Γραπτές αιτιολογήσεις ψήφου Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS

I voted in favour of this resolution, which sets out the European Parliament's priorities for the 2026 EU budget. It is important to ensure that the European Parliament's voice, representing the citizens, is heard. I supported the final text because it incorporated key priorities, including the continuation of the Green Deal, a reference to the European Pillar of Social Rights and climate neutrality goals. Having incorporated important priorities that take into account citizens' rights and freedoms and climate goals into the Parliament's position for the upcoming budget, I supported this resolution.

I voted in favour of this report on the institutional consequences of EU enlargement negotiations. It is time now for the European Union to start reforming and updating its decision-making processes by switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting in different areas.
In particular, I welcome the European Parliament's call for targeted Treaty changes that correspond to the current geopolitical reality within and outside the Union. Despite conservative groups removing the reference to the report of Franco-German Working Group on EU institutional reform, 'Sailing on High Seas: Reforming and Enlarging the EU for the 21st Century', which highlights the geostrategic dimension of enlargement, all the other key points adopted during the committee vote were retained in the text. Given the timing and importance of this report and the targeted Treaty change for the upcoming enlargement, I fully support it.

I supported this resolution, as we are observing a democratic and institutional crisis in Serbia, following the Novi Sad tragedy year ago. The absence of transparency and accountability is a consequence of general corruption, shift towards authoritarianism and the problems with the rule of law. This resolution calls for the rightful investigation into the cause of the incident and accountability for those responsible. The text also stands firmly with the Serbian civil society, and especially students, who are demanding democracy and transparency through peaceful protests. The violent repressions against peaceful protesters, media censorship, state-organised intimidations are unacceptable and incompatible with EU values and Serbia’s pro-European aspirations. This resolution sends strong signal to both civil society and the government of Serbia, therefore I supported it.

I voted in favour of this resolution because it is our duty to address the criminal, inhumane dictatorship regime of Lukashenka in Belarus. More than five years after the fraudulent 2020 elections, the regime continues to suppress every form of dissent through torture, imprisonment, censorship and fear. Thousands of Belarusians remain political prisoners, including journalists, activists and ordinary citizens who demanded freedom and democracy.
The resolution also condemns the complicity and support Lukashenka’s regime in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine It calls for concrete measures against the dictatorship, such as sanctions, support for civil society and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms. The resolution sends a clear signal that Europe will not normalise tyranny, repressions and attacks on civil society.

The repeated violations of European airspace by Russian jets and drones are unacceptable. Russia is testing NATO's and the European Union's ability to resist provocation and potential attack.
Therefore, we must enhance military coordination, unity and solidarity among Member States. Among other things, this resolution calls for joint command and control centres for any future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or counter‑UAV initiative, as only joint efforts and coordination can strengthen us.
In particular, I welcome the explicit call to support Member States along NATO's eastern flank, including Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The European Union and NATO need strong preparedness and unity, and this resolution calls for it. That is why I strongly supported it.

I voted in favour of this resolution because the World Summit for Social Development is an important platform for fostering global dialogue and promoting collaboration. In today's world, which is facing deepening inequalities and environmental changes, we should put people at the centre of policy and make it truly people‑centred.
The idea of providing partial debt relief to developing countries to increase their fiscal space could be an important instrument in promoting robust social dialogue, countering increasing inequality and building cohesive societies across the world.
Bearing in mind the alignment of this resolution with the goals and priorities of our political group, I supported it.

I voted in favour of this resolution because the issue of gender equality in the European Union has not yet been resolved.
Gender equality is fundamental to building a fair and just society. The level of women’s rights in a society is an indicator of its democracy. Therefore, we must continue to work to protect and advance women’s rights, not only with regard to abortion and the right to motherhood, but also in terms of labour rights, career development and professional growth.
Given the crucial importance of this declaration for a democratic society, I welcomed and supported it.

I supported the European Commission's proposal to simplify certain provisions of the CAP.
This simplification package provides support for European farmers in the form of increased support for small farmers, improved crisis support and a doubling of the annual payment ceiling to EUR 5 000.
With this proposal, we ensured that the principle of social conditionality was not diluted, thereby guaranteeing a decent wage for farm workers across the Member States.
This simplification helps solve the issue of permanent grasslands, which is especially important to farmers in Lithuania.
Overall, this CAP simplification is beneficial to farmers, which is why I supported it. However, I would like to emphasise that the European Commission should keep working on equalising the direct payments to farmers, no matter their country of origin.

I voted in favour of the Commission's proposal to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain.
The key provisions such as stricter wording on mandatory written contracts for agricultural products, including inflation and remuneration for farmers' total costs, and additional services in the product price were secured in the text. It is important to note that, in the event of a disagreement between the two parties, there will be the option of mediation mechanisms available in each Member State.
There are also positive outcomes for organic farmers, who will be eligible for compensation for lost income when they have to sell their products as conventional due to a lack of market demand. As this legislation has been long awaited by our farmers and is intended to help them in a tangible way, I voted in favour.

I voted in favour of extending the derogation for zero‑emission heavy‑duty vehicles.
It is important to increase the amount of zero‑emission vehicles in the fleet for the green transition, however the ownership price and the upfront investment costs still remain high.
This proposal therefore allows Member States to grant financial exemptions and reductions in infrastructure and user charges for zero‑emission vehicles.
As the current proposal ends on 31 December 2025, this extension will allow for an additional derogation of 6.5 years until 30 June 2031.
This additional time should enable countries and manufacturers to prepare more effectively to find ways to make heavy‑duty zero‑emission vehicles more affordable for the operators.
I therefore support this exemption, but I would like to emphasise that the industry and Member States must do their part to ensure that the transition to zero‑emission vehicles across Europe becomes a reality by 2031.