Skriftlige stemmeforklaringer Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

I decided to uphold this resolution, as safeguarding the EU fundamental values must remain a core priority for the Union. The conditionality mechanism is an essential tool to ensure that all Member States respect the rule of law and that breaches affecting the management of EU funds are addressed with transparency and effectiveness. By emphasising clarity of procedures, improved transparency, meaningful deterrence and strengthened parliamentary scrutiny, this resolution reinforces confidence in the mechanism and promotes fairness across the Union. Robust respect for the rule of law not only protects the EU’s financial interests but also underpins democratic cohesion, legal certainty and mutual trust among Member States. Parliament’s commitment to these principles strengthens the integrity and credibility of the EU as a whole

I voted in favour of the regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas because it marks a decisive step towards greater EU energy independence and security. The legislation introduces a legally binding, phased ban on both liquefied natural gas and pipeline gas from Russia, helping end long-standing dependency on a supplier that has repeatedly weaponised energy exports for political leverage. Under the agreed timeline, spot-market Russian gas will be banned as soon as the regulation enters into force, with a complete phase-out of pipeline gas by autumn 2027, strengthening the resilience and diversification of the EU energy market.

I decided to cast my vote in favour of the amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation because the adopted changes provide businesses with an additional year to comply with the regulation and simplify requirements, especially for micro and small operators, reducing administrative burdens without weakening environmental standards. By clarifying due diligence responsibilities, focusing on the operators that first place products on the EU market, and extending timelines, we strengthen legal certainty and support smoother rollout of the law across supply chains. These adjustments help ensure that the necessary IT systems and enforcement mechanisms are fully prepared, ultimately enhancing effectiveness.

I voted in favour of the Parliament’s report on the proposal to amend the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking because it strengthens the EU’s strategic capacity in cutting‑edge digital infrastructure, research and innovation. The updated regulation expands the Joint Undertaking’s mandate to support world‑class supercomputing, AI gigafactories, and quantum technologies, broadening access for researchers, SMEs, and industry across the Union. By reinforcing investment in high‑performance computing and related technologies, this legislation enhances Europe’s technological sovereignty, competitiveness and ability to lead globally in data‑driven innovation. It also ensures that infrastructure development integrates environmental sustainability, security and interoperability, while aligning with broader EU digital and research priorities.

I voted in favour of this resolution because Europe can no longer afford decades of underinvestment in its defence capabilities. The sharp decline in military assets and the estimated €800 billion investment gap clearly demonstrate the urgency of rebuilding a credible European defence and a resilient industrial base. The ReArm Europe plan is a necessary response to an increasingly hostile security environment, but funding ambitions must be matched with practical solutions for defence industries. The report rightly highlights the structural barriers preventing defence companies from accessing finance, including fragmented markets, lengthy procurement procedures, and limited access to capital. By addressing these obstacles and complementing the Commission’s proposals with additional, evidence-based recommendations, Parliament urges to strengthen Europe’s capacity to invest, innovate and cooperate more effectively. A credible European defence is essential for strategic autonomy, collective security and the Union’s ability to act decisively in support of peace and stability.

I voted in favour of the resolution urging the European Commission to propose robust EU rules on algorithmic management at work because it calls for mandatory human oversight of all decisions taken or supported by algorithmic management systems, including recruitment, pay changes, contract renewals and disciplinary measures, ensuring that humans remain ultimately responsible. Workers must be informed about the use of these systems, the data they process, and have the right to explanations and reviews of automated decisions. Crucially, it proposes strong data protection safeguards by banning the processing of sensitive personal information such as emotional, private or off-duty data. Ultimately, this resolution promotes a human-centred digital transition that upholds both innovation and fundamental rights in the workplace.

I voted in favour of the European Parliament’s endorsement of the European Citizens’ initiative My Voice, My Choice because it reflects the voice of over 1.2 million EU citizens calling for equal access to safe and legal abortion care regardless of borders. This resolution urges the European Commission to consider establishing a voluntary, solidarity-based financial mechanism enabling Member States that choose to participate to support people who cannot access abortion care in their home country. Access to reproductive healthcare remains uneven across the Union, creating legal and practical barriers with serious health and social consequences for many women. By responding to this citizens’ initiative, Parliament both strengthens participatory democracy at EU level and highlights EU commitment to fundamental sexual and reproductive health and rights.

I decided to cast my vote in favour of this proposal, as it provides an essential safeguard framework to ensure that trade liberalisation under the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement does not undermine the Union’s most sensitive agricultural sectors. The proposal strengthens the EU’s capacity to respond swiftly and proportionately where imports from Mercosur countries cause, or threaten to cause, serious injury to EU producers. European farmers have consistently raised legitimate concerns regarding market stability and fair competition. This Regulation addresses those concerns by establishing clear procedures, strict timelines and objective criteria for activating safeguard measures, thereby offering legal certainty and predictability.

I voted in favour of the decision to strengthen EU support for defence investment because it represents a crucial step in enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy and security in a deteriorating geopolitical environment. This package, part of the ReArm Europe plan, amends major EU funding programmes to channel existing resources more effectively towards defence-related investment, including dual-use technologies and infrastructure, thereby reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. The adopted measures also extend support to small and medium-sized enterprises and ensure Ukraine’s participation in the European Defence Fund, demonstrating solidarity and practical cooperation with a key partner facing ongoing aggression.

I voted in favour of this resolution, because it provides necessary legal and financial clarity following significant geopolitical and economic challenges, including the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and subsequent economic shocks. The adjustment aligns the Brexit Adjustment Reserve with the mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework and ensures consistency in allocations to Member States, reinforcing cohesion policy and supporting affected regions. By adopting this text without amendments, Parliament enhances legal certainty and maintains the integrity of EU financial instruments designed to address the adverse effects of Brexit and related crises.