. The directive allows all Member States to apply preferential rates of value added tax to certain products. While derogations were previously available to some Member States, this change will allow all Member States to benefit from them.

2022/03/09

. ‒ I voted against this objection, as I believe that projects of common interest in the field of energy infrastructure are an important step in the development of an EU internal energy market. These projects would encourage growth and the creation of jobs in the areas concerned. Additionally, the current proposed list of common projects demonstrates the Union’s commitment to transitioning away from reliance of fossil fuels, which is to be welcomed.

2022/03/09

. ‒ This text seeks to object to the renewal by the Commission of the market authorisation for genetically modified cotton. I voted against this, as there is a lack of evidence to support the link between genetically modified cotton and adverse effects to health. Indeed, the European Food Safety Authority last year declared genetically modified cotton to be as safe as its conventional counterpart.

2022/03/09

. ‒ I voted against this objection, as it seeks to prevent the placing on the market of genetically modified oilseed rape. The Commission has provided the authorisation for the product, and a risk assessment has been carried out by the competent authority and no serious ill-effects have been found to be associated with the product.

2022/03/09

. ‒ I supported this report, which contains a number of policy recommendations to tackle the spread of disinformation and the issue of covert funding of political entities, with a view to reducing foreign interference in European democratic processes.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of this report, which examines the risks associated with so-called ‘golden passport’ schemes. There are a number of concerning aspects associated with such schemes, and I welcome moves to phase them out completely.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of this report on these three main participatory instruments for citizens and how they can be improved upon to encourage citizens’ participation in EU policymaking. I was the EPP rapporteur for the AFCO opinion to this report, which was about the European Citizens Initiative.

2022/03/09

I supported this action programme, as I believe it sets out a valuable framework for the EU’s environmental policy up to 2030. It is imperative that we set out long-term goals in order to work towards our ambitious environmental targets over the next decade. The text sets out a number of key priorities, such as the move towards an economy of wellbeing that does not harm the planet, and the protection of biodiversity.

2022/03/09

This report sets out the European Parliament’s vision for a new strategic framework for health and safety at work. The text seeks to reduce the prevalence of work-related accidents and illnesses, and to ensure greater preparedness in case of any future health crises in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. I voted in favour of the report.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of setting up a special committee tasked with looking into the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned. The committee’s work will focus on the areas of health, respect of democracy and fundamental rights, the societal and economic impact of the pandemic, and the EU’s role in relation to the international aspects of the pandemic and third countries.

2022/03/09

I supported the setting up of this special committee to look at foreign interference in democratic processes in the EU. This committee will seek to address the issue of foreign interference, including the spread of disinformation and the covert funding of political entities, which has emerged as a concerning phenomenon in European democracies in recent years.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of setting up this committee of inquiry, which will examine the use of Pegasus and other surveillance spyware. The use of such spyware in EU countries is extremely concerning and is clearly not in line with European values of democracy and respect for fundamental rights.

2022/03/09

This report, which I voted in favour of, is the latest assessment of progress of gender mainstreaming in the European Parliament, an approach that was committed to in 2003. The report welcomes Parliament’s progress on female political representation in terms of both all MEPs and, more specifically, the gender-balanced Bureau of Parliament. I voted against further changes to the Rules of Procedure so as not to overburden them.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of this report, which assessed the ambition of the Commission’s GAP III and made recommendations for its implementation. GAP III is a plan for advancing gender equality through EU external action, with a focus on 6 main areas: gender based violence, access to healthcare, economic and social equality, women’s participation and leadership, women’s involvement in peacebuilding and security, and a green and digital society. I was the EPP rapporteur for the INTA opinion on this report, which focused on the trade related aspects of GAP III.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of this resolution welcoming the Court of Justice decision of 16 February, which dismissed a challenge from Hungary and Poland to the legality of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation. Under this regulation, EU budget payments can be withheld from countries in which established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of the EU funds. The rule of law is a non-negotiable aspect of EU membership.

2022/03/09

I voted in favour of this text, which calls for the establishment of a harmonised withholding tax framework across Member States, providing greater clarity and simplifying current fragmented guidelines.

2022/03/10

This report details the European Parliament’s view on the European Semester cycle, which outlines the EU’s priorities in economic and employment policy for the coming months. I voted in favour of the report, as it focuses on several important areas, including competitive sustainability and the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

2022/03/10

I voted in favour of this report, which Parliament’s Employment Committee prepares annually as part of the European Semester cycle. The text, inter alia, stresses the importance of sustainable and inclusive economic growth for innovation, decent jobs and self-determination, highlights the need to address skills gaps, and underlines the need to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate access to finance.

2022/03/10

I voted in favour of this text, as I believe harmonised guidelines are needed for the management of batteries and waste batteries to bring this area in line with Europe’s aims under the Green Deal. As we transition to a greener economy and society, which will likely call for greater use of batteries, it is essential that we plan for sustainability and traceability in our battery production, as well as disposal.

2022/03/10

I voted in favour of this report, which scrutinises the level of enjoyment of EU citizens of their rights, such as freedom of movement, electoral rights and rights of participation in the EU democratic process. The report also makes a number of suggestions to further the enjoyment of these rights, such as an online one-stop-shop centralising all EU participatory instruments.

2022/03/10

I abstained on this report, due to a section of the text that was not in line with the Irish Government’s position on taxation.

2022/03/10

. ‒ I voted in favour of the Commission’s proposal for amendments to CARE (cohesion’s action for refugees in Europe) in order to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting refugee and humanitarian crisis. The amendments will clarify the support that can be provided to Member States and regions, especially those on the front line who are showing huge solidarity, to enable them to address this situation and help those fleeing the violence caused by Putin.

2022/03/24

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text to amend the AMIF Regulation in order to provide additional support to Member States to allow them to deal with urgent migration and border management needs and asylum processing procedures, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This flexibility in the use of funds under the AMIF Regulations will help Member States on the frontline who are showing great solidarity with the people of Ukraine to receive people who are fleeing the war in Ukraine.

2022/03/24

. ‒ I voted to give consent to the draft EU-Moldova agreement on Frontex operational activities. This agreement constitutes the framework for deploying Frontex staff to support the Moldovan authorities in daily border management activities in the Republic of Moldova, such as screening, identity and border checks, responding to the increased number of arrivals of refugees from Ukraine.

2022/03/24

I voted in favour of this text, which forms part of the European Commission’s Digital Finance Package. This package will provide certainty for consumers and investors, and will also support innovation by creating common requirements for the operation of distributed ledger technology market infrastructures as part of an initial five-year long pilot scheme.

2022/03/24

I supported this regulation, which aims to extend EU-wide roaming regulations until 2032. The regulation also makes some adjustments to maximum wholesale charges to ensure that the provision of ‘roam-like-at-home’ services remains sustainable and affordable.

2022/03/24

This text concerns the provision of financial assistance to Moldova, which remains crucially important given the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. Macro-financial assistance of €150 million will be provided to Moldova, with €120 million in the form of loans and €30 million in the form of grants. I voted in favour of this text.

2022/03/24

I supported this text, which concerns the establishment of a permanent management system for e-CODEX, the computerised system for the cross-border electronic exchange of data in the area of judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters.

2022/03/24

I voted in favour of this report, which seeks to strengthen cross-border cooperation in combatting terrorism and crime by authorising Italy to receive and supply DNA data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison.

2022/03/24

I supported this report, as it aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime by enabling Italy to receive and supply dactyloscopic data as necessary.

2022/03/24

This report seeks to allow Italy to receive and supply personal data regarding vehicle registration, in order to support cross-border cooperation in the fight against terrorism and crime. I supported this report.

2022/03/24

I voted in favour of this report, which authorises the reception and supply of personal data in the field of vehicle registration in Greece in order to strengthen cross-border cooperation for the purposes of combatting terrorism and crime.

2022/03/24

I supported this report, which will allow for the continuation of the current visa regime between the EU and Brazil under a clear legal framework.

2022/03/24

I voted in favour of this report, as it will allow for the continuation of the current visa regime between the EU and Brazil under a clear legal framework.

2022/03/24

I supported this report, which concerns the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to assist workers in France following displacements in the economic sector. The Fund will go towards the provision of support for affected workers.

2022/03/24

This text concerns an increase in the permitted levels of flutianil in certain products imported into the EU. I voted against this, as there are concerns associated with an increase in flutianil consumption, including a risk of endocrine disruption, as well as concerns around the use of pesticides and environmental standards for food imports from third countries.

2022/03/24

Combined, Ukraine and Russia are responsible for over 30% of world wheat exports. The war has put global food security at risk. I voted in favour of this resolution, which calls for an EU action plan to secure an affordable food supply in Europe in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while still upholding our sustainability commitments under the ‘farm to fork’ strategy.

2022/03/24

I voted in favour of this own initiative report, which had been proposed by my own group, the EPP Group. The report assesses the current state of play in the fight against fraud and conflicts of interest regarding EU financial interests, and puts forward proposals such as the strengthening of the rules on transparency, the need for comprehensive databases of ultimate beneficiaries, and the need to significantly reduce irregularities in the implementation of cohesion policy.

2022/03/24

. – I voted in favour of this report, which has the aim of ending the 14.1% gender pay gap. The report includes calls for greater measures to improve the implementation of equal pay and binding measures on pay transparency.

2022/04/05

I voted in favour of this report, which concerns the Market Stability Reserve contained in the Emissions Trading System. This report supports the extension of the current intake rate of the Market Stability Reserve until such time as the full revision of both the Market Stability Reserve itself, and the wider Emissions Trading System is completed. This will ensure the resilience of the system in the interim.

2022/04/05

. – I supported this report. The proposed directive aims to remove existing restrictions and establish clear rules to give transport operators across the EU equal access to the market for hired vehicles.

2022/04/05

I supported this report, which seeks to address a number of fisheries issues arising in the waters around the UK as a result of Brexit. The report calls, for example, on the European Commission to ensure reciprocal access to waters beyond the current deadline of June 2026, and also calls on Member States to use funds provided under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to compensate the sector for losses suffered.

2022/04/05

I voted in favour of this report, which makes a number of recommendations as to how the rights of the child could be better protected in civil, administrative and family law proceedings.

2022/04/05

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The TEN-E Regulation aims to foster development of cross-border energy infrastructure in Europe, thereby contributing to the wider objectives of creating a genuine EU internal energy market, safeguarding security of supply and promoting renewable energy. This revision of the Regulation offers an important opportunity for the EU to give priority and funding to future-proof Europe’s energy infrastructure in a cost-effective manner in line with the Green Deal.

2022/04/05

. ‒ I supported this text, which outlines Parliament’s priorities for the 2023 budget. This year, the overarching priorities are the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the green and digital transitions.

2022/04/05

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text, which seeks to add Bolivia to the list of third countries in which field inspections regarding the production of seeds of certain species are seen as equivalent to those carried out within the European Union.

2022/04/05

. ‒ This report concerns a redistribution of unused 2021 funds, amounting to almost EUR 49 billion, under the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/04/05

. ‒ I supported this text, which concerns the certification of minimum levels of training for seafarers in the EU in order to ensure a high level of maritime safety, as well as the prevention of pollution at sea.

2022/04/05

. – I was happy to vote in favour of this report. This Act provides measures to help boost data sharing across sectors and Member States, for data sharing to meet its huge potential. Trust is a key consideration in data sharing, and this Act will ensure that data held by the public sector, industry and individuals will be shared in a secure, controlled and trustworthy way.

2022/04/06

I voted in favour of this text, which aims to put in place rules for cooperation in research and innovation with third countries based on multilateralism, reciprocal openness, and fundamental values in order to facilitate the development of innovative solutions to green, digital, health and innovation problems. Such partnerships with third countries should be based on a respect for academic freedom, as well as on a level playing field.

2022/04/06

I voted in favour of this text, as it calls on the Commission and Member States to do their utmost to ensure programmes under the cohesion policy are implemented in the shortest possible timeframe, and that the cohesion policy is utilised in tandem with the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Current delays in implementation are having an impact on Member States’ ability to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2022/04/06

I voted in favour of this text, as it refers to the need for stronger citizenship education, covering national, European and global levels, in order to equip the new generation of Europeans with the skills necessary to engage politically. The report also emphasises the need for increased cooperation between EU programmes and funds, such as Erasmus+ and Horizon.

2022/04/06

I voted against this objection, as it adopted the view that the proposed importation of genetically modified soybean MON 87769 x MON 89788 in the Netherlands could result in unacceptable food safety and human health risks. These claims are unfounded because, in October 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that this GM soybean is unlikely to have the aforementioned effects.

2022/04/06

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which concerns the establishment of a series of derogations from provisions regarding the sale and supply of medicinal products originating in the UK. This will serve to mitigate medicinal shortages in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Malta as much as possible.

2022/04/07

. ‒ The Commission proposals seek to put in place derogations from provisions to ensure a secure supply and to limit shortages of investigational medicinal products in Ireland, as well as in Northern Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/04/07

. ‒ I supported this report, which seeks to provide funding in advance to Member States welcoming and accommodating refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

2022/04/07

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, as it seeks to safeguard the security of gas supply in the face of significant risks resulting from the current geopolitical instability.

2022/04/07

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which aims to improve the evaluation and monitoring mechanisms of the Schengen zone. The functioning of the Schengen area has come under increasing pressure in recent years, given the difficulties associated with its implementation in the face of terror threats, migrant crises, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

2022/04/07

I voted in favour of this text, which urges the Commission to include a right to repair in any future Ecodesign Directive. The text calls for consumers and members of the repair industry to be given access to repair and maintenance information, while acknowledging the importance of maintaining respect for trade secrets. The potential impact of increased reparability on durability is also highlighted in the motion.

2022/04/07

I supported this report, which details the European Parliament’s estimated expenditure for the financial year 2023.

2022/04/07

. – I was pleased to vote in favour of this resolution. I fully support its calls for the Taliban to uphold their commitment to ensuring the right to education for girls. I also support the many other important calls in this resolution: to allow women to fully participate in government and society, to allow women to access proper health care, to release all activists and human rights defenders who have been detained for advocating for the rights of women and girls and to stop all intimidation and harassment of these groups.

2022/04/07

. – I was happy to vote in favour of this resolution, and I was proud to do so.Over half of the 4.3 million people who have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion are minors. Unaccompanied minors, in particular, are at a risk of abuse, exploitation and trafficking.This resolution calls for the creation of safe passages for children fleeing the conflict. It emphasises that measures must be put in place to prevent trafficking and abduction.

2022/04/07

. – I strongly supported this highly important report, which expresses outrage over the reported atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of occupied Ukrainian towns, such as Bucha and supports the investigation and prosecution of war crimes. I also supported calls for a full and immediate embargo of EU imports of Russian coal, oil and gas.

2022/04/07

I abstained on the final vote on this resolution. While there are some positive aspects to the text, such as maternity and paternity leave for MEPs, I do not support the introduction of a European-wide constituency. I believe that MEPs elected by the transnational list would be further from the citizens, and that this system would favour the large Member States.

2022/05/03

I voted in favour of this report, which seeks to update the list of substances covered under the POPs Regulation. The POPs Regulation concerns a group of organic compounds that have toxic properties and can therefore pose a risk to human health and the environment.

2022/05/03

I supported this text, which would allow for an extension of the application period during which Member States can introduce a temporary reverse charge mechanism for the supply of goods and services in certain sectors where instances of serious fraud have occurred.

2022/05/03

I voted in favour of this text, which concerns the implementation of existing provisions regarding the application of the Schengen Information System in Cyprus, following a recent evaluation report which confirmed that the necessary data protection requirements for the application of the Schengen acquis had been met.

2022/05/03

I voted in favour of this resolution as a whole. The resolution is about a new EU approach to creating a sustainable ‘blue economy’, which means economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.I voted against including paragraph 116 (on bottom trawling) in the final text because, while there are clear environmental issues with the different types of bottom trawling in marine areas, the wording of paragraph 116 was too broad. It did not take into account the different technologies and techniques employed by fishing communities around the EU.

2022/05/03

I supported this action plan for organic agriculture, which constitutes an important element of the European Green Deal. This plan will help to encourage organic farming in the EU by providing support for farmers to transition to organic farming, thereby increasing the availability of organic foodstuffs for citizens.

2022/05/03

I supported this text, which reaffirms the importance of protecting the rights of members of religious minorities across the globe, and particularly their right to exercise, or indeed abandon, their religion or beliefs. The text also condemns any persecution of minority groups on the basis of religion, belief, or lack thereof.

2022/05/03

. ‒ I voted in favour of this strategy, which concerns the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education, stressing the importance of prioritising a return to classrooms in the recovery from the pandemic, as well as the need to ensure sufficient resources are provided for remote learning, and other key aspects of education.

2022/05/03

I voted in favour of this text, which seeks to correct an error relating to the implementation of a previously adopted regulation regarding the marketing authorisations and registrations for existing veterinary medicinal products. This correction will ensure that a derogation granted for previously authorised products is accompanied by a provision on packaging and labelling, with the aim of preventing any potential shortages of products occurring.

2022/05/05

This resolution stresses the need for the EU to show solidarity with the people of Moldova, as they have shown with the people of Ukraine in recent times, and to provide appropriate support for the people of Moldova. I supported this resolution.

2022/05/05

I supported this resolution, which expresses concern and condemnation regarding the use of gender—based violence as a weapon of war in Ukraine, as well as around the reports of human trafficking and exploitation faced by those fleeing Ukraine. The report underlines the importance of providing services and care in the EU to those affected, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health.

2022/05/05

I voted in favour of this text, as it calls for the imposition of further sanctions on the Russian maritime sector, and condemns Russia’s breach of international aviation rules in its approval of a law forcing the re—registration of airplanes leased from foreign companies in Russia’s aircraft register. The resolution also laments the lack of a ban on rail transport operations with Russian Railways.

2022/05/05

. ‒ I was happy to give my full support to this file. It was to support the Commission’s proposal to suspend import duties on all Ukrainian exports to the EU for one year. This is just one of the many ways that the EU is showing solidarity to the people of Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

2022/05/19

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text concerning the revision of the operational functions of Eurojust with regard to the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and related criminal offences.

2022/05/19

I supported this text, which concerns an extension of the empowerment of the European Commission to adopt delegated acts in relation to the emissions of non-road mobile machineries, including garden equipment, generators, bulldozers, etc.

2022/05/19

I voted in favour of this report, which reaffirms the EU’s support for Albania’s democratic transition, while also acknowledging the need to address shortcomings in electoral and democratic processes there.

2022/05/19

This resolution calls for the release of all political prisoners and trade union leaders in Belarus, as well as condemning politically—motivated trials held behind closed doors in Belarus, and Russia’s military use of Belarusian territory. I supported this resolution.

2022/05/19

I voted in favour of this report. The proposed directive is, by and large, a transposition of the OECD Inclusive Framework Agreement into EU law. This OECD agreement commits to introducing a minimum effective tax rate of 15%.

2022/05/19

I supported this resolution regarding the development of a European approach to micro-credentials, individual learning accounts and learning for a sustainable environment, in order to connect to the green and digital transitions and encourage lifelong learning.

2022/05/19

I voted in favour of this resolution which, inter alia, proposes that a Special International War Tribunal be established to fully prosecute all atrocities inflicted on the people of Ukraine and to ensure that all perpetrators face justice. Such a Special Tribunal is necessary as, since neither Ukraine nor Russia are signatories to the ICC, the ICC does not have jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes of aggression committed by the political leaders and military commanders of the Russian Federation and its allies against Ukraine.

2022/05/19

I voted in favour of this resolution. It assesses the social and economic consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine and the impact of the EU’s necessary sanctions, sets out priorities and proposes further measures. E.g. diversifying energy sources and helping the households struggling most with the rise in energy prices, protecting children fleeing the war, and adopting further sanctions.

2022/05/19

I voted in favour of this five-year extension to the agreement on the promotion, provision and use of Galileo and GPS satellite-based navigation systems and related applications, providing a framework for cooperation amongst Member States in this area.

2022/06/07

I supported this report, which details the European Parliament’s concerns about the level of democratic backsliding witnessed in Turkey over the past two years, and the impact of this on Turkey’s EU accession prospects. Although there have been some improvements in EU-Turkey relations over the past year, serious concerns around the rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as the lack of political will to address these, remain.

2022/06/07

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which calls for the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to be used to a greater extent to heighten the Union’s influence in the region through a deepening of ties with like-minded countries and organisations in the region.

2022/06/07

. ‒ I supported this report concerning the challenges faced by European islands. The report calls for the creation of an Islands Pact, with a view to outlining a common EU policy on issues affecting islands.

2022/06/07

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The European Parliament should monitor how Member States implement Article 17, which sets out criteria for how Member States distribute fishing opportunities that are allocated to them at EU level.

2022/06/07

I voted in favour of this text, which concerns a strengthening of Europol’s mandate, specifically in the area of the SIS Regulation. This would allow Europol to propose to Member States that alerts in relation to third-country nationals be entered into the SIS system.

2022/06/08

This report concerns the EU-Mauritania Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its Implementing Protocol for the next five years. This agreement allows EU vessels to operate in Mauritania’s EEZ, and sets out provisions for EU financial contributions for access to resources and sectoral support. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/06/08

I supported this resolution, which welcomes improvements in transparency in the new EU-Mauritania Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement Implementing Protocol, as well as acknowledging the difficulties faced by the Mauritanian authorities with regard to accessing sectoral aid.

2022/06/08

Given the unprecedented situation facing industry due to the Russian war in Ukraine and the related energy crisis, we need to provide security to industry and breathing space so they can reach their targets.By trading emission allowances, instead of bans, we set incentives and reward those who reduce CO2 emissions. For example, we want the companies that make an effort to emit less to be rewarded with additional free allowances to cover their investment costs. On the other hand, we want the companies that do zero or little effort to decarbonise to pay a higher bill in future years.We fully support the targets enshrined in the climate law, but we must ensure that we manage the transition pragmatically and carefully. If we overburden ourselves, the loss of competitiveness for European industry could impact directly on our ability to finance the technologies we need to decarbonise the economy. It could also have social implications with the loss of employment, further straining public finances and dampening our potential to invest in the necessary infrastructure, physical and digital, which will have a net negative impact on the climate.As it failed to secure a majority in plenary, the file will now go back to the negotiating table (ENVI committee).

2022/06/08

I voted in favour of this text, which would require Member States to notify zero additional offsetting for EU-based aircraft operators in respect of their 2021 emissions by 30 November 2022, as part of an amendment to aviation rules in the EU ETS under the Fit for 55 package in the absence of revised ETS aviation rules.

2022/06/08

I voted in favour of this draft legislative act, which is to amend the Effort Sharing Regulation as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, which aims to deliver on the EU’s commitment to achievement a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. On the amendments, I supported climate neutrality targets at Member State level instead of Union level.

2022/06/08

I abstained on this vote, which was on a proposed revision to the way emissions associated with land use will be treated. This proposal has specific difficulties for Ireland because of our peat soils On the amendments, I voted in favour of maintaining the Irish penalty system.

2022/06/08

I support calls for all cars and vans to be fully electric in the EU by 2035, and I voted in favour of the 100% target. It is important to encourage and incentivise the use of greener technologies and energy.

2022/06/08

I voted in favour of this report, which outlines the EU’s support for Eastern Partnership countries, particularly with regard to closer cooperation in the area of security and defence with some countries in order to promote the strategic objectives of human security and sustainable peace in the region and beyond.

2022/06/08

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which had the objective of assessing the European Parliament’s right of initiative and identifying ways to strengthen it.

2022/06/09

I was happy to vote in favour of this resolution. It’s purpose was to signal to the Council the Parliament’s wish to convene a Convention.As the foundation of the EU, the Treaties should not be changed flippantly, but we must be ready to adapt where necessary. Citizens shared their priorities during the CoFoE. We need to convene a Convention, bringing together heads of government, representatives of national Parliaments and of the European Parliament, and the Commission, to thoroughly examine and consider whether our Union and our citizens would benefit from a revision of the Treaties.The resolution was not the place to decide on the Parliament’s proposals for Treaty revisions. Such a significant decision must be well informed and given adequate time, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the AFCO committee on this report.

2022/06/09

I supported this resolution calling for legislation to establish a new trade instrument, which would prevent the import and export in the EU market of products made by forced labour.

2022/06/09

I voted in favour of this revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, which forms part of the range of measures designed to facilitate the transition to climate neutrality by 2050. This revision will boost the contribution of the maritime, road transport and building sectors towards the 2030 targets under the ‘Fit for 55’ package, and will allow sectors the necessary breathing room to gradually build up to the achievement of the ultimate emissions reduction targets.

2022/06/22

I supported this report on the Social Climate Fund, which forms part of the climate package and aims to reduce the risk of carbon leakage, while at the same time ensuring compatibility with WTO obligations. The Social Climate Fund will be financed via the revised Emissions Trading System and will support households and transport users who are particularly affected by the new system.

2022/06/22

I voted in favour of the report on the carbon border adjustment mechanism. This part of the climate package seeks to prevent carbon leakage by equalising the price of carbon between domestic products and imports, while ensuring WTO compatibility. The scope of the regulation is to be extended to hydrogen, polymers and other chemicals, while the phase-out of free allocations will happen gradually between 2027 and 2032.

2022/06/22

I supported this report, which concerns the provision of emergency assistance to farmers and SMEs, who have been particularly affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to ensure that any impact on their business is minimised.

2022/06/23

This report allows for the extension of the validity of the EU Digital COVID Certificate for one year, until the end of June 2023, allowing for Member States to use the certificate in situations where proof of recovery from, vaccination against, or a test for COVID is required, as decided by national authorities. The legislation around the Digital COVID Certificate at EU level does not require national authorities to impose any COVID-related restrictions. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/06/23

This report allows for the extension of the validity of the EU Digital COVID Certificate for one year, until the end of June 2023, allowing for Member States to use the certificate in situations where proof of recovery from, vaccination against, or a test for COVID is required for third—country nationals, as decided by national authorities. The legislation around the Digital COVID Certificate at EU level does not require national authorities to impose any COVID-related restrictions. I supported this report.

2022/06/23

I voted in favour of this report, which proposes contributions to the first reception and registration costs of people fleeing Ukraine, up to a total of EUR 400 million.

2022/06/23

I supported this report, concerning a mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Air France workers in the sectors of repair and installation of machinery and equipment and air transport, amounting to a total mobilisation of over EUR 20 million for affected workers.

2022/06/23

This report concerns a mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for workers in the electrical equipment manufacturing sector in Greece. The proposed mobilisation represents a total of almost EUR 1.5 million for affected workers. I supported this report.

2022/06/23

I voted against this objection. Antimicrobial resistance is a huge issue that we are committed to fighting. However, this objection would not be helpful in addressing antimicrobial resistance; it would just further delay the negotiation of this draft text, which is the result of a long process involving the ECDC, the EFSA and the EMA.

2022/06/23

I did not support this objection to the placing on the market of products containing genetically modified maize, as the European Food Safety Authority has not identified any health risks associated with the consumption of the products in question.

2022/06/23

I did not support this objection to the placing on the market of products containing genetically modified maize, as the European Food Safety Authority has not identified any health risks associated with the consumption of the products in question.

2022/06/23

I voted in favour of this renewal of the agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Brazil. Brazil has been one of the most active third countries cooperating through EU framework programmes for research and innovation, and this renewal will extend the existing agreement for another five years.

2022/06/23

I was happy to vote in favour of this report, which concerns the accession of the EU to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. The EU’s accession to this convention will help to ensure the promotion of access to justice globally through enhanced judicial cooperation.

2022/06/23

This report deals with the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, and focuses on the ways in which the EU can assist with the implementation of the SDGs, calling for a revised set of implementation targets to address gaps and challenges in current plans in order to ensure that the SDGs are met by 2030. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/06/23

I supported this report, which contains the European Parliament’s input to the Commission’s review report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The report acknowledges the role played by the Facility in mitigating the social and economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, however it also scrutinises the low demand for the loan aspect of the facility, among other things.

2022/06/23

. ‒ I was happy to vote in favour of this report on the subject of the implementation of inclusiveness measures within the Erasmus+ programme during the period of the last multiannual financial framework (2014-2020). The report calls for an increase in budget to ensure that all inclusion measures can be implemented so that marginalised groups can enjoy better access to the Erasmus+ programme.

2022/06/23

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which seeks to ensure that trade relations between the EU and Africa are mutually beneficial, open, equitable and sustainable. This will contribute to an overall strengthening of the strategic partnership between Europe and Africa, which will help us to find common solutions to the most significant global challenges.

2022/06/23

. ‒ This report concerns the future of EU international investment policy and calls for reforms to that policy to ensure that it meets the variety of current challenges and represents a coherent, integrated policy framework, in line with the aims of the European Green Deal. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/06/23

I voted in favour of this report on the Digital Services Act. This Act will create a safer online sphere, with harmonised systems to ensure the removal of illegal content online. It will apply to all online intermediaries providing services in the EU, regardless of the place of establishment, and introduces a number of due diligence obligations for such intermediaries.

2022/07/05

The Digital Markets Act aims to create a level playing field among digital platforms, which will encourage growth and innovation. The Act also contains a number of rights and obligations for large online platforms with regard to data access, freedom of choice by users, and transparency, among other things. I voted in favour of this report.

2022/07/05

I was happy to support this report regarding the extension of the protocol implementing the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands. This will ensure that the two jurisdictions can continue to work together to promote a sustainable fisheries policy, while also allowing EU vessels to operate in Cook Island waters.

2022/07/05

I supported this report concerning temporary trade liberalisation measures for Moldova in the form of additional tariff-free quotas on some agricultural products for a period of one year. This will help to mitigate the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Moldova’s ability to trade with the rest of the world. These measures will support the existing trade links between Moldova and the EU.

2022/07/05

I voted in favour of this report, which concerns the European Parliament’s priorities for the future agreement between the EU and Interpol, which is currently under negotiation. Although the report acknowledges the importance of information exchange between law enforcement agencies, it also emphasises the need for safeguards to ensure sufficient data protection and respect for other fundamental rights.

2022/07/05

. ‒ I was happy to vote in favour of this report, for which my colleague Maria Walsh MEP was the lead rapporteur. The report examines the benefits and the risks of digitalisation, and calls for an update to current EU legislation to respond to the new realities of the digital way of working and to facilitate positive mental health practices in the digital workplace.

2022/07/05

. ‒ I supported this edition of the European Parliament’s annual report on the Banking Union situation. The report acknowledges the progress that has been made thus far in strengthening European banks’ preparedness for financial shocks, while also expressing support for continued efforts to strengthen and complete the Banking Union.

2022/07/05

I did not support this objection to the amendment of the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act and the Taxonomy Disclosures Delegated Act, as I am in favour of updating the Taxonomy to reflect the reality of the current energy situation in Europe, taking into consideration Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Taxonomy is a science-based transparency tool, which helps to facilitate investment in renewable energy. It is, however, voluntary in nature and merely acts as a guide for investors. It is crucial that we remain pragmatic as we transition towards greater use of renewables; in order to move away from the use of Russian fossil fuels quickly, interim measures are required. The inclusion of gas in the Taxonomy, for example, will ensure that gas can be used in this transition. The Taxonomy will also be regularly reviewed as the geopolitical situation develops, and the infrastructure needed for renewables is put in place.

2022/07/06

I did not vote in favour of this objection to the technical standards of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive. This directive concerns the ability of competent authorities in Member States to implement position limits on the size of a net position in commodity derivatives traded on trading venues and economically equivalent over-the-counter derivatives. This objection claimed that the standards were contributing to price fluctuations in certain sectors, however it is clear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is to blame for much of this price volatility.

2022/07/06

I supported this report regarding the provision of financial assistance to EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the context of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This will ensure that timely and effective financial compensation is provided to those affected, through a simplified procedure.

2022/07/06

I voted in favour of this report, which expresses the European Parliament’s support for Serbia’s future EU membership, while also recalling that significant and sustainable reforms will be a prerequisite for such membership. The report encourages the efforts of Serbian authorities in this regard.

2022/07/06

I supported this report, which commends Kosovo’s continuing commitment to the implementation of reforms, with a view to the eventual attainment of EU membership. The report expresses support for Kosovo’s intended application for membership, while also highlighting a number of areas that must be addressed before such an application can be made.

2022/07/06

I was happy to support this report, which concerns the strengthening of the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism as per the recent joint communication by the European Commission and the Vice-President and High Representative Josep Borrell to the Parliament and the Council.

2022/07/06

I voted in favour of this report concerning the need for reform of global food systems, particularly given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on developing countries. The pandemic highlighted the inequalities across the globe in respect of access to healthy diets and sufficient food supplies. The war in Ukraine, among other crises, has only served to further exacerbate such inequalities.

2022/07/06

I supported this report, which aims to shed light on the impact of the multiple forms of discrimination faced by women of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent in Europe.

2022/07/06

I voted against this resolution due to the Irish position, which strongly supports unanimity voting in relation to taxation matters.

2022/07/06

I supported this report, which concerns the specific and temporary measures applicable to driver documents issued in Ukraine and held by persons afforded temporary protection in the EU. These measures will ensure that such documents are recognised within the Union for as long as the document holder is afforded temporary protection status.

2022/07/07

I voted in favour of this report, which calls for effective and proportionate penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures. A harmonised classification of the violation of Union restrictive measures as an area of crime across Member States would ensure the effective implementation of such penalties.

2022/07/07

I voted in favour of this text concerning the provision of €1 billion in the form of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine. This represents the first part of the assistance package of up to €9 billion, which was announced earlier this year. These funds form part of the EU’s overall financial assistance to Ukraine to help Ukraine address its immediate financial needs arising as a result of Russia’s unjustified invasion.

2022/07/07

I voted in favour of this own-initiative report. As the EIB is entirely owned by Member States, it must further the EU’s priorities, including of course on climate commitments. It is great to see therefore that 43% of the EIB’s lending in 2021 was related to the climate and environment, and that the Bank is increasing investments in energy in Europe. I also welcome the EIB’s work to support SMEs. In 2021, the EIB supported over 430 000 SMEs, and I hope to see this support grow in light of the current crisis. The report also notes some areas in which the EIB must improve, including reaching its own gender balance targets.

2022/07/07

I voted in favour of this report. Like many reports from 2020, there is of course a focus on the outbreak of the COVID—19 pandemic. The report rightly praises the EIB for it is positive contribution to the fight against COVID—19, including by being the first financial investor in BioNTech’s COVID—19 vaccine, and by supporting the distribution of COVID—19 vaccines around the world, in particular to developing countries. The report also makes a number of recommendations on how to improve control of the EIB’s financial activities, such as by adopting further measures to prevent conflicts of interest and improve transparency, and by giving Parliament greater scrutiny over decisions of the EIB.

2022/07/07

I supported this report, which examines the new challenges faced by the EU in preventing fraud affecting its financial interests in the aftermath of the COVID—19 pandemic. The report also puts forward a number of suggested measures to tackle these new risks.

2022/07/07

I voted in favour of this resolution, which regrets the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ‘Roe v Wade’ ruling which had guaranteed the federal constitutional right to abortion in the US. As a result, from now on, the right to abortion will be determined by the individual US States, and quite a number have already enacted laws to ban, at different degrees, abortion.

2022/07/07

As technology, particularly in the realm of harnessing data, evolves rapidly, our regulations need to catch up. I voted in favour of this Act as it lays out clear rules on who can use and access data generated in the EU, unlocking its full value.This clarity is particularly positive for SMEs who lacked the leverage to negotiate data-sharing agreements with industry giants. I support removing barriers to data access across public and private sectors, all while preserving incentives for continued investment in data generation.

2023/11/09

I commend that this report recommends a new agreement aimed at supporting and securing the fishing industry in Madagascar while also avoiding overexploitation and protecting its economy. This proposed agreement grants Union vessels access to Madagascar’s fishing zone and aims to foster stronger connections while advocating for decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

2023/11/09

I support this report that endorses the collaborative efforts of the EEAS and other institutions in fortifying the global right to participate in democratic processes.It also emphasizes the role of election observers. Recognizing their importance, this report strengthens the link between election observation work and the EU’s broader support for human rights and democracy, using political, commercial, and cooperation tools.This report also highlights the work of authoritarian and illiberal regimes, stating that they have the mandate from their citizens as a result of genuine elections. This report gives the EU a strategy and tools to counter these regimes in this regard.

2023/11/09

I voted in favour of the agreement on border cooperation between the EU and Montenegro. This agreement allows the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to conduct joint operations and deploy teams at the borders between Montenegro and the EU, while Montenegro remains responsible for border protection with Frontex providing technical and operational support. This agreement will enhance security at the EU’s external borders, benefiting both the EU and Montenegro.

2023/11/22

I voted in favour of the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, as it presents a significant opportunity to bolster and strengthen economic ties between the European Union and New Zealand. This agreement not only removes tariffs on a wide range of goods but also promotes transparency, ease of trade for small businesses, and fair dispute resolution mechanisms. I particularly support the commitment to sustainable practices and animal welfare while facilitating investment and trade in services between the two partners. Overall, I believe this agreement is a positive step towards creating a more interconnected and mutually beneficial trading relationship between the EU and New Zealand.

2023/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution, recognising the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystem. This resolution addresses the alarming decline in pollinators, urging Member States to take prompt and decisive action. It emphasises the need for timely measures, urging states to implement them by 2030 at the latest to safeguard this critical link in our ecological chain.

2023/11/23

I voted to support this resolution, which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.The resolution stresses deep concern for the humanitarian toll of the conflict, particularly the loss of life and injuries suffered by many young children and people living in Gaza. The Fine Gael delegation in Parliament has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire and for a peaceful end to the conflict in Gaza, as well as the release of any remaining hostages.We have raised our concerns over the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and the huge loss of life there. We also fully condemn the actions of the terrorist organisation Hamas, and underline Israel’s right to exist. All hostages taken by Hamas should be released immediately.We voted for every version of a ceasefire in this resolution, recognising the importance of having a united Parliament position across the political spectrum.A ceasefire is the only way of achieving a peaceful resolution to this conflict, and a two-state solution should be revisited.

2024/01/18

554 Written explanations of Seán KELLY

ParlTrack - 2011-2024