Łukasz KOHUT

Recommendation to the Council on EU priorities for the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

Women still face many obstacles in the modern world. Discriminatory laws, physical, economic, social and cultural barriers are only examples. We need to ensure the EU's strong commitment to gender equality. Las but not least, we have to condemn the denial of sexual and reproductive rights. All of those important matters have been taken into account in this document therefore I voted in favour.

World Cancer Day

Cancer is currently one of the most common causes of death in Europe. Health and cancer care as social investment objectives should be much easier achieved through investment in national and regional partnership plans. Moreover, we should have in mind that many patients still face many difficulties in accessing high-quality public healthcare services what has to be urgently changed. For those reasons I voted in favour of the motion for the resolution.

EU strategic defence and security partnerships

We must continue to invest in security and defence. We also need to strengthen our partnerships. It is crucial that we work closely with NATO, the most successful military alliance in modern history. Security and defence partnerships are in place with some countries, and as the standing shadow rapporteur for Iceland, I would like to emphasise how important it is that Iceland is one of those countries. This is why I voted in favour.

Resolution on the continuous Belarusian hybrid attacks against Lithuania

We witness political and military tensions along the EU-Belarus border on a daily basis. As close neighbours of Lukashenka's regime, we are directly affected by these acts. We must clearly point out Belarus’s responsibility. Lukashenka will stop at nothing in its use of various forms of violence — whether through the detention of innocent individuals, such as Andrzej Poczobut, or through violations of the territory of EU Member States. We must stand in solidarity with Lithuania, which has been particularly affected by numerous hybrid attacks. For these reasons, I voted in favour of this motion for a resolution.

Military mobility

Military mobility is an absolutely essential enabler of common European security and defence. As the European Union, we must significantly strengthen our security and defence preparedness in light of the deteriorating geopolitical environment, in particular Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. We must become more self-reliant and strengthen our own capabilities, rather than depending solely on our allies. Strengthening Europe’s defence readiness is essential not only for deterrence and territorial defence, but also for the protection of citizens, democratic institutions and critical infrastructure. For these reasons, I consider this resolution a necessary step.

Resolution on the European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion’

The right to legal abortion is a fundamental right. We must stand with women and protect their reproductive rights. Their health, access to medical services, adequate funding and legal liability must all be taken into consideration. I am very satisfied that I was able to vote in favour of this resolution. As the European Union, we must stand united, and all Member States should ensure access to safe and legal abortion.

The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation in European competitiveness

I vote in favour of this resolution because I believe simplifying tax is essential for our economy. Predictable and simple tax may help taxpayers to execute their obligation to pay taxes. Harmonisation and simplifying tax compliance across the European Union will help achieving a true single market. We should focus on administrative simplification and elimination of overlapping tax rules. Lastly, digitalisation – advancing digitalisation helps simplify tax administration.

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

Russia's violations of the EU Member States’ airspace and critical infrastructure are absolutely unacceptable. Solidary, unity and enhanced coordination should be the aim of all members of the European Union. Russian military provocations and acts of hybrid warfare are getting stronger. We have to increase the effectiveness and impact of sanctions. We have to work together, united, and we have to stand up against Russia. This motion for resolution underlines all the important measures we have to undertake – this is why I was in favour.

Role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model

Promoting physical activity is crucial. We need to increase investment in the school infrastructures. Sport can have the preventive role in addressing the social isolation or radicalisation of young people. We should promote social dialogue in sport as a key decision‑making process. We should also remember about athletes and their more and more demanding calendar. Supporting athletes' rights is another part of what we should be working on. This is why I voted in favour.

A new vision for the European Universities alliances

I absolutely agree that young people should have more, with a real impact on their development. I believe the European Universities alliances have the leverage effect in transformation processes in higher education. As a big supporter of the Erasmus+ programme, I am happy to acknowledge the significant increase in the number of mobility projects involving students. These projects are great opportunities, which can also be potentially life-changing. This is why I decided to vote in favour.

Resolution on the situation in Colombia after the wave of recent terrorist attacks

I was in favour of the motion for the resolution. Political violence cannot be accepted anytime. I agree that actions that deepen polarisation must be avoided. I strongly agree Colombian authorities should investigate cartel financing and prosecute collaborators. Combating organised crime in Colombia helps combat transnational crime too.

Resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference

The outcome of the referendum held on 20 October 2024 confirmed that EU accession would be enshrined into Republic of Moldova's constitution. I am in favour of Republic of Moldova's accession. We must remember that Russia is still trying to have the influence in that country. It is trying to share its propaganda and information operations there. All of Russia's actions must be highly condemned. We have to stand in solidarity with people of the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, I was in favour of the resolution on strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian hybrid threats and malign interference.

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye

Perspektywa europejska dla Turcji powinna być bardziej realna. Ankara jest ważnym partnerem dla Europy w takich obszarach strategicznych jak migracja czy obronność. Współpraca strategiczna na Morzu Czarnym oraz wspólne projekty zbrojeniowe są przyszłością. Jednakże ta perspektywa nie będzie stawać się coraz bardziej realna, jeśli Turcja nie będzie podejmować wysiłków w obszarze praw człowieka i demokracji. W związku z powyższym wstrzymałem się od głosu.

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

Głosowałem za przyjęciem sprawozdania w sprawie realizacji wspólnej polityki zagranicznej i bezpieczeństwa. Dzięki wysiłkom polskiej delegacji EPP dodano do projektu ważną poprawkę o Tarczy Wschód i Linii Bałtyckiej, jako flagowych projektach unijnej polityki zagranicznej i bezpieczeństwa. Wspólna polityka Europy w tych obszarach odrywa kluczową rolę, dlatego głosowałem za sprawozdaniem.

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

Głosowałem za przyjęciem sprawozdania w sprawie realizacji wspólnej polityki bezpieczeństwa i obrony. W tym sprawozdaniu została uwzględniona moja poprawka wzywająca rząd węgierski do odblokowania 450 milionów euro dla Polski z EPF. Środki te należą się Polsce z budżetu unijnego z tytułu przekazanej pomocy dla Ukrainy. Nie ma zgody na prorosyjskie działania Orbana, które uderzają w interes Polski.

Resolution on the white paper on the future of European defence

Europa musi wzmocnić swoje zdolności obronne − nie ma czasu do stracenia! Potrzebne są natychmiastowe działania na poziomie unijnym w celu ochrony północno-wschodniej granicy Polski przed zagrożeniami wojskowymi i hybrydowymi. Ponadto unijna polityka bezpieczeństwa, która jest spójna z NATO, wymaga większych środków w budżecie. Bezsprzecznie państwa członkowskie powinny dążyć do zwiększenia wydatków na obronność, idąc za przykładem Polski, do 5% PKB. Poparłem tę rezolucję, bo wierzę, że tylko działając razem możemy zapewnić trwałe, bezpieczeństwo Europie. Więcej europejskich czołgów - mniej unijnej biurokracji.

Assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme

Program „Horyzont Europa” to kluczowe narzędzie wzmacniania europejskiej innowacyjności, konkurencyjności i niezależności technologicznej. Jako największy na świecie publiczny fundusz na badania i rozwój odgrywa strategiczną rolę w budowaniu silniejszej i bardziej zjednoczonej Europy. Inwestycje w naukę i nowe technologie są nie tylko fundamentem gospodarki opartej na wiedzy, ale także odpowiedzią na globalne wyzwania, przed którymi stoi Unia. Powinniśmy zwiększać budżet przyszłych programów badawczych, aby Europa mogła konkurować z największymi światowymi graczami. Szczególną rolę odgrywa wsparcie dla transformacji cyfrowej. Innowacyjna Europa to przyszłość! W związku z powyższym poparłem tę rezolucję.