Thomas BAJADA

The 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies

I voted in favour of the Parliament’s report on the 28th Regime, a new legal framework for innovative companies, because I believe that a discussion on a 28th EU regime for companies can help new and innovative businesses remain, scale up, and grow in Europe’s Single Market. I am particularly in favour the Parliament’s approach, because participation in the regime is voluntary. Equally important is that employment law should not fall within the scope of this regime. Both principles must be kept. At the same time, I wish to clearly express my opposition to the inclusion of tax matters within this proposed legal framework. Any new proposals concerning the taxation of company profits fall within an area that requires unanimity among Member States. As such, a differentiated approach would be necessary, and tax issues should not be addressed through this initiative.

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

Bħal m'għamilt b'mod konsistenti dwar is-suġġett tal-abort, mill-jum li fih ġejt elett, qed nirreġistra astensjoni fuq ir-riżoluzzjonijiet kollha ppreżentati llum. Nibqa' impenjat u nsostni b'ċertezza l-prinċipju li nemmen fih: li diskussjonijiet dwar l-abort f'Malta għandhom isiru bla aġendi politiċi, bla polarizazzjoni u b'rispett profond lejn ir-realtajiet soċjali u etiċi tagħna. Din dejjem kienet il-pożizzjoni tiegħi, u nibqa' konvint li huwa essenzjali li nħarsu djalogu nazzjonali li hu onest, inklussiv u liberu minn pressjonijiet jew sfruttament politiku. Fl-istess waqt, irrid inkun ċar: jien kompletament kontra li nisa f'Malta jiġu meqjusa kriminali u jintbagħtu l-ħabs għax ikunu għaddew minn abort. L-ebda mara m'għandha taffaċċja konsegwenzi kriminali għal deċiżjoni daqshekk personali – u li ħafna drabi, tkun waħda trawmatika. Il-kompassjoni, id-dinjità u l-appoġġ f'każijiet ta' kumplikazzjonijiet ta' saħħa għandhom imexxu l-ħidma tagħna ma' dawn il-persuni. Astensjoni m'għandhiex tiġi interpretata bħala reżistenza għall-progress, u lanqas bħala indifferenza. Hija riflessjoni ta' pożizzjoni bilanċjata u prinċipju konsistenti lejn: - ix-xewqa ta' dibattitu nazzjonali, sensittiv u sovran f'Malta; - ir-rispett li dan is-suġġett ma jintużax bħala ballun politiku u; - il-ħarsien tal-mara mill-kriminalizzazzjoni u l-assigurazzjoni tal-benesseri tagħhom. Nibqa' impenjat lejn djalogu nazzjonali kostruttiv u sovran, imsejjes fuq l-empatija u r-responsabbiltà, fejn dejjem inpoġġu l-benesseri tal-bniedem fiċ-ċentru ta' ħidmietna.

Gender Equality Strategy 2025

I unequivocally endorse and actively support this report’s forward-looking and comprehensive vision for equality, fairness and empowerment of women and girls across Europe. It rightly underlines the urgent need to eliminate discrimination, secure equal pay, and strengthen women’s participation in leadership, education and employment. Yet, certain elements of the text address matters of profound ethical sensitivity, particularly the topic of safe and legal abortion. Malta is currently facing a deeply sensitive and divisive debate. I respect constituents that hold strong views on this issue – whether shaped by faith or by belief in bodily autonomy. We must acknowledge the sincerity and conviction on both sides. Such matters deserve an open discussion at a national level – free from fear, slogans, and partisanship, but rooted in mutual respect and through an objective and scientific consultation process. Every voice must be heard – not silenced – away from divisive beliefs and political manoeuvring. While I fully support the overarching goals of the report, I abstained on sections specifically related to abortion, and consequently, on the final vote. My abstention represents a principled stance for balance: safeguarding women’s rights across Europe, while upholding the need for inclusive, informed and nationally grounded dialogue on sensitive ethical matters.

2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine

I voted against the 2023 and 2024 reports on Ukraine because of two major issues. Firstly, the report calls for the removal of unanimity in Council and the introduction of qualified majority voting in the foreign affairs area. I cannot accept the dwindling of power of individual Member States in the EU decision-making process on such important matters. This would be particularly detrimental for smaller Member States like mine. Secondly, I cannot support the report’s recommendations for EU military aid to Ukraine. Such a stance conflicts with the constitutional principles of neutral Member States. This fundamental consideration must be considered when shaping institutional positions on the matter.

Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum

Malta is currently facing a deeply sensitive and divisive debate on whether to permit the legal termination of a pregnancy. This is not an abstract issue, as it touches our most deeply held values, beliefs, and personal experiences. I acknowledge the June 2024 amendments to national law, which allowed for termination when a woman’s life or health is at risk. I have deep respect for those who, in my constituency, hold strong views on this issue, whether shaped by faith, or by belief in bodily autonomy. We must acknowledge the sincerity and conviction on both sides. However, I believe Malta needs a space for open discussion – free from fear, slogans, and partisanship, but rooted in mutual respect, through an objective and scientific consultation process, where every voice is heard – not silenced – and away from divisive beliefs and political manoeuvring. The report voted on today included crucial elements on access to care, prevention, and health rights. Whilst supporting the whole package, I abstained on the paragraph relating to abortion. I believe that, as a politician, taking a definitive position at this moment risks deepening division within Maltese society. My vote reflects a call to moving beyond politics and ensuring that voices are heard through dialogue, not polarisation.

Resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

I voted in favour of the resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia because I share the Parliament’s concerns about the fairness of the parliamentary elections held on 26 October 2024. Yet, I also wish to emphasise the necessity that any decision related to the political direction of the country reflects the will of Georgian citizens. This should include any decision on the country’s direction towards European integration, as well as any military alliance the country might wish to opt for. Such decision should be free from external pressure or interference in respect to Georgian sovereignty. All major powers, including the European Union, should allow for a free debate in the country and for Georgian citizens to reach their own verdict. In conclusion, I share the resolution’s concerns regarding the destabilisation of Georgia’s democratic institutions, while hoping that future debates and exchanges will focus on the stabilisation of the country and on how the Union can assist the country, and its people, in realising its aspirations.

Resolution on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia

The world has been witnessing appalling atrocities committed against Ukrainian civilians by the Russian army and allied militias throughout the past thousand days. From this perspective, I condemn any form of military aggression, especially when it indiscriminately targets civilian populations. On the other hand, one gets the impression that the players in the conflict are ignoring all possible means of a peaceful resolution. I strongly believe that the EU, as well as all Western States, should strive towards peace and diplomacy, thereby refraining from any acts that could potentially lead to escalation. Moreover, as a representative of a population that enshrines neutrality in its Constitution, I find the resolution’s call for an obligation on all EU Member States to commit to militarily supporting Ukraine with no less than 0.25 % of their GDP to be highly problematic. Such an obligation would create constitutional problems for Malta and any Member State with a similar approach to foreign affairs. The Maltese people have always upheld global diplomacy as the best means of conflict resolution, above all other acts of armed war. Therefore, while solidly agreeing with some important points within the resolution, I was obliged to vote against certain amendments and on the resolution as a whole.