Explanation of Votes

Terrorism

The terrorist attacks which took place in Europe showed that a European response to the threat to fundamental freedoms and democratic values is indispensable. The resolution of the EP on terrorism for which I voted goes in the right direction. But it carries some flaws. It makes erroneous connections between migration and terrorism. It overemphasizes

  • 0
Explanation of Votes

Coordination of social security schemes

Coordinating national social security systems within the single market is a desireable objective. It would help reinforce the social dimension of the freedom of movement in Europe, still understood basically as an economic achievement. From the citizens’ perspective, real freedom of movement should include portable social rights that give access to social security protection in

  • 0
Explanation of Votes

Military mobility

I abstained on the final vote of this report for the following reasons: It does not take into sufficient account the position of the neutral EU member states. It takes for granted the support and association of the EU as a whole in programmes of a military alliance, even when this could be problematic, and

  • 0
Explanation of Votes

European Labour Authority

I voted in favour of Establishing a European Labour Authority because I believe that the EU needs more resources to ensure that its rules on labour mobility are effectively enforced. Further, the EP’s amendments to the Commission’s proposal as regards the introduction of specific references to recognised Union sectoral social partners, representing sectors particularly concerned

  • 0
Explanation of Votes

WTO: the way forward

I have voted in favour of the report because it pushes for a clarification of World Trade Organization rules and for reform of the processes by which to negotiate and settle international trade disputes. This has become an urgent priority since the US administration disrupted the rules of multilateral global trade. The EU should strive

  • 0