### 3. the 8th eap forms the basis for achieving the environmental and climate objectives defined under the united nations 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals and its monitoring framework constitutes the environment and climate part of the eu’s efforts to measure progress towards greater sustainability , including climate neutrality and resource efficiency , wellbeing and resilience. ### deleted


### 3. the 8th eap forms the basis for achieving the environmental and climate objectives defined under the united nations 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals and its monitoring framework constitutes the environment and climate part of the eu’s efforts to measure progress towards greater sustainability , including climate neutrality and resource efficiency , wellbeing and resilience. ### 3. the 8th eap forms the basis for achieving the environmental and climate objectives defined under the united nations 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals and its monitoring framework constitutes the environment and climate part of the eu’s efforts and those of its member states to measure progress towards greater sustainability , including climate neutrality and resource efficiency , wellbeing and resilience.


### 1. the 8th eap has the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the planetary boundaries in a regenerative economy where nothing is wasted , no net emissions of greenhouse gases are produced and economic growth is decoupled from resource use and environmental degradation. a healthy environment underpins the well-being of citizens , biodiversity thrives and natural capital is protected , restored and valued in ways that enhance resilience to climate change and other environmental risks. the union sets the pace for ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations globally. ### 1. the 8th eap has the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the planetary boundaries in a regenerative economy where nothing is wasted and economic growth is decoupled from resource use and environmental degradation. a healthy environment underpins the well-being of citizens , biodiversity thrives and natural capital is protected , restored and valued in ways that enhance resilience to climate change and other environmental risks. the union sets the pace for ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations.


### 2. the 8th eap has the following six thematic priority objectives : ### 2. the 8th eap has the following five thematic priority objectives:


### irreversible and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 as laid down in regulation (eu) …/…32; ### deleted


### irreversible and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 as laid down in regulation (eu) …/…32; ### progressive and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 as laid down in regulation (eu) …/…32;


### irreversible and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 as laid down in regulation (eu) …/…32 ; ### irreversible and gradual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by natural and other sinks in the union to attain the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and achieve climate neutrality in the union by 2050 as laid down in regulation (eu) …/…32 ;


### advancing towards a regenerative growth model that gives back to the planet more than it takes , decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation , and accelerating the transition to a circular economy; ### advancing towards a regenerative growth model that gives back to the planet more than it takes , decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation whilst ensuring healthy economic growth and accelerating the transition to a circular economy through more effective use of resources and the adoption of a waste hierarchy;


### pursuing a zero-pollution ambition for a toxic free-environment , including for air , water and soil , and protecting the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts; ### pursuing a lowest-possible-pollution ambition for a toxic free-environment , including for air , water and soil , and protecting the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and negative impacts;


### promoting environmental sustainability and reducing key environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption , in particular in the areas of energy , industrial development , buildings and infrastructure , mobility and the food system. ### promoting environmental sustainability , in particular in the areas of energy , industrial development , buildings and infrastructure , mobility and the food system.


### ensuring effective and efficient implementation of union legislation on environment and climate and striving for excellence in environmental performance at union , national , regional and local levels including through providing appropriate administrative and compliance assurance capacity , as laid out in the regular environmental implementation review , as well as stepping up action against environmental crime , ### ensuring effective and efficient implementation of union legislation on the environment and striving for excellence in environmental performance at union , national , regional and local levels including through providing appropriate administrative and compliance assurance capacity , as laid out in the regular environmental implementation review , as well as stepping up action against environmental crime ,


### – paying careful attention to synergies and potential trade-offs between economic , environmental and social objectives so as to ensure that citizens’ needs for nutrition , housing and mobility are met in a sustainable way that leaves no-one behind; ### – paying careful attention to the need to optimise synergies and potential trade-offs between economic , environmental and social objectives so as to ensure that citizens’ needs for nutrition , housing and mobility are met in a sustainable way that leaves no-one behind;


### – regularly evaluating existing policies and preparing impact assessments for new initiatives , which are based on wide consultations following procedures that are accountable , inclusive , informed and simple to implement , and which pay due regard to projected impacts on environment and climate; ### – regularly evaluating existing policies and the preparation by the commission of impact assessments for new initiatives , which are based on wide consultations following procedures that are accountable , inclusive , informed and simple to implement , and which pay due regard to projected impacts on environment and climate. impact assessments must be transparent and must take account of all information needed to reach a decision , including the economic and financial impacts , with accurate cost estimates and a precise explanation of the method used in the calculation. if the member states require more information , the missing details shall be provided by the commission without delay.


### effectively integrating environmental and climate sustainability in the european semester of economic governance , including in the national reform programmes and national recovery and resilience plans; ### deleted


### effectively integrating environmental and climate sustainability in the european semester of economic governance , including in the national reform programmes and national recovery and resilience plans; ### effectively integrating environmental policy in the european semester of economic governance , including in the national reform programmes and national recovery and resilience plans;


### mobilising sustainable investments from public and private sources , including of funds and instruments available under the union budget , via the european investment bank and at national level; ### deleted


### mobilising sustainable investments from public and private sources , including of funds and instruments available under the union budget , via the european investment bank and at national level; ### mobilising sustainable investments from public and private sources , including of funds and instruments available under the union budget , via the european investment bank and at national level; adequate support from the commission to the member states in meeting the targets , taking into account the existing expenditure and a precise calculation of costs in close consultation with the member states before decisions are taken , is essential in ensuring the implementation of the objectives of the 8th eap;


### phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies at union and national level , making the best use of market-based instruments and green budgeting tools , including those required to ensure a socially fair transition , and supporting businesses and other stakeholders in developing standardised natural capital accounting practices; ### phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies at union and national level;


### phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies at union and national level , making the best use of market-based instruments and green budgeting tools , including those required to ensure a socially fair transition , and supporting businesses and other stakeholders in developing standardised natural capital accounting practices; ### making the best use of market-based instruments and green budgeting tools , including those required to ensure a socially fair transition , and supporting businesses and other stakeholders in developing standardised natural capital accounting practices;


### ensuring that environmental policies and action are based on the best available scientific knowledge and strengthening the environmental knowledge base and its uptake , including by research , innovation , fostering green skills , and further building up environmental and ecosystem accounting; ### ensuring that environmental policies and action are based on the best available scientific knowledge and strengthening the environmental knowledge base and its uptake , including by research and innovation;


### ensuring that environmental policies and action are based on the best available scientific knowledge and strengthening the environmental knowledge base and its uptake , including by research , innovation , fostering green skills , and further building up environmental and ecosystem accounting; ### ensuring that environmental policies and action are based on the best available scientific knowledge in line with the principle of innovation and strengthening the environmental knowledge base and its uptake , including by research , innovation , fostering green skills , and further building up environmental and ecosystem accounting;


### harnessing the potential of digital and data technologies to support environment policy while minimising their environmental footprint; ### harnessing the potential of digital and data technologies to support environment policy while minimising their environmental footprint , while recognising that humans are social beings in need of sufficient social contact;


### effectively applying high standards for transparency , public participation and access to justice in accordance with the convention on access to information , public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters (aarhus convention)35; ### effectively applying high standards for transparency , public participation and access to justice in accordance with the convention on access to information , public participation in decision-making;


### making the data and evidence linked to the implementation of the 8th eap publicly available and easily accessible , without prejudice to provisions on confidentiality in domain specific legislation; ### making the data and evidence linked to the implementation of the 8th eap publicly available and enabling its easy and reliable accessibility , without prejudice to provisions on confidentiality in domain specific legislation , as set out in article 4 of the present decision;


### — engaging with partner countries on climate and environmental action , encouraging and supporting them to adopt and implement rules in these areas that are as ambitious as those of the union , and ensuring that all products placed on the union market fully comply with relevant union requirements in line with the union’s international commitments; ### — engaging with partner countries on environmental action , encouraging them to adopt and implement rules in this area that are as ambitious as those of the union , and ensuring that all products placed on the union market fully comply with relevant union requirements in line with the union’s international commitments;


### – engaging with partner countries on climate and environmental action , encouraging and supporting them to adopt and implement rules in these areas that are as ambitious as those of the union , and ensuring that all products placed on the union market fully comply with relevant union requirements in line with the union’s international commitments; ### – engaging with partner countries on climate and environmental action , encouraging and supporting them to adopt and implement rules in these areas that are as ambitious as those of the union , and ensuring that all products placed on the union market fully comply with relevant union requirements in line with the union’s international commitments , with particular regard to halting deforestation and soil degradation or water pollution;


### — strengthening the implementation of the paris agreement , the convention on biological diversity and other multilateral environmental agreements by the union and its partners , including by increasing transparency and accountability as regards progress on the commitments made under those agreements; ### deleted


### – strengthening international environmental governance by closing remaining gaps and strengthening respect for and application of recognised international environmental principles; ### – strengthening international environmental governance by closing remaining trade-related gaps and strengthening respect for and application of recognised international environmental principles;


### a. whereas the platform economy has become an integral and rapidly growing part of the european transport sector; ### a. whereas the platform economy has become an integral and rapidly growing part of the global and european economy , including transport sector , contributing to business formation and job growth , facilitating offers of new products and services , and fulfilling individual customer wishes;


### 1. stresses that the unfair competitive advantages of the platform economy over the traditional economy , based on social dumping and tax avoidance and evasion , are unacceptable; ### 1. stresses the lack of social security that these platform workers often face , as most of work is carried out as some form of non-standard work , notably by independent self-employed or “own-account” workers and in many cases only as a part-time job;


### 1. stresses that the unfair competitive advantages of the platform economy over the traditional economy , based on social dumping and tax avoidance and evasion , are unacceptable; ### 1. stresses that the unfair competitive advantages that some operators within the platform economy have received over the traditional economy , by means of social dumping and tax avoidance and evasion and so on , are unacceptable;


### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a strategy to align the working conditions of platform workers with those of regular employees , with full respect for the diversity of national labour market models and the autonomy of social partners; ### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a strategy on how to make social protection coverage for platform workers more sustainable , inclusive , effective and adaptable , taking into account wide variety of these new forms of work , while avoiding creation barriers for these forms of work to develop , with full respect for the diversity of national labour market models and the autonomy of social partners;


### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a strategy to align the working conditions of platform workers with those of regular employees , with full respect for the diversity of national labour market models and the autonomy of social partners; ### 2. calls on the commission to foster dialogue between the social partners to ensure good working conditions for platform workers , with full respect for the diversity of national labour market models and the autonomy of social partners;


### 4. calls on the commission to support member states in finding policy solutions to determine the status of work for platform workers; remains sceptical of the addition of a third category; ### 4. calls on the commission to support member states in assessing the different characteristics of workers and finding policy solutions to determine the status or category of work for platform workers; reminds about non-standard nature of these working formats that may require new and innovative , but at the same time simple and easy implementable solutions that would help platform workers to continue their professional activity with their preferred flexibility to organise and control their own status (for example , as secondary source of income) , workload and schedule;


### (17) since this directive concerns the protection of the health and safety of workers at the place of work , it should be transposed within two years of the date of its entry into force. ### (17) since this directive concerns the protection of the health and safety of workers at the place of work , it should be transposed within five years of the date of its entry into force.


### ‘the employer shall enter the information on the workers engaged in the activities referred to in article 3(1) in a register. that information shall indicate the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure to which they have been subjected. the doctor and/or the authority responsible for medical surveillance shall have access to this register. each worker shall have access to the results in the register which relate to him or her personally. the workers and/or their representatives shall have access to anonymous , collective information in the register. ’ ### ‘the employer must enter the information on all the workers engaged in the activities referred to in article 3(1) in a register. that information should indicate the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure to which they have been subjected. the doctor and/or the authority responsible for medical surveillance shall have access to this register. each worker shall have access to the results in the register which relate to him or her personally. the workers and/or their representatives shall have access to anonymous , collective information in the register. ’


### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by two years after the date of entry into force of this directive at the latest. they shall immediately inform the commission thereof. ### member states shall bring into force the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by five years after the date of entry into force of this directive at the latest. they shall immediately inform the commission thereof.


### a. whereas sustainable development is a fundamental objective of the eu; whereas the three pillars of sustainable development are the economic , the social and the environmental; whereas sustainable development is based , among other things , on full employment , social progress and fairness; whereas this is a fundamental objective of the eu , as laid down in article 3(3) of the treaty on european union; whereas the emphasis currently lies on economic and environmental sustainability; ### a. whereas sustainable development is a fundamental objective of the eu; whereas the three pillars of sustainable development are the economic , the social and the environmental; whereas sustainable development is based , among other things , on full employment , social progress and fairness; whereas this is a fundamental objective of the eu , as laid down in article 3(3) of the treaty on european union;


### b. whereas the epsr was proclaimed in 2017 in goteborg , setting out 20 principles and establishing a social rulebook towards a strong social europe that is fair , inclusive and full of opportunity in the 21st century; whereas at the porto social summit in may 2021 , the council committed to three headline targets for 2030 on employment , training and poverty; whereas at least 78 % of the population between 20 and 64 years old should be in employment by 2030; whereas at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year; whereas the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion should be reduced by at least 15 million by 2030; whereas the three headline targets do not cover the full implementation of the epsr; ### b. whereas the epsr was proclaimed in 2017 in goteborg , setting out 20 principles and establishing a social rulebook towards a strong social europe that is fair , inclusive and full of opportunity in the 21st century; whereas at the porto social summit in may 2021 , the council committed to three headline targets for 2030 on employment , training and poverty; whereas at least 78 % of the population between 20 and 64 years old should be in employment by 2030; whereas at least 60 % of all adults should participate in training every year; whereas the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion should be reduced by at least 15 million by 2030; whereas the three headline targets are aligned with the epsr;


### 1. reiterates the importance of the conclusions of the 2021 porto social summit , which underline that we are still living in unprecedented times; notes that covid-19 and the russian war of aggression against ukraine on our doorstep resulted in the cost of living and energy crises , which are hitting the most vulnerable groups in our society the hardest , leading to increasing inequalities; reiterates the importance of the epsr as a guiding compass to a more social europe; stresses , however , that the resulting headline targets for 2030 set out by the commission and endorsed by the council on employment , skills and poverty are insufficient to ensure its full implementation; stresses that the epsr is a powerful tool to ensure that the european project can act as a powerful shield protecting the health , safety and living conditions of its people; ### 1. takes note of the conclusions of the 2021 porto social summit , which underline that we are still living in unprecedented times; notes that covid-19 and the russian war of aggression against ukraine on our doorstep resulted in the cost of living and energy crises , which are hitting the most vulnerable groups in our society the hardest , leading to increasing inequalities; reiterates the importance of the epsr as a guiding compass to a more social europe; stresses , however , that the resulting headline targets for 2030 set out by the commission and endorsed by the council on employment , skills and poverty are aligned with the eprs; stresses that the epsr is a powerful tool to ensure that the european project can act as a powerful shield protecting the health , safety and living conditions of its people;


### 2. calls on the commission and the council to take measures to mitigate the impact of the crises on member state labour markets in order to keep employment rates high; calls therefore on the commission , the member states and eu social partners to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of at least 80 % by 2030 , with a view to improving living and working conditions in the eu , which will contribute to upward social convergence and reduce in-work poverty , social exclusion and wage inequality; ### 2. calls on the commission and the council to take measures to mitigate the impact of the crises on member state labour markets in order to keep employment rates high; calls therefore on the commission , the member states and eu social partners to commit to respecting freedom of association and improving living and working conditions in the eu , which will contribute to upward social convergence and reduce in-work poverty , social exclusion and unequal opportunities;


### 3. welcomes the above-mentioned conclusions of the 2021 porto social summit; welcomes the adoption of the directive on adequate minimum wages in the eu3 and the soon-to-be adopted directive on pay transparency4 ; urges the council to agree on a general approach concerning the directive for platform work5 in order to improve worker protection in the platform economy and to create fair competition; welcomes the commission’s commitment to occupational health and safety in the workplace; welcomes the commission’s commitment to follow up with a legislative proposal after the adoption of parliament’s resolution of 2 february 20236 ; welcomes the launch of a two-stage consultation of eu social partners; ### 3. takes note of the above-mentioned conclusions of the 2021 porto social summit; monitors the appeal against the directive on adequate minimum wages in the eu3 before the court of justice of the european union; urges the council to discuss on a general approach concerning the directive for platform work5 in order to improve worker protection in the platform economy and to create fair competition; takes note of the commission’s commitment to occupational health and safety in the workplace; welcomes the commission’s commitment to follow up with a legislative proposal after the adoption of parliament’s resolution of 2 february 20236 ; welcomes the launch of a two-stage consultation of eu social partners;


### 5. calls on the commission to put forward a legal framework for an effective and enforceable ban on unpaid internships , traineeships and apprenticeships; welcomes the european year of skills and highlights the importance of access to training and reskilling for workers in industries and sectors that need to undergo fundamental changes in order to achieve the green and digital transitions , ensuring no one is left behind; calls on the commission to consider a directive on adequate minimum income in order to ensure the reintegration of people absent from the labour market , while respecting the principle of subsidiarity , the specificities of national social protection systems and the competences of the member states; welcomes the commission’s commitment to presenting a proposal , by the end of 2023 , on the creation of an eu disability card to be recognised in all member states; welcomes the ongoing negotiations of the social partners on the right to disconnect , with a view to putting forward a legally binding agreement implemented via a directive; calls on the commission to put forward a legislative proposal for a european social security pass to provide national authorities , such as labour and social security inspectorates , and social partners involved in labour and social security inspections with a real-time instrument to effectively enforce national and eu law; ### 5. calls on the member states to analyse their legal framework on internships , traineeships and apprenticeships; welcomes the european year of skills and highlights the importance of access to training and reskilling for workers in industries and sectors that need to undergo fundamental changes; calls on the member states to reconsider their minimum income schemes so that they incentivise the reintegration of people absent from the labour market; welcomes the commission’s commitment to presenting a proposal , by the end of 2023 , on the creation of an eu disability card to be recognised in all member states; welcomes the ongoing negotiations of the social partners on the right to disconnect; calls on the commission to analyse the convenience of a european social security pass to provide national authorities , such as labour and social security inspectorates , and social partners involved in labour and social security inspections with a real-time instrument to effectively enforce national and eu law;


### 6. notes that , although many legislative and non-legislative initiatives have been initiated by the commission , so far the eu has fallen short on fully implementing the epsr; stresses the need for further legislative action by the commission and the member states to ensure its full implementation , with a specific focus on implementing principles 11 (childcare) , 12 (social protection) , 19 (housing) and 20 (essential services); ### 6. notes that legislative and non-legislative initiatives should be guided by the principles laid down in the epsr;


### 7. recalls that principle 11 on childcare and support to children requires further action; urgently reminds the commission and the member states about parliament’s repeated call to urgently allocate more funding to the european child guarantee , with a dedicated budget of at least eur 20 billion; ### 7. recalls that principle 11 on childcare and support to children requires further action in full respect of their family; urgently reminds the commission and the member states to monitor implementation of the european child guarantee , with a dedicated budget of at least eur 20 billion;


### 8. warns that , for the correct implementation of principle 12 , adequate social protection needs to be expanded in order to cover the risks associated with the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups , as well as the social consequences of the transformation of our societies towards climate neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to build upon the social climate fund and lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes at national level with eu support; ### 8. calls on the commission and the member states to put an end to the green deal so that the social climate fund will not be further necessary;


### 9. highlights that , according to principle 19 , access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality should be provided for those in need; urges the commission to develop an ambitious action plan to achieve accessible and green social housing to meet the housing needs of all eu citizens and to progressively eradicate homelessness by 2030; ### 9. highlights that , according to principle 19 , access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality should be provided for those in need , respecting the principle of subsidiarity; urges the member states to develop national plans to improve access to housing by their nationals and , where applicable , legal residents;


### 11. reiterates its call that , in the light of the framework of the green deal industrial plan , eu funding , including state aid , should be conditional on public policy objectives , in particular social requirements , in order to offer high-quality jobs , promote collective bargaining , respect eu labour rights and standards and ensure improved working conditions; calls on the commission and the member states to enforce the social clause in the existing directive on public procurement7 and to revise the directive in order to further strengthen social clauses in public contracts to require economic operators and subcontractors to fully respect the right of workers to collective bargaining , to account for the recently adopted directive on adequate minimum wages in the eu; ### 11. reiterates its call that eu funding , including state aid , should not be made conditional by the european commission based on political discrimination among member states; calls on the commission and the member states to enforce the social clause in the existing directive on public procurement7 and to revise the directive in order to further strengthen social clauses in public contracts to require economic operators and subcontractors to fully respect the right of workers to collective bargaining;


### 12. highlights the need to strengthen the social dimension of the european semester and the implementation of the epsr , especially in the light of the economic governance review; calls on the commission to consider presenting an instrument for upward social convergence in order to prevent social convergence risks , detect potential setbacks in the proper implementation of the epsr and establish social targets; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when laying out fiscal adjustment paths; ### 12. believes that social consideration should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when laying out national economic policy;


### 13. believes that , in order to make a fair and social europe a reality and to ensure the highest levels of social protection in the green and digital transitions , it is necessary to ensure a sustainable , fair and inclusive europe where social rights are fully protected and safeguarded to at least the same level as economic and environmental standards; stresses the need to take steps to reinforce the role of the epsr to ensure the equal treatment of the economic , environmental and social standards and to ensure that social standards and social rights in europe are placed at the centre of the eu’s forthcoming political practices; notes that , consequently , social investment will be needed for the implementation of the epsr in upcoming funding initiatives and the revision of the multiannual financial framework; ### 13. believes that , in order to make a fair and social europe a reality and to ensure proper levels of social protection , it is necessary to ensure a sustainable , fair and inclusive europe where social rights and duties are fully implemented to at least the same level as economic and environmental standards; stresses the need to take steps to remind the role of the epsr to ensure the equal treatment of the economic , environmental and social standards and to ensure that social standards and social rights in europe are placed at the centre of the eu’s forthcoming political practices;


### 15. calls on the commission to present a governance framework to anticipate and manage changes related to the green and digital transitions in the world of work , focusing first on the importance of safeguarding jobs , including access to adequate training , and second , on the involvement of social partners in decision-making processes; ### 15. calls on the commission to present a governance framework to anticipate and manage changes related to the digital transition in the world of work , focusing first on the importance of safeguarding jobs , including access to adequate training , and second , in consultation with social partners;


### 16. reiterates the importance of a well-functioning european labour authority (ela) and calls on the commission to make use of the opportunity presented by the evaluation due 1 august 2024 to submit a legislative proposal to review the scope of the ela’s founding regulation9 and realise its full potential , especially concerning the ela’s inquiry powers; ### 16. reiterates the importance of a well-functioning and efficient european labour authority (ela);


### (5) the measures under this directive have been designed to address the specific needs of women and girls , given that they are disproportionately affected by the forms of violence covered under this directive , namely violence against women and domestic violence. this directive , however , acknowledges that other persons may also fall victim to these forms of violence and should benefit from the measures provided for therein. therefore , the term ‘victim’ should refer to all persons , regardless of their sex or gender. ### (5) the measures under this directive have been designed to address the specific needs of women and girls , given that they are disproportionately affected by the forms of violence covered under this directive , namely violence against women and domestic violence. this directive , however , acknowledges that other persons may also fall victim to these forms of violence and should benefit from the measures provided for therein. therefore , the term ‘victim’ should refer to all persons , regardless of their sex.


### (7) violence against women is a persisting manifestation of structural discrimination against women , resulting from historically unequal power relations between women and men. it is a form of gender-based violence , which is inflicted primarily on women and girls , by men. it is rooted in the socially constructed roles , behaviours , activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men , generally referred to under the term ‘gender’. ### (7) violence against women is a persisting manifestation of structural discrimination against women , resulting from historically unequal power relations between women and men.


### (10) this directive supports the international commitments the member states have undertaken to combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence , in particular the united nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (cedaw)39 and , where relevant , the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (‘istanbul convention’)40 and the international labour organization’s convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work , signed on 21 june 2019 in geneva. ### (10) this directive supports the international commitments the member states have undertaken to combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence , in particular the united nations convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (cedaw)39 and the international labour organization’s convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work , signed on 21 june 2019 in geneva.


### (11) violence against women and domestic violence can be exacerbated where it intersects with discrimination based on sex and other grounds of discrimination prohibited by union law , namely nationality , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation. member states should therefore pay due regard to victims affected by such intersectional discrimination , through providing specific measures where intersecting forms of discrimination are present. in particular , lesbian , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lbtiq) women , women with disabilities and women with a minority racial or ethnic background are at a heightened risk of experiencing gender-based violence. ### (11) violence against women and domestic violence can be exacerbated where it intersects with discrimination based on sex and other grounds of discrimination prohibited by union law , namely nationality , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age. member states should therefore pay due regard to victims affected by such intersectional discrimination , through providing specific measures where intersecting forms of discrimination are present. in particular , women with disabilities and women with a minority racial or ethnic background are at a heightened risk of experiencing gender-based violence.


### (26) in order to tackle underreporting in the cases when the victim is a child , safe and child-friendly reporting procedures should be established. this can include questioning by competent authorities in simple and accessible language. ### (26) in order to tackle underreporting in the cases when the victim is a child , safe and child-friendly reporting procedures should be established. this can include questioning by competent authorities in simple and accessible language in a safe environment with the presense of psychologist , when necessary.


### (28) victims of domestic violence and violence against women are typically in need of immediate protection or specific support , for example in the case of intimate partner violence , where the rate of recidivism tends to be high. therefore , an individual assessment to identify the victim’s protection needs should be conducted upon the very first contact of competent authorities with the victim or as soon as suspicion arises that the person is a victim of violence against women or domestic violence. this can be done before a victim has formally reported an offence or proactively if a third party reports the offence. ### (28) victims of domestic violence and violence against women are typically in need of immediate protection or specific support , for example in the case of intimate partner violence , where the rate of recidivism tends to be high. therefore , an individual assessment to identify the victim’s protection needs should be conducted upon the very first contact of competent authorities with the victim or as soon as suspicion arises that the person is a victim of violence against women or domestic violence. this can be done before a victim has formally reported an offence or proactively if a third party reports the suspision of an offence.


### (59) member states should take measures to prevent the cultivation of harmful gender stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men. this could also include measures aimed at ensuring that culture , custom , religion , tradition or honour is not perceived as a justification for , or a more lenient treatment of , offences of violence against women or domestic violence. considering that from a very young age onwards , children are exposed to gender roles that shape their self-perception and influence their academic and professional choices as well as expectations of their roles as women and men throughout their life , it is crucial to address gender stereotypes as of early-childhood education and care. ### (59) member states should take measures to prevent the cultivation of harmful stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men.


### (59) member states should take measures to prevent the cultivation of harmful gender stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men. this could also include measures aimed at ensuring that culture , custom , religion , tradition or honour is not perceived as a justification for , or a more lenient treatment of , offences of violence against women or domestic violence. considering that from a very young age onwards , children are exposed to gender roles that shape their self-perception and influence their academic and professional choices as well as expectations of their roles as women and men throughout their life , it is crucial to address gender stereotypes as of early-childhood education and care. ### (59) member states should take measures to prevent the cultivation of harmful sexual stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men. this could also include measures aimed at ensuring that culture , custom , religion , tradition or honour is not perceived as a justification for , or a more lenient treatment of , offences of violence against women or domestic violence. considering that from a very young age onwards , children are exposed to sexual roles that shape their self-perception and influence their academic and professional choices as well as expectations of their roles as women and men throughout their life , it is crucial to address sexual stereotypes as of early-childhood education and care.


### (61) in order to counteract underreporting , member states should also liaise with law enforcement authorities in the development of trainings in particular regarding harmful gender stereotypes , but also in the prevention of offences , given their typical close contact with groups at risk of violence and victims. ### (61) in order to counteract underreporting , member states should also liaise with law enforcement authorities in the development of trainings in particular regarding harmful sexual stereotypes , but also in the prevention of offences , given their typical close contact with groups at risk of violence and victims.


### “violence against women” means gender-based violence , that is directed against a woman or a girl because she is a woman or a girl or that affects women or girls disproportionately , including all acts of such violence that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , including threats of such acts , coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty , whether occurring in public or in private life; ### “violence against women” means violence , that is directed against a woman or a girl because she is a woman or a girl or that affects women or girls disproportionately , including all acts of such violence that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , including threats of such acts , coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty , whether occurring in public or in private life;


### “domestic violence” means all acts of violence that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , that occur within the family or domestic unit , irrespective of biological or legal family ties , or between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the offender shares or has shared a residence with the victim; ### “domestic violence” means all acts of violence which constitutes a criminal offence in national law that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , that occur within the family or domestic unit , irrespective of biological or legal family ties , or between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the offender shares or has shared a residence with the victim;


### “domestic violence” means all acts of violence that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , that occur within the family or domestic unit , irrespective of biological or legal family ties , or between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the offender shares or has shared a residence with the victim; ### “domestic violence” means all acts of violence , or threats of such acts , that result in , or are likely to result in , physical , sexual , psychological or economic harm or suffering , that occur within the family or domestic unit , irrespective of biological or legal family ties , or between former or current spouses or partners , whether or not the offender shares or has shared a residence with the victim;


### “victim” means any person , regardless of sex or gender , unless specified otherwise , who has suffered harm , which was directly caused by acts of violence covered under this directive , including child witnesses of such violence; ### “victim” means any person , regardless of sex , who has suffered harm , which was directly caused by acts of violence covered under this directive and if applicable under national law , also including child witnesses of such indirect case of violence;


### “sexual harassment at work” means any form of unwanted verbal , non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature , where it occurs in the course of , linked with , or arising in matters of employment , occupation and self-employment , with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the victim , in particular when creating an intimidating , hostile , degrading , humiliating or offensive environment; ### “sexual harassment at work” means any form of unwanted verbal , non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature , where it occurs in the course of , linked with , or arising in matters of employment , occupation and self-employment , including with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the victim , and in particular when creating an intimidating , hostile , degrading , humiliating or offensive environment;


### causing a woman to engage with another person in any non-consensual act of vaginal , anal or oral penetration of a sexual nature , with any bodily part or object. ### causing a woman to engage with another person , or with herself , in any non-consensual act of vaginal , anal or oral penetration of a sexual nature , with any bodily part or object.


### 2. member states shall ensure that a non-consensual act is understood as an act which is performed without the woman’s consent given voluntarily or where the woman is unable to form a free will due to her physical or mental condition , thereby exploiting her incapacity to form a free will , such as in a state of unconsciousness , intoxication , sleep , illness , bodily injury or disability. ### 2. member states shall ensure that a non-consensual act is understood as an act which is performed without the woman’s consent given voluntarily or where the woman is unable to form a free will due to her physical or mental condition , thereby exploiting her incapacity to form a free will , such as in a state of unconsciousness , intoxication , sleep , illness , bodily injury , minor age or disability.


### 3. consent can be withdrawn at any moment during the act. the absence of consent cannot be refuted exclusively by the woman’s silence , verbal or physical non-resistance or past sexual conduct. ### 3. consent can be withdrawn at any moment during the act. the absence of consent cannot be refuted exclusively by the woman’s silence , verbal or physical non-resistance , past sexual conduct or current or past relationship with the perpetrator.


### making intimate images , or videos or other material depicting sexual activities , of another person without that person’s consent accessible to a multitude of end-users by means of information and communication technologies; ### making intimate images , or videos or other material depicting sexual activities , of another person , without that person’s consent accessible to one or more end-users by means of information and communication technologies;


### making intimate images , or videos or other material depicting sexual activities , of another person without that person’s consent accessible to a multitude of end-users by means of information and communication technologies; ### making intimate images , or videos or other material depicting sexual activities , of another person without that person’s consent accessible to end-users by means of information and communication technologies;


### producing or manipulating and subsequently making accessible to a multitude of end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , images , videos or other material , making it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities , without that person’s consent; ### producing or manipulating and subsequently making accessible to one or more end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , images , videos or other material , making it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities , without that person’s consent;


### producing or manipulating and subsequently making accessible to a multitude of end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , images , videos or other material , making it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities , without that person’s consent; ### producing or manipulating and subsequently making accessible to end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , images , videos or other material , making it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities , without that person’s consent;


### making material containing the personal data of another person , without that person’s consent , accessible to a multitude of end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , for the purpose of inciting those end-users to cause physical or significant psychological harm to the person. ### making material containing the personal data of another person , without that person’s consent , accessible to one or more end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , for the purpose of inciting those end-users to cause physical or significant psychological harm to the person.


### initiating an attack with third parties directed at another person , by making threatening or insulting material accessible to a multitude of end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , with the effect of causing significant psychological harm to the attacked person; ### initiating an attack with third parties directed at another person , by making threatening or insulting material accessible to one or more end-users , by means of information and communication technologies , with the effect of causing significant psychological harm to the attacked person;


### member states shall ensure that the intentional conduct of inciting to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to sex or gender , by disseminating to the public material containing such incitement by means of information and communication technologies is punishable as a criminal offence. ### member states shall ensure that the intentional conduct of inciting to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to sex , by disseminating to the public material containing such incitement by means of information and communication technologies is punishable as a criminal offence.


### 4. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in article 6 is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 5 years of imprisonment and at least 7 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13. ### deleted


### 4. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in article 6 is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 5 years of imprisonment and at least 7 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13. ### 4. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in articles 6 and 6a is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 10 years of imprisonment and at least 15 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13.


### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in article 6 of at least 10 years from the time when the offence was committed. ### deleted


### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in article 6 of at least 10 years from the time when the offence was committed. ### 3. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in article 6 and 6a of at least 20 years from the time when the offence was committed.


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to encourage any person who knows about or suspects , in good faith , that offences of violence against women or domestic violence have occurred , or that further acts of violence are to be expected , to report this to the competent authorities. ### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to encourage any person who knows about or suspects , in good faith , that offences of violence against women or domestic violence have occurred , or that further acts of violence are to be expected , to report this to the competent authorities; member states shall ensure that the victim is made aware , and adequate risk assessment and risk mitigation measures are taken , before steps are taken against the alleged perpetrator.


### how to treat victims in a trauma- , gender- and child-sensitive manner; ### how to treat victims in a trauma- , sexual- and child-sensitive manner;


### how to avoid gender stereotypes; ### how to avoid sexual stereotypes;


### exchange available information with corresponding european bodies such as the european institute for gender equality. ### deleted


### member states shall establish and maintain safe places which allow a safe contact between a child and a holder of parental responsibilities who is an offender or suspect of violence against women or domestic violence , to the extent that the latter has rights of access. member states shall ensure supervision by trained professionals , as appropriate , and in the best interests of the child. ### member states shall establish and maintain safe places which allow a safe contact between a child and a holder of parental responsibilities who is an offender or suspect of violence against women or domestic violence , to the extent that the latter has rights of access in the presence of also child protection or child psycologist. member states shall ensure supervision by trained professionals , as appropriate , and in the best interests of the child.


### 5. preventive measures shall in particular aim at challenging harmful gender stereotypes , promoting equality between women and men , encouraging all , including men and boys , to act as positive role models to support corresponding behaviour changes across society as a whole in line with the objectives of this directive. ### 5. preventive measures shall in particular aim at challenging harmful sexual stereotypes , promoting equality between women and men , encouraging all , including men and boys , to act as positive role models to support corresponding behaviour changes across society as a whole in line with the objectives of this directive.


### 6. preventive measures shall develop and/or increase sensitivity about the harmful practice of female genital mutilation. ### 6. preventive measures shall be developed to increase sensitivity about the devastating and criminal practice of female genital mutilation.


### 1. member states shall ensure that professionals likely to come into contact with victims , including law enforcement authorities , court staff , judges and prosecutors , lawyers , providers of victim support and restorative justice services , healthcare professionals , social services , educational and other relevant staff , receive both general and specialist training and targeted information to a level appropriate to their contacts with victims , to enable them to identify , prevent and address instances of violence against women or domestic violence and to treat victims in a trauma- , gender- and child-sensitive manner. ### 1. member states shall ensure that professionals likely to come into contact with victims , including law enforcement authorities , court staff , judges and prosecutors , lawyers , providers of victim support and restorative justice services , healthcare professionals , social services , educational and other relevant staff , receive both general and specialist training and targeted information to a level appropriate to their contacts with victims , to enable them to identify , prevent and address instances of violence against women or domestic violence and to treat victims in a trauma- , sexual- and child-sensitive manner.


### member states shall cooperate with and consult civil society organisations , including non-governmental organisations working with victims of violence against women or domestic violence , in particular in providing support to victims , concerning policymaking initiatives , information and awareness-raising campaigns , research and education programmes and in training , as well as in monitoring and evaluating the impact of measures to support and protect victims. ### member states shall cooperate with and consult relevant civil society organisations , including non-governmental organisations working with victims of violence against women or domestic violence and organisations representing specific groups or communities , in particular in providing support to victims , concerning policymaking initiatives , information and awareness-raising campaigns , research and education programmes and in training , as well as in monitoring and evaluating the impact of measures to support and protect victims.


### (55) in order to ensure the safety of children during possible visits with an offender or suspect who is a holder of parental responsibility with rights of access , member states should ensure that supervised neutral places , including child protection or welfare offices , are made available so that such visits can take place there in the best interests of the child. if needed , the visits should take place in the presence of child protection or welfare officials. where it is necessary to provide for interim accommodation , children should as a priority be accommodated together with the holder of parental responsibility who is not the offender or suspect , such as the child’s mother. the best interest of the child should be always taken into account. ### (55) in order to ensure the safety of children during possible visits with an offender or suspect who is a holder of parental responsibility with rights of access , member states should ensure that supervised neutral places , including child protection or welfare offices , are made available so that such visits can take place there in the best interests of the child. if needed , the visits should take place in the presence of child protection , child psychologist or welfare officials . where it is necessary to provide for interim accommodation , children should as a priority be accommodated together with the holder of parental responsibility who is not the offender or suspect , such as the child’s mother. the best interest of the child should be always taken into account.


### 2. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in article 5 is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 8 years of imprisonment and at least 10 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13. ### deleted


### 2. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in article 5 is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 8 years of imprisonment and at least 10 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13. ### 2. member states shall ensure that the criminal offence referred to in articles 5 and 6b is punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 10 years of imprisonment and at least 15 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in article 13.


### the offence resulted in the death or suicide of the victim or severe physical or psychological harm for the victim; ### the offence resulted in the death or suicide of the victim or severe physical or psychological harm for the victim or the victim's family members or dependants;


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in article 5 of at least 20 years from the time when the offence was committed. ### deleted


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in article 5 of at least 20 years from the time when the offence was committed. ### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in articles 5 and 6b of at least 20 years from the time when the offence was committed.


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in articles 7 and 9 of at least 5 years after the criminal offence has ceased or the victim has become aware of it. ### deleted


### 5. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for the criminal offences referred to in articles 8 and 10 , of at least 7 years after the criminal offence has ceased or the victim has become aware of it. ### deleted


### 3. member states shall ensure that the confidentiality rules imposed by national law on relevant professionals , such as healthcare professionals , do not constitute an obstacle to their reporting to the competent authorities if they have reasonable grounds to believe that there is an imminent risk that serious physical harm will be inflicted on a person due to their being subject to any of the offences covered under this directive. if the victim is a child , the relevant professionals shall be able to report to the competent authorities if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a serious act of violence covered under this directive has been committed or further serious acts of violence are to be expected. ### 3. member states shall ensure that the confidentiality rules imposed by national law on relevant professionals , such as healthcare professionals , do not constitute an obstacle to their reporting to the competent authorities if they have reasonable grounds to believe that there is an imminent risk that serious harm will be inflicted on a person due to their being subject to any of the offences covered under this directive. if the victim is a child , the relevant professionals shall be able to report to the competent authorities if they have reasonable grounds to believe that an act of violence covered under this directive has been committed or further acts of violence are to be expected.


### “age of sexual consent” means the age below which , in accordance with national law , it is prohibited to engage in sexual activities with a child; ### “age of sexual consent” means the age below which , in accordance with national law , it is prohibited to engage in sexual activities with that person;


### 4. in order to ensure administrative data comparability across the union , member states shall collect administrative data on the basis of common disaggregations developed in cooperation with and according to the methodology developed by the european institute for gender equality in accordance with paragraph 5. they shall transmit this data to the european institute for gender equality on a yearly basis. the transmitted data shall not contain personal data. ### 4. in order to ensure administrative data comparability across the union , member states shall collect administrative data on the basis of common disaggregations developed in cooperation with the european institute for gender equality in accordance with paragraph 5. they shall transmit this data to the european institute for gender equality on a yearly basis. the transmitted data shall not contain personal data.


### 5. the european institute for gender equality shall support member states in the data gathering referred to in paragraph 2 , point (b) , including by establishing common standards on counting units , counting rules , common disaggregations , reporting formats , and on the classification of criminal offences. ### 5. the european institute for gender equality shall support member states in the data gathering referred to in paragraph 2 , point (b) , including by recommending established common standards on counting units , counting rules , common disaggregations , reporting formats , and on the classification of criminal offences.


### 5. the european institute for gender equality shall support member states in the data gathering referred to in paragraph 2 , point (b) , including by establishing common standards on counting units , counting rules , common disaggregations , reporting formats , and on the classification of criminal offences. ### 5. the european institute for gender equality shall support member states in the data gathering referred to in paragraph 2 , point (b) , including by establishing common standards on counting units , counting rules , common disaggregations , reporting formats , and on the classification of criminal offences.


### threatening to engage in the conduct referred to in points (a) and (b) in order to coerce another person to do , acquiesce or refrain from a certain act. ### threatening to engage in the conduct referred to in points (a) and (b) , including in order to coerce another person to do , acquiesce or refrain from a certain act.


### member states shall ensure that the following intentional conduct is punishable as a criminal offence: ### member states shall ensure that the following conduct is punishable as a criminal offence:


### 3. member states shall ensure that an offender of the criminal offence referred to in article 5 , who has previously been convicted of offences of the same nature , mandatorily participates in an intervention programme referred to in article 38. ### 3. member states shall ensure that an offender of the criminal offence referred to in article 5 , who has previously been convicted of offences of the same nature , mandatorily participates in an intervention programme referred to in article 38 , without delay.


### 5. member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in articles 8 and 10 are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 2 years of imprisonment. ### deleted


### 5. member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in articles 8 and 10 are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 2 years of imprisonment. ### 5. member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in articles 5a , 8 and 10 are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 2 years of imprisonment.


### 6. member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in articles 7 and 9 are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 1 year of imprisonment. ### deleted


### g. whereas the 2014 council recommendation recommends that member states put in practice the following principles for a quality framework for traineeships: the conclusion of a written traineeship agreements , learning and training objectives , working conditions applicable to trainees , rights and obligations of the trainee and the traineeship provider , the limitation of traineeships to a reasonable duration , the proper recognition of traineeships , transparency requirements , the establishment of cross-border traineeships , the use of european structural and investment funds to enhance traineeships , and the application of the quality framework for traineeships itself; ### g. whereas the 2014 council recommendation recommends that member states put in practice the following principles for a quality framework for traineeships: the conclusion of a written traineeship agreements , learning and training objectives , working conditions applicable to trainees , rights and obligations of the trainee and the traineeship provider , the limitation of traineeships to a reasonable duration , the proper recognition of traineeships with use of eu tools (such as europass) , transparency requirements , the establishment of cross-border traineeships , the use of european structural and investment funds to enhance traineeships , and the application of the quality framework for traineeships itself;


### i. whereas high-quality traineeships can contribute to combatting skills mismatches and consequent labour market shortages in the union , by reducing the search burden and matching the costs borne by traineeship providers and trainees; whereas too many young people are unable to find stable employment because they do not have the necessary skills or because they are working in jobs that do not match their skill set; whereas , at the same time , 40 % of employers cannot find people with the necessary skills to fill their vacancies9 ; ### i. whereas high-quality traineeships can contribute to combatting skills mismatches and consequent labour market shortages in the union , by reducing the search burden and matching the costs borne by traineeship providers and trainees; whereas too many young people are unable to find stable employment because they do not have the necessary skills or because they are working in jobs that do not match their skill set; whereas , at the same time , 40 % of employers cannot find people with the necessary skills to fill their vacancies9; whereas 3 in 4 eu firms face difficulties finding employees with the right skills9a;


### n. whereas there is a lack of up-to-date comparative data on traineeships at national and union level; ### n. whereas there is a lack of up-to-date comparative data on traineeships at national and union level , in particular concerning traineeships on the open labour market; whereas the available data on traineeships in the eu is supported by different definitions , which creates problems in terms of comparability;


### 4. states that some employers tend to misuse traineeships; calls on the commission to propose monitoring mechanisms at union level , especially in the framework of erasmus+ programmes , and facilitate greater provision of cross-border traineeship opportunities in order to increase the intra-union mobility of young people; ### 4. states that some employers tend to misuse traineeships; calls on the commission to propose monitoring mechanisms in the framework of erasmus+ programmes , and facilitate greater provision of cross-border traineeship opportunities in order to increase the intra-union mobility of young people;


### 8. calls on the commission to propose a directive to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in order to avoid exploitative practices; ### deleted


### 22. underlines that high-quality traineeships must be inclusive and accessible to all; stresses , in particular , the need to support persons with disabilities to have access to high-quality traineeships while ensuring an inclusive recruitment process; calls for a union-wide definition of disability and an expansion of the european disability card to facilitate the mobility of persons with disabilities and their ability to take up traineeship opportunities in other member states; stresses the need for an accessible workplace for trainees with disabilities; calls for a revision of council directive 2000/78/ec15 to improve the article on reasonable accommodation in the workplace in line with the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; calls for the unblocking of the adoption of a proposal for an anti-discrimination directive (com(2008)0426); highlights the need for the unbundling of remuneration and disability support to allow for extra disability related costs for traineeships; highlights the importance of personal assistance to support persons with disabilities; calls for more cooperation between employers and the organisations representing people who are at greater risk of discrimination; ### 22. underlines that high-quality traineeships must be inclusive and accessible to all; stresses , in particular , the need to support persons with disabilities to have access to high-quality traineeships while ensuring an inclusive recruitment process; calls for an expansion of the european disability card to facilitate the mobility of persons with disabilities and their ability to take up traineeship opportunities in other member states; stresses the need for an accessible workplace for trainees with disabilities; calls for a revision of council directive 2000/78/ec15 to improve the article on reasonable accommodation in the workplace in line with the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; highlights the need for the unbundling of remuneration and disability support to allow for extra disability related costs for traineeships; highlights the importance of personal assistance to support persons with disabilities; calls for more cooperation between employers and the organisations representing people who are at greater risk of discrimination;


### increased access to traineeships by trainees with disabilities and trainees from other marginalised groups , using an intersectional approach , ### increased access to traineeships by trainees with disabilities and trainees from other marginalised groups ,


### 3. the revised quality framework for traineeships should focus on providing assistance to employers , in particular microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises , offering quality traineeships. ### 3. the revised quality framework for traineeships should focus on providing assistance to employers , in particular microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises , offering quality traineeships , including in activities towards further digitalisation and modernisation of the traineeships.


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , information and consultation of employees for business decision-making , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth;


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards in accordance with the business culture in each member state , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth;


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth;


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards and health and safety representation are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth;


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model; whereas social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth;


### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing tolabour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies; ### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , due to various factors such aslabour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in some member states the existing regulations on collective bargaining are no longer in line with current reality;whereas those regulations were drawn up based on large workplaces with a large number of employees , whereas smaller businesses now prevail;whereas inmost member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies;


### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing to labour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies; ### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing to the ideologisation of some trade unions ,labour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies;


### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing to labour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies; ### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing to various reasons such aslabour market reforms in many member states that decentralised collective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies;


### c. whereas european workers and employers are currently facing major challenges stemming from the consequences of the pandemic and , since 24 february 2022 , the russian war of aggression against ukraine; whereas these events have shown a pressing need for broader and stronger participation by social partners , especially if the green and digital transitions to a sustainable , fair and social future for the eu are to be achieved; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them , in particular on the transfer , restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; ### c. whereas european workers and employers are currently facing major challenges stemming from the consequences of the pandemic and , since 24 february 2022 , the russian war of aggression against ukraine; whereas these events have shown a pressing need for broader and stronger participation by social partners , especially if the transition to a sustainable , fair and social future for the eu are to be achieved; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them , in particular on the transfer , restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies;


### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , in particular when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas workers’ voices are a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable and democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights , including with regard to labour , and on climate change and the environment , as well as eu initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices , such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market; ### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , in particular when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas social partners’ voices are an important component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable and democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights , including with regard to labour , and on climate change and the environment , as well as eu initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices , such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market;


### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , in particular when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas workers’ voices are a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable and democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights , including with regard to labour , and on climate change and the environment , as well as eu initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices , such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market; ### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , in particular when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas workers’ voices are a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable and democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights , including with regard to labour and the environment , as well as eu initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices , such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market;


### f. whereas some member states are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue , while in some other member states , social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures , a lack of capacity and strict representational criteria; whereas the eu regulatory landscape in the field of employment law and company law remains excessively fragmented , which could result in a lack of legal certainty on applicable rules and rights for both employers and employees; ### f. whereas some member states are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue , while in some other member states , social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures , a lack of capacity and representational criteria; whereas the eu regulatory landscape in the field of employment law and company law is diverse;


### g. whereas collective bargaining refers to all negotiations that take place according to national law and practice in each member state between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations on the one hand , and one or more trade unions on the other , to determine working conditions and terms of employment; whereas a trade union is understood to be a group of workers formed to further and defend workers’ interests , under national law and/or practice; whereas an employers’ organisation is an organisation whose membership consists of individual employers , other associations of employers or both , constituted to further and defend the interests of its members , under national law and/or practice; whereas in line with the workers’ representatives convention , which has been ratified by 24 member states , workers’ representatives can be persons who are: (i) recognised as such under national law or practice , whether or not they are trade union representatives , namely , representatives designated or elected by trade unions or by members of such unions; or (ii) elected representatives , namely , representatives who are freely elected by the workers of the undertaking in accordance with relevant provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities that are recognised as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned; whereas when both trade union representatives and elected representative exists in the same undertaking , elected representatives should not to be used to undermine the position of the trade unions concerned or their representatives , in particular as regards collective bargaining ,which is the prerogative of the trade union; ### g. whereas collective bargaining refers to all negotiations that take place according to national law and practice in each member state between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations on the one hand , and one or more trade unions or elected representatives on the other , to determine working conditions and terms of employment; whereas a trade union is understood to be a group of workers formed to further and defend workers’ interests , under national law and/or practice; whereas an employers’ organisation is an organisation whose membership consists of individual employers , other associations of employers or both , constituted to further and defend the interests of its members , under national law and/or practice; whereas in line with the workers’ representatives convention , which has been ratified by 24 member states , workers’ representatives can be persons who are: (i) recognised as such under national law or practice , whether or not they are trade union representatives , namely , representatives designated or elected by trade unions or by members of such unions; or (ii) elected representatives , namely , representatives who are freely elected by the workers of the undertaking in accordance with relevant provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities that are recognised as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned; whereas when both trade union representatives and elected representative exists in the same undertaking , member states should determine the respective competences of the elected representatives and of the trade unions concerned or their representatives , in particular as regards collective bargaining;


### k. whereas the council , in its conclusions of 24 october 2019 entitled ‘the future of work: the european union promoting the ilo centenary declaration’ , encouraged the member states to continue their efforts to ratify and effectively implement the ilo conventions; whereas the council also called on the member states and the commission to enhance social dialogue at all levels , including cross-border cooperation , in order to ensure the active participation of social partners in shaping the future of work and achieving social justice and shared prosperity; ### k. whereas the council , in its conclusions of 24 october 2019 entitled ‘the future of work: the european union promoting the ilo centenary declaration’ , encouraged the member states to continue their efforts to ratify and effectively implement the ilo conventions; whereas the council also called on the member states and the commission to enhance social dialogue at all levels , including cross-border cooperation , in order to ensure the active participation of social partners in shaping the future of work;