Andrey NOVAKOV

EU strategic defence and security partnerships

The complexities of the volatile security environment require the EU to forge stronger, sustainable and tailored partnerships with global like-minded partners. Previous strategic documents have been calling on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with bilateral, regional and multilateral parties. Therefore, this report welcomes the Security and Defence Partnerships (SDPs) which the EU has concluded so far with third countries in Europe and beyond. These seek to frame the scope of cooperation between the EU and the party concerned among different areas of competences and capabilities within the remit of security and defence. Among them are counterterrorism, managing cyberthreats, cooperation on maritime security, working on space and disruptive technologies, and enhancing interoperability. SDPs are a tool which strengthens the EU’s standing as a respectable and engaged global actor. They enhance EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy while being fully complementary to NATO. I voted in favour of the text.

Military mobility

Geopolitical instabilities require the EU to be ready to respond swiftly and decisively along its external borders. Recent developments have drawn attention to military mobility, defence readiness, deterrence, resilience and interoperability, highlighting the urgent need for rapid cross-border movement of troops, equipment and assets. Apart from being an essential enabler to credible defence capabilities, military mobility aspects have dual-use functionality pertaining to humanitarian aid, improved regional transportation links, enhancement of the pan-European network and better connectivity across EU countries by rail, road, waterways, sea and air. This report underlines the strategic need for investments in the four EU priority military mobility corridors: – the northern, eastern, central southern and central northern corridors. Therefore, it welcomes the proposed increase in the budget for military mobility in the forthcoming MFF. Furthermore, the report calls for a comprehensive approach to military logistics, including security of critical infrastructure, transport hubs, maintenance, storage, refuelling, repair and ammunition. It also addresses bottlenecks and strategic shortcomings, insists on simplified procedures for funding of dual-use infrastructure projects, and calls on the Commission to provide a roadmap towards a ‘military Schengen area’. The report was adopted with a wide majority and I voted in favour of it.

Resolution on a united response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States’ airspace and critical infrastructure

A number of Member States recorded violations of their airspace resulting in flight disruptions, damaged infrastructure and economic losses. These deliberate provocations by the Russian Federation follow a clear pattern and seek to divert the attention of NATO and the EU from helping Ukraine. I was entrusted with the responsibility to be the EPP negotiator on a European Parliament resolution addressing this issue. Recent airspace incursions demand a bold response. Therefore, the resolution encourages Member States to take proportionate action, including by shooting down airborne threats. The text calls on increasing the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia, addressing sanctions circumvention, employing frozen assets to the benefit of Ukraine, investing more in defence, creating new institutional mechanisms and making better use of existing ones. The resolution asks the Commission and the Council to develop an action plan of retaliatory measures to reciprocate Russian hybrid warfare in terrestrial, aerial, maritime and digital domains. It welcomes the 'drone wall' initiative, stresses the importance of developing UAV capabilities and underlines the urgent necessity to diversify supply of raw materials. The resolution suggests that Member States modify their NRRPs, amend national regulatory frameworks and be granted exemptions from EU environmental legislation. The text was adopted with an overwhelming majority.

The role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition

The report on the role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition addresses the challenges and opportunities of moving towards climate neutrality by 2050. It stresses that while transition can create jobs and generate innovations, it may also pose the risk of increasing disparities in regions heavily dependent on carbon-intensive industries. The text highlights the importance of the Just Transition Fund and cohesion instruments in supporting reskilling and quality training, as well as in ensuring that smaller regions and communities can have equal access to funding. The report also refers to the need for better coordination between EU funds, investment in housing and public services, and stronger involvement of local and regional authorities in implementation. It suggests simplification of procedures that would ensure a reduction of the administrative burden. The report calls for the establishment of a successor instrument after 2027 to provide continued support for regions undergoing transformation. For those reasons, I voted in favour of the report.

The role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis

The report addresses a fundamental issue affecting many societies across Europe and particularly young people: the growing difficulty in accessing affordable, adequate housing. The report highlights that the housing crisis is not only a social issue but also an economic challenge, which calls for an integrated approach. The report points out that cohesion policy, being one of the Union’s most powerful tools for regional development, should play an active role in supporting housing initiatives that serve the public interest and have long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the report emphasises the implications of the problem both in densely populated areas and in areas of sharp demographic decline such as rural areas, islands, outermost regions and border regions. The report acknowledges the difficulties vulnerable groups are confronted with in their access to adequate housing. It also underlines the importance of the construction sector in the EU. To conclude, the report explores pathways for the cohesion policy to address the housing crisis and calls on the Commission to expand its efforts through a wide array of instruments and initiatives. This report takes a meaningful step toward ensuring better living conditions for Europeans. A wide majority adopted the report and I voted in favour.

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine

The 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine are special in a number of ways, being the first reports to be adopted since the start of the war and since Ukraine obtained the status of a candidate country to the EU. The report highlights that despite the devastating impact of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in advancing on its European path. Notwithstanding the losses on the battlefield, the country has even made progress in some domains. The report takes stock of compliance with the EU pre-accession acquis as well as domestic reforms. The text encourages Ukraine to build on the achievements in the areas of energy, environment, sustainable development and connectivity. Nevertheless, the report underlines that the ongoing war should not be used as an excuse to weaken the reform resolve. The report condemns Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and calls for strengthened European support. It also puts emphasis on ending the Union’s dependence on Russian resources, and pursuing just peace. The European Parliament sends a clear signal that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is both a matter of justice and a strategic investment in the region’s security, stability and resilience. I voted in favour.

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on North Macedonia

The Commission reports on North Macedonia cover the period for 2023 and 2024. In some domains, the country has made some progress along its path toward an accession to the EU. However, there is substantial room for improvement, as many of the previously made recommendations have not been addressed. Therefore, in line with the country’s commitments as officially declared, the European Parliament urges North Macedonia to keep delivering tangible results, especially in the areas of tackling human rights violations, combatting hate crimes, and introducing pressing constitutional changes. Ensuring the protection of the rights and freedoms of Bulgarians in North Macedonia, along with those of other minorities, remains a topic of great concern. Parliament reiterated the importance of a full implementation in good faith of international agreements, including the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria. I voted against the inclusion of any references to a 'Macedonian language and identity' as such formulations are unacceptable for this House and go beyond its mandate. I voted in favour of the report as a whole because the people of North Macedonia deserve a future in the European Union.

Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system

Given the rapid increase in energy consumption as well as the current state and age of some supply chains, the European electricity grids need to undergo a handful of modernisations. This report estimates the significant losses each state bears due to inefficient networks as well as the increasing costs stemming from these losses, and provides a number of possible solutions to the current issues. The document states that there is a need for increased investments in infrastructure in order to improve cross-border capacity as well as to clarify the application procedure for small and medium-sized distribution system operators. Another proposal is to render data on national grid investments easily available, since the current lack of these data is an obstacle to strategic EU grid planning. Furthermore, since the methods used to manage grid connection queues are dissimilar in each Member State, a clearer way to handle projects is needed. In short, the report sets out the necessary improvements needed for the European electrical grid to support the ever-growing need for energy, which is why it has my complete support.

Guidelines for the 2026 budget - Section III

The Report on General Guidelines for the Preparation of the 2026 Budget presents a vision for the upcoming EU budget, which adequately reflects the complexities of the rapidly changing world we live in. The guidelines highlight key aspects pertaining to strategic preparedness, additional investment in security, defence and R&I, land and maritime border protection, competitiveness and economic resilience. Furthermore, the general guidelines on the 2026 budget emphasise targeted support for SMEs, accelerating modernisation and cutting-edge innovation, administrative simplification, and fiscal flexibility in an attempt to guarantee the Union’s strategic autonomy, ensure its self-reliance and ability to respond to crises in the face of global disruptions. Of particular concern for the domains of defence and security are common investment, research, production and procurement mechanisms, including in new disruptive technologies supporting an independent EU defence industry. I voted in favour of the report.

Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024

The Annual Report on the Implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy comes at a moment of deteriorated global security environment. After years of underinvestment in defence, the EU is facing a diverse and complex range of both military and non-military threats. Therefore, the document recognises the changing geopolitical paradigm for European security, outlines new pathways and approaches to EU security, reiterates support for Ukraine and welcomes the recent European Commission initiatives in the domains of defence. The annual report calls for improving EU decision-making on defence issues within the existing institutional framework, encourages increased defence spending and seeks to position the EU as an engaged global security actor, including through defence cooperation and global partnerships. Additionally, it provides recommendations on the main avenues for strengthening policies along several dimensions, including the joint development of military and armament capabilities and the means of financing them. Overall, this first annual report on CSDP under the tenth parliamentary term presents the assessment of the European Parliament on CSDP progress. I voted in favour of it.

Resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence

The European Parliament first called for an EU white paper on security and defence in 2016. The publication of the white paper was announced as one of the first 100 days' priorities of the new EC. The document would seek to address defence sector capability issues, industrial competitiveness and investment needs. It will frame the overall approach to EU defence integration, with the aim of strengthening the EU's ability to respond to threats in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and the increased military capabilities of other global actors. With this resolution on the EU White Paper on security and defence, the EP recognises the turning point that the EU is currently facing given the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War. The resolution calls for increased EU defence readiness and engagement with its security, and to build a true European defence union. Among other priorities, the resolution welcomes the 5-point 'ReArm Europe' plan recently proposed by the Commission. In line with the priorities of the EPP, the EP calls for more financial measures in the defence and security domains, and for continued support for Ukraine. I voted in favour.

Resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

Today we voted on a resolution aimed at strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration. The resolution's purpose is to reiterate Parliament's support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU and its Member States to provide all necessary assistance to the Republic of Moldova to be able to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and it reaffirms the EU’s commitment towards the membership of Moldova in the European Union. Furthermore, the resolution calls for consistent support in the accession process through an increase of technical assistance and the adoption of a new growth plan for the country to support and finance Moldova in achieving economic convergence with the Union. The resolution also calls on the Commission to include Moldova in the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III). I voted in favour of the resolution.

Resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

This resolution is aimed to express deep concern with the situation of democratic backsliding in Georgia, especially ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of October. It calls on the Commission and Member States to investigate the severe consequences of democratic backsliding, given their donor role in Georgia. Furthermore, there is a call on the Commission to assess the impact of Georgia’s recently adopted undemocratic legislation; the implementation of the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the carrying out of the elections. The text urges that the Georgian authorities ensure the elections are conducted in a fair, transparent and free process adhering to international standards and reflecting the democratic will of the people. The resolution sends a further message that the upcoming elections will be decisive in determining Georgia’s future democratic development and geopolitical choice. Additionally, the resolution calls on the Georgian Government to impose sanctions against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine and to continue its previous policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories and honour its commitment to effectively enforce measures to avoid the circumvention of European sanctions. I voted in favour of the resolution.