Schriftelijke stemverklaringen Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

I voted in favour of this resolution, which focuses on the social and employment aspects of restructuring processes in the European Union, in particular on the need to protect jobs and workers' rights. It is important to ensure that the European Clean Deal, decarbonisation and further developments in the industries will continue to provide jobs for people. With this resolution, the European Parliament recognises that addressing the current skills shortages in strategic sectors and supporting workers who need to transition to new jobs are complementary objectives. Of course, to successfully deliver on European industrial policy, there is a need of involvement of all social partners and needs through the dialogue and collective bargaining. Therefore, this resolution is aimed at defending workers' rights and the availability of jobs in Europe for our citizens.

I voted in favour of this recommendation as it ensures that the European Union can effectively manage trade relations post-Brexit, in particular with Norway, by adjusting tariff quotas in key agricultural and industrial sectors. This agreement helps to maintain a fair distribution of trading rights, ensuring the stability and competitiveness of the European Union's trading framework. This agreement is an important step in managing and stabilising the market from the disruption caused by the UK's withdrawal from the EU's global trade agreements. As I see trade as an important element in ensuring European stability, I supported the position of the European Parliament rapporteur and the Council.

I voted in favor of this report because it is crucial for the European Union to ensure smooth economic coordination for future economic stability. The report focuses on fiscal sustainability and ensuring that Member States' policies are effective and transparent. This report emphasizes the implementation of country-specific recommendations from the European Commission, as it is crucial to ensure fiscal reforms that are tailored and designed for each state. Therefore, considering the importance of fiscal sustainability across the EU, I support this report.

Syria and its people need a peaceful, inclusive, and accountable political transition. All parts and actors - religious, ethnic, women, vulnerable groups and minorities - of society in Syria must be included in the political process to ensure long-term sustainable peaceful future. This resolution calls for the EU diplomatic engagement, humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Having this in mind, I support this resolution.

With this instrument, which will result in a timely and much needed financial assistance of almost EUR 2 billion, the European Union demonstrates its commitment to Moldova and its people. The Reform and Growth Facility has been prioritized and finalized in an unprecedentedly short timeframe, as we are well aware of the difficulties Moldova is facing due to the energy crisis caused by Russia, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and other attempts to destabilize Moldova. This assistance will enable Moldova to withstand these challenges and to continue EU-related reforms. I was pleased to support the establishment of this facility and voted in favor.

I voted in favour of this report because it focuses and emphasises the importance of further strengthening and developing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), especially in the light of the current geopolitical situation and challenges in Europe. So far, the ESF has proven to be a working tool to address the issues of poverty, social exclusion and unemployment in Europe. It is crucial that the ESF can continue to support all vulnerable groups in the areas where they need it most.

I supported this report as it focuses on the need for a fundamental reform of Horizon Europe to ensure better support for long-term research and innovation in Europe. I believe that prioritising and investing in our European scientists and innovation projects will boost our competitiveness and keep Europe at the forefront of technological and scientific progress. In times of geopolitical uncertainty, it is crucial for the European continent to remain independent and self-sufficient in terms of innovation and research. I therefore strongly support this report, which should bring benefits to the European innovation sector.

I voted in favour of this resolution condemning further democratic backsliding in Georgia. This resolution is an important further step in condemning and holding to account the Georgian Dream regime.
In this resolution, the European Parliament does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream party and continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia.
The resolution calls for the further strengthening of sanctions and the redirection of EUR 120 million from support for the Georgian authorities to increased EU support for Georgian civil society, non-governmental organisations and independent media. Authoritarian politics in Georgia are worsening and the European Union should stand even stronger with the democratic opposition, civil society and independent journalists.

I supported this resolution as the atrocities against the people of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue. The resolution calls for the suspension of the EU-Rwanda agreement on sustainable raw materials, sanctions against M23 commanders, leaders of armed groups and officials from DRC and Rwanda.
There is a need for immediate and expanded humanitarian action to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians, and this resolution calls for the reopening of Goma airport and other key routes to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Considering how critical the situation in Congo is, I could only support this resolution as a first step to help the suffering society.

I voted in favour of this recommendation, which approves the conclusion of the EU-Bangladesh agreement, allowing any European airline to operate flights between Bangladesh and the seven EU Member States whose bilateral air services agreements with Bangladesh do not yet allow this (Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, France and Slovakia).
Such an agreement promotes better competition on routes between Member States and the EU for European airlines and European citizens. The EU safety, fuel taxation and compatibility clauses are included in this agreement, making it compatible with our bilateral air services agreements.
Having assessed the potential benefits for the European economy and consumers, I support this recommendation.