### 19. calls on the commission to respect the agreements between european social partners at both cross-industry and sectoral level , as laid down in the treaties; highlights that respect for european social partner agreements includes their implementation at the joint request of the signatory parties for matters covered by article 153 tfeu , by means of a council decision following a proposal from the commission; ### 19. calls on the commission to respect the agreements between european social partners at both cross-industry and sectoral level , as laid down in the treaties; highlights that respect for european social partner agreements includes their implementation at the joint request of the signatory parties for matters covered by article 153 tfeu , by means of a council decision following a proposal from the commission; calls on the commission to clarify the procedure and criteria it will use to deal with agreements negotiated with a view to becoming legally binding;


### b. whereas recent studies have shown that social inequalities are the biggest concern of people in the eu; whereas high income inequalities can have damaging effects on economic growth and endanger social cohesion; ### b. whereas recent studies have shown that social inequalities are the biggest concern of people in the eu; whereas high income inequalities can have damaging effects on economic growth and endanger social cohesion; whereas the spiralling cost of living and skyrocketing inflation , fuelled by huge increases in the price of energy , fuel , food and essential goods throughout europe is creating an economic and social crisis , the likes of which many europeans have not experienced in their lifetime;


### c. whereas in-work poverty remains a challenge for the member states; ### c. whereas in-work poverty is exploding and remains a challenge for the member states; whereas in most european countries , wages are falling far behind inflation , meaning a real-terms pay cut for millions of workers; whereas concerns over raising wages leading to a wage-inflation spiral have proven to be wrong; whereas company profits and dividends pay-out reached record highs in the second quarter of 2022; whereas low-income workers and vulnerable groups are being hit the hardest , but middle-class living standards are quickly deteriorating too;


### d. whereas climate change and environmental destruction have exacerbated inequalities and disproportionately affect the poor and the most vulnerable groups; ### d. whereas climate change , global warming and loss of biodiversity are exponentially accelerating according to the latest ipcc report , illustrated by recent dramatic and extreme weather events across the globe; whereas climate breakdown and extreme weather events consequences are being felt more intensely and more frequently by european citizens and workers; whereas 2030 decarbonisation targets have been raised to reach carbon-neutrality by 2050; whereas increased mitigation and adaptation efforts lead to profound transformation of the european and national economies and labour markets; whereas climate change and environmental destruction have exacerbated inequalities and disproportionately affect the poor and the most vulnerable groups;


### e. whereas rapid increases in energy prices and inflation across the eu are placing a burden on households; ### e. whereas rapid increases in energy prices and inflation across the eu are placing a burden on households; whereas the liberalisation of the energy sector and the electricity market have failed to guarantee low prices and the necessary investment in renewable energy; whereas even though there is some optimism that inflation might have peaked in europe at the end of 2022 , the european central bank (ecb) projects high levels for 2023 (far above its 2% target) and is set to continue its interest rate tightening course in the coming months;


### f. whereas the new digital economy should generate benefits for society as a whole by improving quality of life and working conditions and creating new employment opportunities; ### f. whereas the new digital economy has the potential to generate benefits for society as a whole by improving quality of life and working conditions and creating new employment opportunities; whereas digitalisation , robotization , automation and artificial intelligence are expected to benefit citizens and society by improving quality of life and creating new employment opportunities , while also posing a number of risks and challenges that need to be addressed;


### 1. highlights the fact that the swift and coordinated eu policy action during the covid-19 pandemic has prevented economic shocks and protected the population from the most adverse consequences of the crisis; believes that , although the fallout from russia’s invasion of ukraine poses multiple new economic , social and geopolitical challenges to the eu economy and society , other , longer-standing social challenges and inequalities continue to grow and must be tackled; ### 1. highlights the fact that the swift and coordinated eu policy action during the covid-19 pandemic has prevented economic shocks and protected the population from the most adverse consequences of the crisis; believes that , although the fallout from russia’s invasion of ukraine poses multiple new economic , social and geopolitical challenges to the eu economy and society , other , longer-standing social crises , climate and biodiversity emergencies and inequalities continue to grow and must be tackled;


### 2. endorses the commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated eu policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy prices , inflation , supply-chain disruptions , rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on european households and businesses; highlights the fact that social investment is essential to allow for sustainable growth in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function; ### 2. endorses the commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated eu policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy prices , inflation , supply-chain disruptions , rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on european households and businesses; insists that a profound transformation of the european energy model , moving away from market-based approaches , speculation and profit maximization , is necessary to ensure universal access to decarbonised sources of energy and to eradicate energy poverty; highlights the fact that social investment is essential to allow for sustainable development in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function;


### 3. stresses that public services are pillars of democracy and a bulwark against populism , ensure core democratic values including respect for fundamental and human rights and play a crucial role in overcoming crises; calls for the revision of the legal framework for services of general economic interest to ensure that households in need have access to good-quality essential services , particularly housing , energy , transport , water , the internet and sanitation; ### 3. stresses that quality and well-funded public services are pillars of democracy and a bulwark against populism , ensure core democratic values including respect for fundamental and human rights and play a crucial role in overcoming crises; calls for the revision of the legal framework for services of general economic interest to ensure universal access to good-quality essential services , particularly housing , energy , transport , water , the internet and sanitation; calls on member states and local authorities to strongly consider bringing into public hands essential public services , such as housing , energy , transport , water and sanitation , where these services have been privatized or outsourced;


### 4. supports a more democratic european semester process , with parliament strongly involved in setting economic policy priorities as well as in the taking of economic governance decisions , especially those with a strong social dimension; considers that the european semester process should follow the community method and be agreed between the council and parliament; ### 4. calls on the commission to develop and implement a different economic governance architecture in the eu based on solidarity , integration , social justice and convergence , fair distribution of wealth , gender equality , high-quality public services , including public education system for all , quality employment and sustainable development; calls on a more democratic european economic coordination , with parliament strongly involved in setting economic policy priorities as well as in the taking of economic governance decisions , especially those with a strong social dimension; considers that a thoroughly revised european semester process should follow the community method and be agreed between the council and parliament;


### 5. supports a shift towards a sustainable , inclusive and resilient growth model , strengthening the sustainable development and resilience of the eu’s economy and the full implementation of the epsr , including its relevant headline targets for 2030 , a social progress protocol and promoting future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions , with a strong social dimension , including gender equality; ### 5. supports a shift towards a sustainable , inclusive and resilient development model , strengthening the sustainable development and resilience of the eu’s economy and the full implementation of the epsr , including its relevant headline targets for 2030 , a social progress protocol and promoting future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions , with a strong social dimension , including gender equality;


### 6. welcomes the revised european semester process , with a broader scope and enhanced multilateral surveillance; ### 6. takes note of the revised european semester process , with a broader scope and enhanced multilateral surveillance; highlights with concern that individual adjustment path will be discussed with the commission and , once positively assessed , will be adopted by the council , thus providing greater discretionary powers to the commission and the council and benefiting larger and more powerful countries to the detriment of the smaller ones;


### 8. is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the epsr; ### 8. is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the epsr; considers that the current european fiscal rules can pose significant obstacles to necessary public investment and to financing the just transition to a zero carbon economy; regrets that the commission’s proposal for the reform of the eu economic governance framework does not include proposals for the review of the debt and deficit limits; underlines that in order to stimulate true solidarity , local production and fair , inclusive and sustainable development , the stability and growth pact must be replaced by a sustainable development and employment pact; recalls the proposal of a golden rule on public investment in order to exclude public investment from the deficit criterion for all investment categories that benefit the people , such as green investment;


### 9. calls on the commission to present a regulation on a social convergence framework , establishing a new mechanism to monitor social convergence risks , prevent other policy actions or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence , detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the epsr and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths; ### 9. calls on the commission to present a regulation on a social convergence framework , establishing a new mechanism to monitor social convergence risks , prevent other policy actions or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence , detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the epsr and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths;


### 10. stresses the importance of better assessing the distributional impact of existing and new policies and reforms monitored through the european semester process; calls on the commission to include distributional impact assessment requirements in the nrps; points out that fiscal consolidation can only be fair and sustainable if the distributional impact of reallocated expenditure or shifts in revenues is well calibrated and contributes to reducing inequalities; ### 10. stresses the importance of better assessing the distributional impact of existing and new policies and reforms; calls on the commission to include distributional impact assessment requirements in the nrps; points out that fiscal measures can only be fair and sustainable if the distributional impact of reallocated expenditure or shifts in revenues is well calibrated and contributes to reducing social , economic and regional inequalities;


### 11. considers that the revised social scoreboard does not properly cover the 20 epsr principles; calls , therefore , for the improvement of the social scoreboard and the inclusion of relevant indicators to identify social divergences through a dynamic assessment; draws attention to the importance of including indicators that fully reflect the trends in and causes of inequality , such as indicators on good-quality employment , wealth distribution , access to good-quality public services , adequate pensions , minimum income schemes , occupational diseases (including mental health conditions) and unemployment benefits , as well as indicators measuring the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; reminds the commission that the ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ (arope) indicator does not capture the wider and more complex causes of inequalities; ### 11. considers that the revised social scoreboard does not properly cover the 20 epsr principles; calls , therefore , for the improvement of the social scoreboard and the inclusion of relevant indicators to identify social divergences through a dynamic assessment; draws attention to the importance of including indicators that fully reflect the trends in and causes of inequality , such as indicators on good-quality employment , wealth distribution , universal access to good-quality public services , including energy , water and sanitation , adequate pensions , minimum income schemes , occupational diseases (including mental health conditions) and unemployment benefits , as well as indicators measuring the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; reminds the commission that the ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ (arope) indicator does not capture the wider and more complex causes of inequalities;


### 12. acknowledges the commission proposal for the revision of the economic governance framework to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable and inclusive growth through investment and reforms; points out that cyclical expenditure for unemployment as well as other social expenditure and investment required to comply with nrrp milestones must be excluded from excessive-deficit calculations in order to increase fairness in the green and digital transitions , social resilience and the implementation of the epsr , while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the member states; ### 12. notes the commission proposal for the revision of the economic governance framework to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable and inclusive growth through investment and reforms; points out that cyclical expenditure for unemployment as well as other social expenditure and investment required to comply with nrrp milestones must be excluded from excessive-deficit calculations in order to increase fairness in the green and digital transitions , social resilience and the implementation of the epsr , while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the member states; believes that tax systems should be designed in a way that reduces inequalities , promotes fairness and protects households , and should be balanced in order to make systems fairer and more efficient; stresses that public revenue could be used to fund key priorities and help address member states’ fiscal challenges , as well as contribute to the long-term sustainability of public finances; calls on the commission and the member states to take real measures to combat tax avoidance and tax fraud as an important means of reducing economic inequalities and improving the collection of tax revenue in the member states; recalls that an effective minimum tax rate for large multinationals within the european union can contribute to tackling the issue of tax dumping;


### 13. is concerned about the current economic landscape , forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation could have on living standards in the eu; calls on the member states to rapidly implement the provisions established in the minimum wages directive1 , so that minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the commission to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries , and particularly minimum wages , reflect the soaring cost of living; ### 13. is concerned about the current economic landscape , forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation have on living standards in the eu; calls on a fair redistribution of the recent record profit in sector where companies have profited from support by public authorities and funds; calls on wages to be raised in line with inflation and productivity gains; calls on the member states to rapidly implement the provisions established in the minimum wages directive1 , so that minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the commission to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries , and particularly minimum wages , reflect the soaring cost of living; calls on the commission to strengthen the collective bargaining coverage by revising the european public procurement directive in order to establish conditionality for companies to comply with collective bargaining agreements , including strengthening the social clause and excluding companies from tenders which have engaged in union-busting or have refused to participate in collective bargaining;


### 16. calls on the commission to propose a new directive on mental health , to prevent and manage the psychosocial risks at work and ensure the well-being of workers; ### 16. calls on the commission to propose a new directive on mental health , to prevent and manage the psychosocial risks at work and ensure the well-being of workers; calls on the commission to propose a directive to regulate teleworking conditions across the eu and ensure decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy; considers that the right to disconnect is essential to ensuring the mental well-being of employees and the self-employed , not least for female workers and workers in non-standard forms of work , and should be complemented by a preventive and collective approach to work-related psychosocial risks; calls on the commission to propose a directive on the right to disconnect; highlights that the commission’s upcoming initiative on “a comprehensive approach to mental health” to be published in june is a good opportunity to launch above-mentioned directives;


### 17. highlights that , with the working-age population shrinking , policies that bring more people into the labour market are essential; ### 17. highlights that , with the working-age population shrinking , policies that bring more people into the labour market are essential; calls on the member states to ensure access for young people to paid , quality and inclusive traineeships and apprenticeships; insists that young people receive adequate and quality first working experiences , opportunities for upskilling and new qualifications or credentials; condemns the practice of unpaid internships as a form of exploitation of young workers , and a violation of their rights , and calls on the commission and the member states , in collaboration with parliament , and respecting the principle of subsidiarity , to ban unpaid internships and propose a common legal framework to ensure fair remuneration for traineeships and apprenticeships in order to avoid exploitative practices; condemns the practice of zero-hour contracts and calls on the member states to provide support to employers providing traineeships and apprenticeships to young persons with disabilities; calls on the commission to review existing european instruments such as the quality framework for traineeships and the european framework for quality and effective apprenticeships and to include quality criteria for the offers made to young people , including the principle of fair remuneration for trainees and interns , access to social protection , sustainable employment and social rights;


### 19. recalls that cedefop’s reports stress that recruitment difficulties (including owing to skills mismatches) also reflect to a considerable extent poor job quality , a lack of people-oriented hr policy and untapped job design opportunities; calls on the commission to revise its upskilling and reskilling policies in light of cedefop’s findings , for instance by elevating skills demands and job complexity at european firms via demand-side interventions; ### 19. recalls that the creation of good quality jobs and implementation of retention strategies are the best way to attract a skilled workforce and incentivise employers to invest in their worker’s skills development; recalls that cedefop’s reports stress that recruitment difficulties (including owing to skills mismatches) also reflect to a considerable extent poor job quality , a lack of people-oriented hr policy and untapped job design opportunities; calls on the commission to revise its upskilling and reskilling policies in light of cedefop’s findings , for instance by elevating skills demands and job complexity at european firms via demand-side interventions;


### 20. calls for the eu industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green , but above all decent , well paid and based on good working conditions , with health and safety at work , robust social protection and gender equality; calls also for it to ensure that people are adequately remunerated in line with their qualifications and certified competences; ### 20. calls for the eu industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green , but above all decent , well paid and based on good working conditions and collective agreements , with health and safety at work , robust social protection , gender equality and life-long learning; calls also for it to ensure that people are adequately remunerated in line with their qualifications and certified competences; stresses the need to prevent a widening gap between different member states as the result of their fiscal capacities; stresses the need to ensure a level playing field to foster social and economic convergence; calls on member states to make good use of the just transition fund , and other relevant eu funds and platforms , in order to ensure that the jobs that are being phased-out as a result of the green transition are replaced by quality jobs in the same areas; highlights that any companies benefiting from public funding should have to respect social conditionality , such as workers and trade unions’ and engage in collective bargaining; stresses that any companies benefiting from public funding shouldn’t be allowed to pay out dividend to their shareholders nor buy their own shares;


### a. whereas 43 % of roma are in some form of paid employment1 ; whereas 63 % of young roma (aged 16-24) are not in education , employment or training (neet)2 ; whereas the increasing share of roma neets was an area where the situation had deteriorated in 2016 compared to 20113 ; ### a. whereas only 43 % of roma (56% of men and 29% of women) are in some form of paid work1; whereas roma face higher rates of work intensity , job insecurity and unemployment rates , lack employment networks and suffer discrimination in the field of work; whereas 63 % of young roma aged 16-24 are not in education , employment or training (neet)2 and in the case of young roma women it amounts to 72% 1b; whereas the increasing share of roma neets was an area where the situation had deteriorated in 2016 compared to 20113;


### 2. calls on the commission and the council to establish a year of dignified ageing , in order to strengthen the links between the generations and to counteract loneliness in old age; stresses the importance of this initiative not only in the context of demographic change , but also of the coronavirus pandemic , which has hit older people hardest; ### 2. calls on the commission and the council to establish a year of ageing with rights , in order to deepen knowledge in each member state of the situation faced by this social group , improve society's understanding of longevity , which should do much to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices , to close divides and to foster solidarity between generations , building a society for all ages;


### 3. calls on the commission to prepare an action strategy for the elderly , taking into account the diversity and complexity of the situation of older people; ### 3. calls on the commission to prepare an action strategy for the elderly , reflecting the assessment of studies carried out at member state level;


### — having regard to the conventions and recommendations of the international labour organization (ilo) , in particular the 1919 hours of work (industry) convention (no. 1) , the 1981 collective bargaining recommendation (no. 163) , the 1981 convention on workers with family responsibilities (no. 156) and its accompanying recommendation (no. 165) , ### — having regard to the conventions and recommendations of the international labour organization (ilo) , in particular the 1919 hours of work (industry) convention (no. 1) , the 1930 hours of work (commerce and offices) convention (no. 30) , the 1981 collective bargaining recommendation (no. 163) , the 1981 convention on workers with family responsibilities (no. 156) and its accompanying recommendation (no. 165) , as well as the 2019 ilo centenary declaration on the future of work;


### e. whereas the right to disconnect should be a fundamental right and an important social policy objective to ensure protection of the rights of all workers in the new digital era; ### e. whereas the right to disconnect should be a fundamental right and an important social policy objective at union level to ensure protection of the rights of all workers in the new digital era;


### 6. acknowledges eurofound findings that show that people who work from home are more prone to working longer and more irregular hours; stresses that the number of workers in the union reporting long working hours or who are unable to benefit from non-working time is increasing; ### 6. acknowledges eurofound findings which show that people who regularly work from home are more than twice as likely to work in excess of the 48 hours per week provided by union law and at risk of resting for less than 11 hours between working days compared to those working on the employers’ premises; highlights that almost 30% of such teleworkers report working in their free time every day or several times a week , compared to below 5% of ‘office’ based workers and that teleworkers are also more likely to work irregular hours; stresses that the number of home-based workers in the union reporting long working hours or who are unable to benefit from non-working time is increasing;


### 7. reiterates that the combination of long working hours and higher demands on people working from home during the covid-19 crisis is likely to pose higher than expected risks for workers , with a negative impact on the quality of their working time and their work-life balance; ### 7. reiterates that albeit instrumental in helping to safeguard employment during the covid-19 crisis , increased home working can pose risks and hazards for workers because of the combination of long working hours and higher demands on people working from home , with a negative impact on the quality of their working time and their work-life balance;


### 9. acknowledges that the right to disconnect is not explicitly regulated in union law; recalls that a number of member states have taken steps to regulate the use of digital tools for work purposes in order to provide safeguards and protection to workers; ### 9. acknowledges that the right to disconnect is not explicitly regulated in union law; recalls that a number of member states and the social partners have taken steps to regulate in law and/or collective agreements the use of digital tools for work purposes in order to provide safeguards and protection to workers;


### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , particularly to articles 3 , 15 , 21 , 23 , 25 and 26 thereof , ### — having regard to the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , particularly to articles 3 , 15 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 and 47 thereof ,


### — having regard to the concluding observations of the un committee on the rights of persons with disabilities (uncrpd committee) of 2 october 2015 on the initial report of the european union , ### — having regard to the concluding observations of the un committee on the rights of persons with disabilities (uncrpd committee) of 2 october 2015 on the initial report of the european union , including those on the european union institutions’ compliance with the convention as public administration ,


### — having regard to the annual report 2018 of the european ombudsman , ### — having regard to the annual report 2018 of the european ombudsman and specifically her strategic inquiries into how the european commission ensures that disabled people can access its websites (oi/6/2017/ea) , how the european commission treats disabled people under the joint sickness insurance scheme for eu staff (oi/4/2016/ea) , and the decision in the joint inquiry in cases 1337/2017/ea and 1338/2017/ea on the accessibility for visually impaired candidates of selection procedures to recruit eu civil servants , organised by the european personnel selection office ,


### a. whereas , as full citizens , all persons with disabilities have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society; ### a. whereas , as full citizens , all persons with disabilities have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , education , employment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society;


### j. whereas there continues to be new and revised legislation without any reference to the uncrpd and accessibility; whereas accessibility is a prerequisite for participation; whereas the eu , as a party to the uncrpd , has the duty to ensure the close involvement and active participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in the development and implementation of legislation and policies while respecting diverse concepts of disability; ### j. whereas there continues to be new and revised legislation without any reference to the uncrpd and accessibility; whereas accessibility is a prerequisite for independent living and participation; whereas the eu , as a party to the uncrpd , has the duty to ensure the close involvement and active participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in the development and implementation of legislation and policies while respecting diverse concepts of disability;


### 2. calls on the commission to propose a comprehensive , ambitious and long-term post-2020 european disability strategy (the post-2020 strategy) ### 2. calls on the commission to propose a long-term post-2020 comprehensive strategy with ambitious , clear , binding and measurable targets , ensuring its implementation both at european and national levels.


### 2. calls on the commission to propose a comprehensive , ambitious and long-term post-2020 european disability strategy (the post-2020 strategy) ### 2. calls on the commission to propose a comprehensive and ambitious 2020-2030 european disability strategy (the post-2020 strategy)


### - with designated priority areas covering all the provisions of the uncrpd in all areas of eu policy and addressing the concluding observations of the uncrpd committee adopted in 2015 , ### - with designated priority areas covering all the provisions of the uncrpd in all areas of eu policy and addressing the concluding observations of the uncrpd committee adopted in 2015 and the uncrpd general comments ,


### - with ambitious and clear targets , ### - with ambitious , clear , binding and measurable targets , allocated at european and national level ,


### a. whereas countries that have greater availability of broadband internet in homes also have a greater number of citizens with basic or advanced digital skills; ### a. whereas countries that have greater availability of broadband internet in homes also have a greater number of citizens with basic or advanced digital skills , although inequalities to access it tools and internet still exist;


### a. whereas inclusive , quality education is the cornerstone of the green and digital transitions; ### a. whereas inclusive , quality education is the cornerstone of the green and digital transitions , because it both enhances participation in democratic life and the life of society and individual self-determination , and gives people the skills needed to assess technological developments and their implications for society , including the need for political regulation;


### g. whereas the shift to online and distance learning has exacerbated existing inequalities , leaving disadvantaged and vulnerable learners and learners with disabilities further behind , increasing drop-out rates across education sectors , and revealing an absence of pastoral and social support in the digital environment; ### g. whereas the shift to online and distance learning has exacerbated existing inequalities , leaving disadvantaged and vulnerable learners and learners with disabilities further behind , increasing drop-out rates across education sectors , and revealing an absence of support for socially disadvantaged or linguistically less able students in the digital environment;


### 6. welcomes the commission’s scheduled mid-term review of the plan and its intention to ramp up data collection; reiterates the need for a clear implementation timetable; remains convinced that the plan needs a clearer governance and coordination structure , in which parliament should be involved , to monitor developments and performance on an ongoing basis; calls on the commission , therefore , to establish a forum bringing together the member states , parliament and other relevant stakeholders and experts; urges the commission to better integrate digital education into the european semester exercise; ### 6. welcomes the commission’s scheduled mid-term review of the plan and its intention to ramp up data collection; reiterates the need for a clear implementation timetable; remains convinced that the plan needs a clearer governance and coordination structure , in which parliament should be involved , to monitor developments and performance on an ongoing basis; calls on the commission , therefore , to establish a forum bringing together the member states , parliament and other relevant stakeholders and experts; urges the commission to develop synergies between innovative measures to promote digital education under the various european support programmes and to determine and outline their impact in the mid-term assessments;


### 7. welcomes the digital education hubs as a first step towards a co-creation process involving key stakeholders; calls on the commission to supervise implementation at national level and ensure fair representation and independence within the hubs; calls on the commission to fully involve parliament in creating european and national hubs and in nominating relevant stakeholders; ### (does not affect the english version.)


### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at other educational establishments besides schools; ### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at other educational establishments besides schools , this support to be provided on a long-term basis by trained staff who oversee networks and applications and provide basic instruction in data protection;


### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials; calls on the commission to create an online european university with distance and online education content available across europe; ### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials; calls on the commission to create a public online european university with distance and online education content available across europe and , in that connection , to take account of europe's language diversity as regards access and communication;


### 2. welcomes the announcement of several complementary strategies and calls for a strategic framework to connect them , and for an intersectional approach to be adopted in all of them; ### 2. takes note of the announcement of several complementary strategies and calls for a strategic framework to connect them , and for an intersectional approach to be adopted in all of them;


### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence; calls for binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector; ### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence; urges the member states to adopt binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector;


### c. whereas the eu has adopted important legislation and provided key impulses to achieving gender equality; whereas , however , these efforts have slowed down in recent years , while movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished; whereas these movements are attempting to influence national and european policies; ### c. whereas the eu's policies have exacerbated inequalities between men and women while , at the same time , movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished;


### d. whereas violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; whereas a life free from violence is a prerequisite for equality; whereas disinformation campaigns on gender equality also focus on the issue of violence against women , as has been seen in relation to the istanbul convention; ### d. whereas prostitution is a serious form of violence and exploitation that mostly affects women and children; whereas the root causes of prostitution cannot be detached from socio-economic reality , particularly unemployment , financial need and poverty; whereas the member states need to increase funding for social support and access to public services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation , with psychological and social support from specialised professionals , and to introduce social and economic policies designed to help vulnerable women and girls to leave prostitution , including by securing jobs that actually lead to their social inclusion;


### f. whereas the participation of women in the labour market does not secure their equal participation in decision-making and therefore limits women’s potential to change economic , political , social and cultural structures; ### f. whereas the participation of women in the labour market does not secure their equal participation in decision-making or wages and therefore limits women’s potential to change economic , political , social and cultural structures; whereas inequality between men and women also exists in access to employment opportunities , positions and career progression;


### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand; ### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand; stresses that there are a number of links between prostitution and trafficking and acknowledges that prostitution – both in the eu and elsewhere around the world – fuels the trafficking of vulnerable women and minors;


### 17. notes that tax policies have varying impacts on different types of households; stresses that individual taxation is instrumental in terms of achieving tax fairness for women; ### 17. notes that tax policies have varying impacts on different types of households;


### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange between member states and the commission on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sex and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); calls on the commission to include srhr in its next eu health strategy , and to support member states in providing high-quality and low-threshold access to healthcare services; ### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange between member states and the commission on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sex and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); urges the member states to promote srhr and strengthen public , universal and high-quality healthcare services;


### f. whereas income inequalities remain at a high level; whereas wage austerity as well as tax and labour cost competition are harmful for the single market and increase inequalities and the vulnerability of low wage earners; whereas intergenerational social mobility is limited in most member states; ### f. whereas income inequalities remain at a high level; whereas wage austerity as well as tax and labour cost competition are harmful for the cohesion within and across member states , since they increase inequalities and the vulnerability of low wage earners; whereas intergenerational social mobility is limited in most member states;


### i. whereas adequate minimum wages are essential to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and generate demand; ### i. whereas fair wages , including minimum wages , are essential to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and boost economy;


### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model; reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline; ### 1. reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the member states’ economic policy-making , e.g. by including the sdgs as the basis of the economic growth model; considers , however , that this is not compatible with the fiscal treaty , the growth stability pact and the european semester;


### 1. calls for a genuine revision of the eu’s and the member states’ education , training and skills policies to deliver education and lifelong learning , addressing , in particular , the digital skills gap and the need for adaptation to the realities of the digitalised economy , and of preparing for the future impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market; stresses that these policies should promote personal and societal development while respecting the goals of the energy transition towards the low-carbon economy; ### 1. calls for a genuine revision of the eu’s and the member states’ education , training and skills policies to deliver multilingual education and the right for lifelong learning , addressing , in particular , the digital skills gap and the need for understanding and shaping of the realities of the digitalised economy and society , and of preparing for the future impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market and public spheres; stresses that these policies should promote personal and societal development while respecting the goals of the energy transition towards the low-carbon economy;


### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage is frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning; ### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage and segregating educational institutions are frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning and high-quality teaching;


### 3. asserts that quality early childhood education and care (ecec) has a positive impact on all children , boys and girls , and even more so on children belonging to less privileged socio-economic backgrounds , thereby contributing to reducing social inequalities; stresses that ecec has an impact on children’s development , learning and well-being in the short-term , and creates the building blocks for improving later long-term life outcomes; ### 3. asserts that quality early childhood education and care (ecec) has a positive impact on all children , boys and girls , and even more so on children belonging to less privileged socio-economic backgrounds , thereby contributing to reducing social inequalities; stresses that ecec has an impact on children’s development , learning and well-being in the short-term , and creates the building blocks , like abilities to deal with conflicts , problem-solving skills , social and democratic behavior , for improving later long-term life outcomes;


### 4. believes that investing in human capital , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business; ### 4. believes that investing in a modern democratic educational landscape , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable , qualitative and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business on one hand; and underlines the importance of education for self-realisation and for the possibility of participation in a democratic community on the other hand;


### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses with a view to addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning; ### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses with a view to addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual trainings and studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning;


### 8. calls on the commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemes in order to provide a social protection floor; ### 8. calls on the commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemes , in order to provide a social protection floor and by ensuring that neither the direct beneficiary nor their families live above the poverty line; states that the minimum income must be a temporary and transitory measure , to dignify the condition of those who are in a situation of greater deprivation and vulnerability and , therefore , it shall require complementary measures of inclusion , through public employment policies , support and promotion of national productive capacity in order to boost decent job creation;


### 9. calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; ### 9. urges for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; calls the commission and all eu member states to support the eligibility for investment in public housing under the cohesion fund (improving existing public housing and possibly building new housing) , removing this type of investment from deficit criteria and revising state aid rules in this regard;


### 9. believes that an all-encompassing approach to education policy enjoying strong political and public support , is vital to the educational reform process , and that in order to achieve these objectives , it is essential to involve both society as a whole and all relevant and interested stakeholders , including parents; ### 9. believes that an all-encompassing approach to education policy enjoying strong political and public support , is vital to the educational reform process , and that in order to achieve these objectives , it is essential to involve both society as a whole and all relevant and interested stakeholders , including teachers and parents;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for the extension of the maternity and parental leaves , as well as for the payment of those leaves at 100%; calls for accessible and affordable quality public childcare and early education services , as well as public care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly and people with disabilities;


### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; ### 12. calls on the commission to support the implementation of a strong regulation of all forms of work , including the new ones , and the improvement of working conditions of all workers , including both shift and platform workers;


### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union; ### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding and asks for its strengthening in the upcoming multiannual financial framework (mff) vis-à-vis the current mff; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for all cohesion funds , including the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; deplores any macroeconomic conditionality , i.e. any alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding;


### a. whereas according to the scientific , technical and economic committee for fisheries (stefc) 2019 annual economic report on the eu fishing fleet1 , profitability of the eu fleet was maintained in 2017 , registering a net profit of eur 1.3 billion , while a slight improvement in performance is expected for 2019 due to higher landing prices and sustained low fuel prices and interest rates; ### a. whereas according to the scientific , technical and economic committee for fisheries (stefc) 2019 annual economic report on the eu fishing fleet1 , profitability of the eu fleet was maintained in 2017 , registering a net profit of eur 1.3 billion , while a slight improvement in performance is expected for 2019 due to higher landing prices and sustained low fuel prices and interest rates; whereas the cfp aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally , economically and socially sustainable2a;


### a. whereas the common fisheries policy (cfp) aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable in the long term and that this sustainability is based on three pillars – environmental , social and economic; ### a. whereas the objectives of the common fisheries policy (cfp) include ensuring that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable in the long term and that this sustainability is based on three pillars – environmental , social and economic; whereas the centralisation of fisheries management and member states' loss of sovereignty under the cfp has put up barriers to the requisite local management , which is essential to ensuring that the sector is socio-economically viable;


### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2 ; ### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2 ; whereas the number of fatalities worldwide is estimated at 80 per 100.000 fishers per year , which means total 24.000 fatalities worldwide per year1a whereas there is no equivalent european database for fisheries fatalities , which stress out the need for the creation of a simple mandatory database for reporting the accidents.


### c. whereas since 2008 total employment in the eu fleet has decreased on average by 1.3 % per year , partly on account of reductions in fleet capacity; ### c. whereas since 2008 total employment in the eu fleet has decreased on average by 1.3 % per year , partly on account of reductions in fleet capacity; whereas the eu small-scale coastal fleet in 2018 comprised 75% of the active fleet and 50% of the engaged crew; whereas the major part of eu quotas and subsidies benefit industrial fishing activities which often employ unskilled labour for short-term contracts and which bring little real benefit to local communities; whereas small-scale sustainable fishing activities are marginalized;


### 1. acknowledges that coastal regions historically dependent on fisheries should benefit from financial support in order to develop new sectors and create new jobs , and calls on member states to put in place targeted policies for creating diverse jobs and using digital solutions; further supports the combined use of the european regional development fund (erdf) , european social fund (esf) , european maritime and fisheries fund (emff) and new recovery fund in coastal areas; ### 1. acknowledges that coastal regions historically dependent on fisheries should benefit from financial support in order to develop new sectors and create new jobs , and calls on member states to put in place targeted policies for protecting existing jobs and creating new ones; further supports the combined use of the european regional development fund (erdf) , european social fund (esf) , european maritime and fisheries fund (emff) and new recovery fund in coastal areas;


### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; ### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; calls on the commission , in order to create a level playing field , to only permit import of fishery products into the eu which originate from countries that can demonstrate they meet ilo c188 to mirror the regulatory requirements of eu member states;


### 4. points out that the information made available by different bodies seems to demonstrate an ageing of eu fishing crews , but that , as with fisheries management and adaptation of measures taken , the management , monitoring and implementation of actions should be differentiated on the basis of geographical area , fishing fleets and , in some circumstances , fishing gear used; ### 4. points out that the information made available by different bodies seems to demonstrate an ageing of member states' fishing crews , but that , as with fisheries management and adaptation of measures taken , the management , monitoring and implementation of actions should be differentiated on the basis of geographical area , fishing fleets and , in some circumstances , fishing gear used;


### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector and people interested in such work access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education enabling them to adapt to new market trends (e.g. organic food , specialised tourism , sale and promotion of local products by means of new technologies); ### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector and people interested in such work access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education , including health and safety training for all fisheries workers. encourages further combined financial support by the eu funds for such training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education for all fishermen , during off fishing seasons;


### 7. underlines the significance of continuity in professional careers and , in this context , of the creation and maintenance of jobs: recalls that fishermen should be supported in continuing their career ashore if , due to health reasons , changes in the labour market or other factors , they cannot continue working at sea; believes that european funds , especially the esf , should support their smooth professional transition; ### 7. underlines the significance of continuity and sustainability in professional careers and , in this context , of the creation and maintenance of jobs , as well as the provision of compensation for termination of fishing activities; recalls that fishermen should be supported in continuing their career ashore if , due to health reasons , changes in the labour market or other factors , they cannot continue working at sea; believes that european funds , especially the esf , should support their smooth professional transition;


### 8. points out that professional maritime activities in general are considered high risk and dangerous , particularly fishing , and this situation is made worse by the fact that 85% of eu vessels are small-scale coastal vessels (less than 12 m in total length) and are , therefore , exposed to greater risks caused by adverse weather conditions and by operating close to shore; ### 8. points out that professional maritime activities in general are considered high risk and dangerous , particularly fishing , and this situation is made worse by the fact that 85% of eu vessels are small-scale coastal vessels (less than 12 m in total length) and are , therefore , exposed to greater risks caused by adverse weather conditions and by operating close to shore; points out that the risks associated with fishing cannot be seen separately from the advanced age of a significant part of the fleet;


### 9. encourages further development of successful local action groups (lags) , which are local public-private partnerships in charge of local development strategies in local food production , improving the use of natural resources , making the countryside more attractive by increasing services and culture , as well as creating jobs; is of the opinion that implementation of such strategies should be supported by european funds; ### 9. encourages further development of successful local action groups (lags) , which are local partnerships in charge of local development strategies in local food production , improving the use of natural resources , making the countryside more attractive by increasing services and culture , as well as creating jobs; is of the opinion that implementation of such strategies should be supported by european funds;


### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; ### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; encourages the elimination of the contradiction between the existing social legislation such as ilo c188 work in fishing convention and the cfp rules , especially those rules that prohibit any and all modifications on fishing capacity measurements including the vessel’s engine power;


### 12. expresses its concern about the aging workforce in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation; calls on member states to undertake actions to remove obstacles to starting a career in the sector , such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3 ; ### 12. expresses its concern about the aging workforce in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation; calls on member states to undertake actions to remove obstacles to starting a career in the sector , such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3 ; calls the scientific , technical and economic committee for fisheries (stecf) to integrate indicators linked to overarching social objectives within the cfp , in particular on worker protection , education and training , earnings and safety;


### i. whereas , despite the increase in the number of incidents , the number of fatalities arising from accidents and incidents on fishing vessels has shown a downward trend , with the vast majority of incidents being the result of human factors (62.4%) and system/equipment failures being the second most common cause (23.2% of incidents); ### i. whereas , despite the increase in the number of incidents , the number of fatalities arising from accidents and incidents on fishing vessels has shown a downward trend , with the vast majority of incidents being the result of human factors (62.4%) and system/equipment failures being the second most common cause (23.2% of incidents); whereas these issues concerning safety and accidents in fishing cannot be viewed separately from issues concerning fish yield;


### k. whereas the lack of standardisation in certification and basic training for fishers , as well as in their recognition among member states , was identified as a constraint two decades ago , and whereas few developments have been made; ### k. whereas the limited cooperation among member states with regard to the mutual recognition of certification and basic training for fishers was identified as a constraint two decades ago , and whereas few developments have been made;


### 15. recalls that the ultimate goal of the cfp is to make fishing activity socially , environmentally and economically sustainable , and that only with good working , living and safety conditions will it be possible to attract young people and achieve the generational renewal of this activity which provides eu citizens with healthy food; ### 15. takes the view that the objectives of a fisheries policy should include supplying fish to the public and developing coastal communities , promoting employment and improving fishers' living standards , with better working , living and safety conditions , with a view to attracting young people and achieving the generational renewal of this activity , while paying heed to the sustainability and proper conservation of fishery resources;


### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size; proposes that steps be taken to establish basic legal rules applicable in a uniform and cross-cutting manner to the entire eu fishing fleet , taking into account specific characteristics concerning vessel size and the types of fishing operation for which vessels are intended; ### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size , taking into account specific characteristics concerning vessel size and the types of fishing operation for which vessels are intended;


### 24. stresses that in other areas of maritime activity , both recreational and professional , major developments have been made towards international recognition of training , irrespective of the country in which it is obtained , and all that is needed is for basic training to be standardised and provided by schools or educational institutions which are part of the internationally recognised national education systems of each member state or third country; ### 24. stresses that in other areas of maritime activity , both recreational and professional , major developments have been made towards international recognition of training , irrespective of the country in which it is obtained , and all that is needed is for cooperation to be stepped up with a view to the recognition of basic training provided by schools or educational institutions which are part of the internationally recognised national education systems of each member state or third country;


### 27. notes that , while european funding has been invested in teaching establishments and schools providing advanced vocational training and certification in the blue economy , its oldest sector of activity , fisheries , still has difficulty in gaining acceptance in such establishments , except under regional or national training or training programmes , in the absence of european recognition of training given; ### 27. notes that , while european funding has been invested in teaching establishments and schools providing advanced vocational training and certification in the blue economy , its oldest sector of activity , fisheries , still has difficulty in gaining acceptance in such establishments , except under regional or national training or training programmes , and cooperation between member states needs to be stepped up with a view to boosting the recognition of training given;


### 28. calls on the european commission and the member states to establish common bases for a standard training and certification system for the various categories of fishermen , allowing rapid recognition at european level of the certification obtained in a given member state; considers that this should include a procedure for the recognition of certificates obtained outside the union compatible with the european training recognition system , facilitating the movement of fishermen within the eu; ### 28. calls on the member states to step up cooperation with regard to standard training and certification systems for the various categories of fishermen , with a view to the recognition among member states of the certification obtained in a given member state; considers that this should include a procedure for the recognition of certificates obtained outside the european union;


### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishermen must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of existing and incoming eu fishermen; ### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishermen must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of member states' existing and incoming fishermen;


### promoting professional fishing activity and generational renewal in the sector ### promoting earnings from fishing , professional fishing activity and generational renewal in the sector


### 35. recalls that the european union , the largest single market in fisheries products , accounts for only 6% of total world catches , being highly dependent on fishery and aquaculture imports from third countries; ### 35. recalls that the european union , the largest market in fisheries products , accounts for only 6% of total world catches , being highly dependent on fishery and aquaculture imports from third countries;


### 36. points out that cfp standards are among the most stringent and make an important contribution to environmental , economic and social sustainability and that , although there is still much room for improvement , progress made in recent decades shows what can be done in this direction , contributing , on the one hand , to the sustainability of fish stocks and habitats and , on the other , to increasing the earnings of fishermen and shipowners; ### deleted


### 37. stresses the need to ensure the continuity of fishing activity , generational renewal and greater social recognition for this sector and its importance for the sustainable supply of healthy food for europeans that come from environmentally sound habitats; ### 37. stresses the need to ensure the continuity of fishing activity , generational renewal and greater social recognition for this sector and its importance for the sustainable supply of healthy food for populations that come from environmentally sound habitats;


### 39. observes that , given the right training and specific skills , fishermen could contribute even more to the advancement of scientific knowledge through the in situ collection and registration of environmental data , providing verification of that obtained by remote observation using satellites and other instruments; in 2019 , the community fleet , consisting of over 81 000 fishing vessels of all sizes , provided an incomparable number of platforms constantly collecting fishing and other marine data on an almost daily basis; this is a facility that can and should be used for the collection of even more data regarding the seas of europe and the world; ### 39. observes that , given the right training and specific skills , fishermen could contribute even more to the advancement of scientific knowledge through the in situ collection and registration of environmental data; in 2019 , the community fleet , consisting of over 81 000 fishing vessels of all sizes , provided an incomparable number of platforms constantly collecting fishing and other marine data on an almost daily basis; this is a facility that can be involved in the collection of even more data regarding the seas in which member state fleets operate;


### 41. stresses the importance of ocean literacy , which must not exclude digital literacy and digitisation of fishing activity; despite improved skills among older users , software applications are easier and more intuitive for younger generations when it comes to collecting and registering data under the new fisheries control regulation , which is currently under review , or utilising new applications and equipment to improve the safety , working conditions and wellbeing of fishermen at sea; ### 41. stresses the importance of ocean literacy , which must not exclude digital literacy and digitisation of fishing activity; despite improved skills among older users , software applications are easier and more intuitive for younger generations when it comes to collecting and registering data , or utilising new applications and equipment to improve the safety , working conditions and wellbeing of fishermen at sea;


### 42. points out that improvements in the conservation status of fish stocks have boosted fishermen’s productivity and average earnings , as well as achieving a reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions; notes that fishermen have been increasingly involved in the collection of all marine refuse , including but not only lost or abandoned fishing gear , and that their ecological contribution in this respect should be recognised and encouraged; ### 42. points out that fishermen have helped to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions; notes that fishermen have been increasingly involved in the collection of all marine refuse , including but not only lost or abandoned fishing gear , and that their ecological contribution in this respect should be recognised and encouraged;


### 45. points out that the need to improve on-board working , living and safety conditions , the difficulties regarding the recognition of fishery certificates , the obstacles to the movement of fishermen between member states and the need for manpower in this sector are factors encouraging the arrival of third-country fishermen who are , in many cases , employed illegally; ### 45. points out that the need to improve on-board working , living and safety conditions , the difficulties regarding the recognition of fishery certificates , and the need for manpower in this sector are factors promoting the hiring of third-country fishermen who are , in many cases , employed illegally;


### 46. calls on the european commission and the member states to raise public awareness in europe of the importance of fishing activities and the contribution made by of fishermen to food supply in europe and the conservation of oceans and marine life , thereby debunking the preconception that fishermen are predators interested only in exploiting resources with no thought for the future; ### 46. calls on the european commission and the member states to raise public awareness , particularly among younger generations , of the importance of fishing activities and the contribution made by of fishermen to their food supply and the conservation of oceans and marine life , thereby debunking the preconception that fishermen are predators interested only in exploiting resources with no thought for the future;


### 48. concludes that generational renewal must take into account the objectives of the european green deal and the need to ensure digital transition in the blue economy also; this means not only attracting young people to fishing but also ensuring that they are informed and properly trained , offering them attractive career prospects and the opportunity to improve their personal situation and contribute to the cohesion of their local communities , especially in the most isolated coastal regions and with fewer job opportunities , enabling them to work for economic , social and environmental change in these areas , while enhancing the role of women in this sector through enhanced mobility and employment opportunities throughout the eu without difficulties or restrictions regarding recognition of their skills and training; ### 48. concludes that generational renewal must take into account the need to attract young people to fishing but also ensuring that they are informed and properly trained , offering them attractive career prospects and the opportunity to improve their personal situation and contribute to the cohesion of their local communities , especially in the most isolated coastal regions and with fewer job opportunities , enabling them to work for economic , social and environmental change in these areas , while enhancing the role of women in this sector through enhanced mobility and employment opportunities throughout the eu without difficulties or restrictions regarding recognition of their skills and training;


### article 5 ### article 5


### article 7 ### article 7


### (3) the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the eu and in the world. in the union , new priorities have emerged , linked with the crisis , specifically focussing on recovery and resilience. they require an urgent and coordinated response from the union in order to cope with the economic consequences for member states as well to mitigate the social and economic fallouts. the current covid-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps member states to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. growth enhancing reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies and societies back on a sustainable recovery path and overcome the economic , social and territorial divergences in the union. ### (3) the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 exposed the shortcomings of the policies promoted by the eu , which have centralised powers in its institutions and diminished the member states’ sovereign capacity; which have deregulated industrial relations , relaxed rules on hours and reduced workers’ incomes; and have contributed to the destruction and privatisation of public services. the covid-19 pandemic is proving that the member states with more regulated labour conditions and public services that provide universal social responses and help to tackle structural exclusion have a better capacity for resilience and better recovery potential.


### (3) the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the eu and in the world. in the union , new priorities have emerged , linked with the crisis , specifically focussing on recovery and resilience. they require an urgent and coordinated response from the union in order to cope with the economic consequences for member states as well to mitigate the social and economic fallouts. the current covid-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures helps member states to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. growth enhancing reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies and societies back on a sustainable recovery path and overcome the economic , social and territorial divergences in the union. ### (3) the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic and social outlook for the years to come in the eu and in the world. in the union , new challenges and priorities have emerged , linked with the crisis , specifically focussing on recovery and resilience. they require an urgent and coordinated response from the union in order to cope with the social and economic consequences for member states as well to mitigate the social and economic fallouts. the current covid-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis of 2008 have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong and sustainable economic and social structures helps member states to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. at the same time , they have clearly indicated the need for rapid and coherent responses to major external shocks that require preparedness of health systems , of essential public services and of key public sectors as well as the existence of effective social protection mechanisms. growth enhancing reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and the societies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies and societies back on a fair , inclusive and sustainable recovery path and overcome the economic , social and territorial divergences in the union that have been exacerbated due to the pandemic.


### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. those strategies are presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or union funding. they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the structural and cohesion funds , and from other programmes. ### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination has been the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. currently , on the other hand , the european green deal , the sustainable development goals and the european pillar of social rights must be the guide for the economic recovery , which ought to be in line with the principles of solidarity and social justice. in this sense , efforts to tackle the economic downturn must be based on a significant degree of wealth redistribution , in order to ensure that the costs of the crisis are not borne solely by the most vulnerable social groups , as has happened in the past. member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. those strategies are presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or union funding. they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the structural and cohesion funds , and from other programmes.


### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. those strategies are presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or union funding. they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the structural and cohesion funds , and from other programmes. ### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is considered as the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. however , the current covid-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis of 2008 have shown the need for the repeal of the growth and stability pact and its replacement by a sustainable development and employment pact that will promote fair , inclusive and sustainable growth , high-quality employment and environmental protection , in line with the european green deal , the paris agreement , the sustainable development goals and the european pillar of social rights.


### (6) member states have increasingly taken up technical support under the srsp in the past , therefore , through this regulation , a technical support instrument should be established with a view to continuing to support member states in the implementation of reforms. ### (6) member states have increasingly taken up technical support under the srsp in the past , therefore , through this regulation , a technical support instrument should be established with a view to continuing to support member states in the implementation of reforms and investments that promote fair , inclusive and sustainable growth and economic , social and territorial convergence.


### (7) reflecting the european green deal as europe’s growth strategy and the translation of the union’s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations’ sustainable development goals , the technical support instrument will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. relevant actions should be identified during the instrument’s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. this should also tackle broader environmental and social challenges within the union , including the protection of natural capital and the support to the circular economy and be in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. ### (7) reflecting the european green deal as europe’s growth strategy and the translation of the union’s commitments to implement the european green deal , the paris agreement and the united nations’ sustainable development goals , the technical support instrument will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of at least 30% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives and at least 10% supporting biodiversity objectives. moreover , reflecting the union’s commitment to implement the european pillar of social rights , the technical support instrument should contribute to delivering socially responsible reforms that are based on solidarity , integration , social justice and a fair distribution of wealth so as to ensure equality , inclusion and social protection , protect vulnerable groups , create high-quality jobs and improve the living conditions of all citizens. relevant actions should be identified during the instrument’s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. this should also tackle broader environmental and social challenges within the union , including the protection of natural capital and the support to the transition to a fair , inclusive , sustainable and resilient circular economy and be in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.


### (7) reflecting the european green deal as europe’s growth strategy and the translation of the union’s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations’ sustainable development goals , the technical support instrument will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. relevant actions should be identified during the instrument’s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. this should also tackle broader environmental and social challenges within the union , including the protection of natural capital and the support to the circular economy and be in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. ### (7) reflecting the european green deal as europe’s growth strategy and the translation of the union’s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations’ sustainable development goals , the technical support instrument will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. relevant actions should be identified during the instrument’s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. this should also tackle broader environmental and social challenges within the union , including the protection of natural resources and the promotion of the energy transition and be in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.


### (8) the general objective of the technical support instrument should be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion by supporting member states efforts to implement reforms necessary to achieve economic and social recovery , resilience and convergence. to that effect , it should support the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the member states to implement union law , in relation to challenges faced by institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors. ### (8) the general objective of the technical support instrument should be to promote the union’s economic , social and territorial cohesion and regional development by supporting member states efforts to implement reforms and investments necessary to achieve economic and social recovery , resilience and convergence in a fair and inclusive way. to that effect , it should support the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the member states to implement union law , in relation to challenges faced by institutions , governance , public administration , and economic and social sectors , as well as core priorities and objectives such as the european green deal , the paris agreement , the “do no significant harm” principle , the sustainable development goals , the european pillar of social rights , digital transformation and innovation.


### (9) the specific objectives of the technical support instrument should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design , develop and implement reforms , including through exchange of good practices , appropriate processes and methodologies and a more effective and efficient human resources management. ### (9) the specific objectives of the technical support instrument should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design , develop and implement sustainable reforms and investments , including through exchange of good practices , appropriate processes and methodologies and a more effective and efficient human resources management.


### (10) with a view to helping member states address reform needs in all the key economic and societal areas , technical support should continue to be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains , which include areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , sustainable development , public health and social welfare. specific emphasis should be given to the actions that foster the green and digital transitions. ### (10) with a view to helping member states address reform needs in all the key economic and societal areas , technical support should continue to be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains , which include areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , reskilling and upskilling of workers , children and youth policies , sustainable development , public health , social infrastructure and social welfare. specific emphasis should be given to the actions that foster the green and digital transitions.


### (10) with a view to helping member states address reform needs in all the key economic and societal areas , technical support should continue to be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains , which include areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , sustainable development , public health and social welfare. specific emphasis should be given to the actions that foster the green and digital transitions. ### (10) with a view to helping member states address reform needs in all the key economic and societal areas , technical support should continue to be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains related to sustainable development , the fight against poverty and inequality and social welfare , including areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , ,public health. specific emphasis should be given to the actions that foster the green and digital transitions.


### (13) the technical support instrument should be provided on request , in order to support the implementation of reforms undertaken at the initiative of the member states , reforms in the context of economic governance processes or actions related to the implementation of union law , and reforms in relation to the implementation of economic adjustment programmes. it should also provide technical support for the preparation and implementation of recovery plans to be undertaken under regulation (eu) no yyy/xx. ### (13) the technical support instrument should be provided on request , in order to support the implementation of reforms and investments undertaken at the initiative of the member states that promote fair , inclusive and sustainable growth , boost the creation of high-quality jobs , increase productivity , stimulate sustainable investment in the real economy and strengthen economic , social and territorial cohesion in the union or actions related to the implementation of union law. it should also provide technical support for the preparation and implementation of recovery plans to be undertaken under regulation (eu) no yyy/xx.