Eva MAYDELL

Gender Equality Strategy 2025

I supported the report outlining Parliament’s recommendations for the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The text recognises the continuing challenges faced by women across the EU and calls for reinforced action to prevent and combat gender-based violence, promote equality in the labour market and address persistent gaps in pay, skills, and career progression. It also emphasises the importance of improving access to education and digital opportunities for girls and women, strengthening work-life balance and tackling health inequalities affecting women. The report further highlights the need to ensure equal participation in political and public life, integrate the gender dimension into external action and address the growing backlash against gender equality, including online hate speech. Although certain elements of the text raised concerns regarding their scope and approach, I supported the report’s overall aim of strengthening gender equality across EU policies.

Resolution on renewing the EU-Africa Partnership: building common priorities ahead of the Angola Summit

I supported the resolution on renewing the EU-Africa Partnership ahead of the Angola Summit. The text underlines the importance of building a relationship based on equality, mutual respect and shared priorities, addressing key challenges such as peace and security, trade, climate action and sustainable development. It highlights the need for stronger cooperation in promoting stability, tackling the root causes of conflict and supporting Africa’s economic transformation through fair trade and investment frameworks. The resolution also stresses that EU policies must uphold human rights, democratic governance and the principles of the UN Charter. I believe a renewed partnership should be forward-looking, centred on common interests and designed to foster resilience, social progress and sustainable growth for both continents.

Resolution on the UN Climate Change Conference 2025 in Belém, Brazil (COP30)

I supported the resolution ahead of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém. The text reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and stresses the urgency of accelerating global action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. It calls for stronger NDCs, the phase-out of fossil fuels, and increased renewable energy and energy efficiency targets. The resolution also underlines the need for adequate climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, and highlights the importance of a just transition that supports competitiveness, social fairness and global cooperation. It recognises the essential role of science, innovation and partnerships in achieving the EU’s climate objectives. COP30 offers an opportunity to restore trust in multilateralism and to translate global commitments into concrete, measurable progress.

A new legislative framework for products that is fit for the digital and sustainable transition

I supported the report on a new legislative framework for products that is fit for the digital and sustainable transition. The initiative highlights the need to modernise the existing framework to reflect technological and environmental developments while ensuring that EU product rules remain coherent, enforceable and future-oriented. Strengthening product compliance, enhancing traceability through digital tools such as the Digital Product Passport, and improving cooperation between authorities are essential to maintaining consumer safety and market trust. The report also rightly stresses the importance of supporting circular and sustainable business models, ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers from unsafe or non-compliant products. Overall, the proposal represents an important step towards a more resilient, transparent and competitive internal market that supports the twin digital and green transitions while upholding high standards for safety and sustainability.

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

I voted in favour of this report because a simple and predictable tax framework is essential for strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and supporting growth. Businesses, especially small and medium‑sized enterprises, face increasing administrative burdens when operating across borders, and greater tax coordination can help reduce costs and uncertainty. The report rightly highlights the need to simplify tax rules, promote digitalisation and improve cooperation between Member States. Streamlining reporting obligations and using digital tools, including AI‑based solutions, can make tax compliance more efficient and transparent. This will allow companies to focus on innovation and investment rather than excessive paperwork. At the same time, coordinated action remains important to prevent tax evasion and ensure fair competition across the internal market. A more coherent approach to taxation will help create a business environment that supports competitiveness, attracts investment and strengthens Europe’s capacity for sustainable growth.

Resolution on the situation in Afghanistan: supporting women and communities affected by the recent earthquakes

I voted in favour of this resolution because the situation in Afghanistan remains deeply alarming, particularly for women and girls who continue to face systematic discrimination and exclusion. The recent earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar have further worsened the humanitarian crisis and many families are still struggling to access basic shelter, food and healthcare. The resolution calls for urgent humanitarian assistance and insists that women must be able to participate fully in relief efforts and public life. It also urges the Taliban to lift all restrictions on education, employment and movement, and to allow female humanitarian workers to carry out their duties safely. The European Union and its Member States remain among the leading providers of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Continued support, delivered through trusted partners, is essential to help those in need. At the same time, the EU must continue to defend human rights, accountability and the dignity of all Afghan citizens.

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

I voted in favour of this resolution because the repeated Russian violations of EU and NATO airspace, drone incursions and hybrid attacks against critical infrastructure represent a direct threat to European security and sovereignty. Such actions endanger lives, undermine international norms and are part of Russia’s systematic campaign of aggression and destabilisation. The resolution calls for a coordinated and proportionate European response, including closer cooperation with NATO and better protection of our airspace and infrastructure. Strengthening our defence capabilities, developing counter‑drone systems and ensuring better coordination between civilian and military structures are necessary steps to safeguard our citizens. I also support the call to tighten sanctions against Russia and its enablers, and to reinforce cooperation with Ukraine on defence technologies and innovation. A strong, united and determined Europe is essential to deter future aggression and to uphold the principles of sovereignty, stability and peace across our continent.

Resolution on the Second World Summit for Social Development

I voted in favour of this report because the Second World Summit for Social Development provides an opportunity for the European Union to reaffirm its commitment to social progress, inclusion and sustainable growth. The EU’s contribution should reflect a balanced approach that combines social justice with economic competitiveness and responsibility. This resolution underlines the importance of implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and aligning our goals with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I support efforts to reduce poverty, improve access to quality employment and education, and strengthen social protection systems while avoiding unnecessary new legislative burdens. Promoting equal opportunities, investing in skills and ensuring that transitions – whether digital, demographic or green – remain fair and inclusive are essential for Europe’s long‑term prosperity. The EU’s social model, based on solidarity and opportunity, remains a benchmark worldwide, and the summit offers a chance to strengthen Europe’s leadership in promoting sustainable and human‑centred development globally.

EU political strategy on Latin America

I voted in favour of this report as it outlines a balanced and forward‑looking strategy for strengthening relations between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. The two regions are connected by long‑standing economic, cultural and political ties, and share a commitment to democracy, human rights and international cooperation. The report calls for a more active European engagement, particularly through the Global Gateway initiative, closer economic partnerships and enhanced cooperation on digital transformation, security and sustainable development. It also highlights the importance of concluding agreements such as the EU‑Mercosur deal to promote trade and investment based on shared standards. This approach reinforces the EU’s role as a predictable and reliable partner in a complex global environment. Deepening relations with Latin American countries will help strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness and contribute to a more stable and cooperative international order.

Role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model

I supported the report on the European Sport Model because it underlines how sport contributes to Europe’s social fabric, public health and sense of community. Sport is more than competition – it builds character, promotes inclusion and strengthens the values that unite us. The report encourages a long‑term approach that protects these principles from excessive commercialisation and keeps sport accessible to everyone. It also highlights the need to invest in children and young people through better school facilities, quality physical education and local sport initiatives. I especially welcome the call to support volunteers and grassroots organisations that keep sport alive in every community. The report also addresses key challenges such as safeguarding athletes’ rights, ensuring gender equality, and tackling doping, violence and match‑fixing. By reaffirming solidarity and fairness as guiding principles, it helps ensure that sport in Europe continues to inspire, connect and promote opportunity for all.