Brexit

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Debate: Tuesday

Vote: Wednesday

The British government has still not come up with a coherent proposal on how to translate December’s political deal into a binding agreement. This is disappointing and doesn’t deal with our concerns regarding the Irish border and citizens’ rights. A hard border in Ireland will not be avoided just by saying it will. Theresa May seems to want special treatment for the UK in the future without delivering on her commitments. It seems that the British government is driving us all towards a cliff edge scenario. We therefore call on May to start negotiating in good faith. The draft withdrawal agreement is the minimum required to limit economic and social damage in the Irish border region. And we still need clarification in order to ensure that the rights of the people in the North of Ireland are not diminished. We also oppose any regression on the current rights of EU and UK citizens. Brexit should not turn anyone into a second-class citizen. Finally, whilst the European Parliament text on future relations with the UK includes positive elements, we have some reservations. In particular, we strongly oppose the parts on defense and security.

Gender equality in EU trade agreements

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Debate: Monday

Vote: Tuesday

This report was widely supported by the committees and highlights the fact that EU trade policy hasn’t given gender equality and women’s rights enough consideration - if at all. That needs to change. Our report outlines a concrete plan and sends a clear message to the Commission to both step up its efforts and reformulate its policy in redressing the shortfall.

EU-Comoros fisheries agreement

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Debate: Wednesday

Vote: Thursday

In 30 years of fisheries agreements with the EU, it’s astonishing how few improvements have been made in the Comoros’s monitoring capacity or scientific and technical training for fishermen and observers. We therefore demand that the EU continues to promote technical transfers that will enable the Comoros to develop its fisheries sector and its sovereignty.

EU regions’ role in implementing COP21

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Debate: Monday

Vote: Tuesday

Global warming represents a worldwide threat to our existence and requires a strong and urgent response from all institutions and all citizens. The role that our cities and regions can play is fundamental and we must provide them with greater autonomy so that they can implement objective and effective measures, both on preventing the lowering of standards as well as adapting to climate change.

The EU’s long-term budget

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Debate: Tuesday

Vote: Wednesday

In light of Brexit and the economic impact on the MFF (multiannual financial framework), we need a social Europe. We must use the MFF to safeguards programmes which are dedicated to improving people’s lives, social security, access to secure and quality employment, public services and access to health care and education. But we utterly reject using the MFF to promote the development of an EU military industrial complex. It flies in the face of countries like Ireland which are militarily neutral.

The EU’s long-term budget

By Younous Omarjee

Debate: Tuesday

Vote: Wednesday

At the moment, austerity logic continues to feed negotiations on the future multiannual financial framework 2021-2028. They are resorting to ever more imaginative slogans to hide real budget cuts, for example: “do more with less”, “spend better”, “smart budgetary savings”.... A reworking of the European Union is what is needed - not its budgetary priorities. We do not accept any proposals that sacrifice cohesion policy.

Common Corporate Tax Base

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Debate: Wednesday

Vote: Thursday

I can’t support this proposal. Member states are being asked to transfer further economic powers to the Commission in exchange for the promise that this new system will end the ability of multinationals to shift profits. But major shortcomings in the proposal mean this goal will not be achieved, and profit-shifting outside the EU is not addressed at all.

Common Corporate Tax Base

By Martin Schirdewan

Debate: Wednesday

Vote: Thursday

Unitary taxation can be a suitable means to combat tax dumping by multinationals. Unfortunately, the CCCTB puts more emphasis on catering to the needs of said multinationals than curbing their tax tricks. The absence of a high but effective minimum corporate tax rate could actually lead to an escalation in the race to the bottom for tax rates. This cannot be allowed to happen.