Vytenis Povilas ANDRIUKAITIS

Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations

I voted in favour of this report on the institutional consequences of EU enlargement negotiations. It is time now for the European Union to start reforming and updating its decision-making processes by switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting in different areas. In particular, I welcome the European Parliament's call for targeted Treaty changes that correspond to the current geopolitical reality within and outside the Union. Despite conservative groups removing the reference to the report of Franco-German Working Group on EU institutional reform, 'Sailing on High Seas: Reforming and Enlarging the EU for the 21st Century', which highlights the geostrategic dimension of enlargement, all the other key points adopted during the committee vote were retained in the text. Given the timing and importance of this report and the targeted Treaty change for the upcoming enlargement, I fully support it.

Resolution on the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy

I supported this resolution, as we are observing a democratic and institutional crisis in Serbia, following the Novi Sad tragedy year ago. The absence of transparency and accountability is a consequence of general corruption, shift towards authoritarianism and the problems with the rule of law. This resolution calls for the rightful investigation into the cause of the incident and accountability for those responsible. The text also stands firmly with the Serbian civil society, and especially students, who are demanding democracy and transparency through peaceful protests. The violent repressions against peaceful protesters, media censorship, state-organised intimidations are unacceptable and incompatible with EU values and Serbia’s pro-European aspirations. This resolution sends strong signal to both civil society and the government of Serbia, therefore I supported it.

Resolution on the situation in Belarus, five years after the fraudulent presidential elections

I voted in favour of this resolution because it is our duty to address the criminal, inhumane dictatorship regime of Lukashenka in Belarus. More than five years after the fraudulent 2020 elections, the regime continues to suppress every form of dissent through torture, imprisonment, censorship and fear. Thousands of Belarusians remain political prisoners, including journalists, activists and ordinary citizens who demanded freedom and democracy. The resolution also condemns the complicity and support Lukashenka’s regime in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine It calls for concrete measures against the dictatorship, such as sanctions, support for civil society and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms. The resolution sends a clear signal that Europe will not normalise tyranny, repressions and attacks on civil society.

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

The repeated violations of European airspace by Russian jets and drones are unacceptable. Russia is testing NATO's and the European Union's ability to resist provocation and potential attack. Therefore, we must enhance military coordination, unity and solidarity among Member States. Among other things, this resolution calls for joint command and control centres for any future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or counter‑UAV initiative, as only joint efforts and coordination can strengthen us. In particular, I welcome the explicit call to support Member States along NATO's eastern flank, including Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The European Union and NATO need strong preparedness and unity, and this resolution calls for it. That is why I strongly supported it.

Resolution on the Second World Summit for Social Development

I voted in favour of this resolution because the World Summit for Social Development is an important platform for fostering global dialogue and promoting collaboration. In today's world, which is facing deepening inequalities and environmental changes, we should put people at the centre of policy and make it truly people‑centred. The idea of providing partial debt relief to developing countries to increase their fiscal space could be an important instrument in promoting robust social dialogue, countering increasing inequality and building cohesive societies across the world. Bearing in mind the alignment of this resolution with the goals and priorities of our political group, I supported it.

Resolution on the declaration of principles for a gender-equal society

I voted in favour of this resolution because the issue of gender equality in the European Union has not yet been resolved. Gender equality is fundamental to building a fair and just society. The level of women’s rights in a society is an indicator of its democracy. Therefore, we must continue to work to protect and advance women’s rights, not only with regard to abortion and the right to motherhood, but also in terms of labour rights, career development and professional growth. Given the crucial importance of this declaration for a democratic society, I welcomed and supported it.

Role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model

I voted in favour of this resolution because sport has traditionally been an important part of Europeans' lives. Data proves that sport is beneficial as a preventive measure against various diseases, and also boosts social value by reducing financial and capacity pressure on medical systems. The resolution sets clear goals and objectives to promote the European Sport Model, such as fostering inclusiveness, promoting European values and solidarity, and focusing on inclusive stakeholder governance. I support the European Union's stronger engagement in promoting European sport. The time for action on the European Sport Model has come, which is why I supported this resolution.

Resolution on Gaza at breaking point: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution

I voted in favour of this resolution because it is important to emphasise upholding international law and respecting human life, as well as the right to self-defence. However, the scale of the destruction in Gaza, where tens of thousands of lives have been lost, including thousands of children, demands that the EU speak out urgently and with moral clarity. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached breaking point. We are facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with famine threatening countless lives and at least 94 % of hospitals having been damaged or destroyed. The European Union must ensure that vital food, water and medical supplies reach the affected population safely and without obstruction. At the same time, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages is essential, both as a humanitarian necessity and as a key step towards achieving a two-state solution. The EU must use its diplomatic leverage to promote dialogue, mutual recognition and a concrete political horizon where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security and dignity.

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

Unfortunately, I had to vote against this resolution because it does not reflect the balanced, constructive approach that Colombia and its citizens need right now. Rather than addressing the country's genuine challenges, the text, driven by right-wing groups, risks fuelling further polarisation just months before the elections. The resolution irresponsibly links President Petro’s policies to the increase in violence, including the tragic assassination of Senator Uribe. Most damagingly of all, the resolution undermines both the 2016 peace agreement and President Petro’s Total Peace initiative. These are vital frameworks for ending violence and building lasting peace in the region. What Colombia urgently requires is support for its peace process, investigations into recent attacks, stronger protection of human rights and investment in tackling inequality — the root cause of instability. By voting against the resolution, I reaffirmed my support for peace, justice and EU cooperation with Colombia to dismantle criminal organisations and create opportunities for all Colombians.

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

I voted in favour because housing is a fundamental right, yet today's housing crisis is undermining dignity, mobility and social cohesion across Europe. In Lithuania, for example, house prices rose by over 114 % between 2015 and 2023, which highlights the urgent need for practical solutions to address these challenges. This resolution proposes various measures, such as increasing EU cohesion funding for affordable housing, creating an EU investment platform to scale up social, public and not-for-profit housing, renovating homes to reduce energy bills and emissions, and providing targeted support for students and mobile workers. I also supported this text because it couples affordability with sustainability, empowers local authorities and prioritises families. With this all in mind, I welcome the adoption of this resolution.

The future of agriculture and the post-2027 common agricultural policy

This report indicates the direction European farming expects to see from Commission after 2027. In the current geopolitical situation, food security remains essential pillar of the European strategic independence, resilience and preparedness. The report highlights that the future CAP must have its own dedicated, inflation-indexed budget to protect fair income for farmers. It is also important to ensure an equal playing field among farmers across the Member States, therefore the convergence of direct payments within and between Member States are essential for this. We should aim for simplification, clearer eco-schemes and tools that farmers can actually use. With the importance of European farming in mind, I support this report aiming to protect their interests.

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

I supported this resolution because it is important to demonstrate the EU's unwavering support for the Republic of Moldova ahead of the European parliamentary elections. These upcoming elections will determine not only the country’s politics, but also they will also determine the country’s reforms and progress towards EU accession. Moldova is facing an unprecedented level of foreign interference from Russia, including disinformation operations, illicit financing, cyberattacks and blackmailing tactics, all of which aim to destabilise the country and divert it from its European path. I strongly condemn these unacceptable, destructive activities. Furthermore, this resolution calls on the EU and Moldova to accelerate the country’s gradual access to the single market. This will bring tangible socio-economic benefits for both parties before the accession process. By voting in favour, I stand firmly with the citizens of Moldova and their European choice, in the face of unprecedented external threats.

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine

I voted in favour of this resolution because it reaffirms the European Parliament’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing, illegal, unjustified and unprovoked war. Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must not be compromised for the sake of peace, and it is Russia that must withdraw its forces and pay reparations for the devastation it has caused. It is also crucial to support the Ukrainian people as they recover from the brutal attacks they have endured. Since 2022, more than 1 059 medical facilities and at least 1 300 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Russia must pay for the reconstruction of the social and critical infrastructure it has damaged or destroyed. This resolution condemns Russia’s indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on civilians, the assassination of Ukrainian leaders and the continued deportation of children. These actions constitute war crimes and must be investigated by the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and the International Criminal Court. By supporting this resolution, the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s victory, justice, and future full EU membership.