### 13. welcomes the commission’s commitment to revise directive 90/270/eec laying down minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment; calls on the commission to be more ambitious in this regard and to propose a directive on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (msds); ### 13. welcomes the commission’s commitment to revise directive 90/270/eec laying down minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment; calls on the commission to be more ambitious in this regard and to propose a comprehensive directive on the prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (msds) and rheumatic / chronic inflammatory diseases without further delay;


### 14. repeats its call on the commission to undertake an urgent study of the situation of the employment and health and safety conditions of cross-border and seasonal workers , including the role of temporary work agencies , recruiting agencies , other intermediaries and subcontractors , with a view to identifying protection gaps and the need to revise the existing legislative framework as well as pandemic-proofing; ### 14. repeats its call on the commission to undertake urgent action to improve the situation of the employment , working and health and safety conditions of mobile and migrant workers , such as cross-border , posted and seasonal workers , including the role of temporary work agencies , recruiting agencies , other intermediaries and subcontractors , with a view to identifying protection gaps in the light of principle of equal treatment and the particular health and safety challenges faced by mobile and migrant workers such as access to adequate equipment and facilities , quality accommodation , safe transport and decent meals , and addressing the need to revise the existing legislative framework as well as pandemic-proofing; calls on the eu-osha and the european labour authority to work together to support the commission and the member states in improving the occupational health and safety of mobile and migrant workers;


### 15. calls on the member states to implement the ilo recommendation of one labour inspector per 10 000 workers; calls on the commission to conduct a survey on how labour inspectorates conduct the inspections and on their scope and content; ### 15. calls on the member states to implement the ilo recommendation of one labour inspector per 10 000 workers; calls on the commission to conduct a survey on how labour inspectorates conduct the inspections and on their scope and content; including with respect to the number of infractions detected and the imposition of dissuasive sanctions; underlines that the study should assess the adequacy of the human and financial resources afforded to labour inspectorates , particularly with a view to assess their effectiveness in reaching vulnerable groups of workers;


### 16. stresses the need to recognise and involve social partners in the implementation and enforcement of the osh legislative framework; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure the involvement of social partners in the formulation of all eu and national policies and in measures taken at all levels; ### 16. stresses the need to recognise and ensure the involvement of social partners in the designing , implementation and enforcement of the osh legislative framework; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure the involvement of social partners and civil society in the formulation of all eu and national policies and in measures taken at all levels;


### b. whereas the covid-19 crisis has had a severe impact on labour income and wealth and is halting improvements in arope; whereas support measures have cushioned the negative effects of the crisis in the short run; ### b. whereas the covid-19 crisis has had a severe impact on labour income and wealth and is halting improvements in arope; whereas vulnerable groups in precarious employment conditions such as sex workers and undocumented migrants were not taken into account for the implementation of the covid19 recovery support measures; whereas the burden of the pandemic will be disproportionately borne by low-wage earners which will increase poverty and inequality across europe;


### c. whereas inequalities may increase when the support measures are progressively phased out; whereas the medium-term impact of the crisis will depend on the degree of inclusiveness of the recovery; whereas social protection policies are vital elements of national development strategies to reduce poverty and vulnerability across the life cycle and to support inclusive and sustainable growth; ### c. whereas inequalities will continue to increase; whereas the medium-term impact of the crisis will depend on the degree of inclusiveness of the recovery; whereas social protection policies are vital elements of national development strategies to reduce poverty and vulnerability across the life cycle and to support inclusive and sustainable growth; whereas the recovery must include targeted strategies to support the most vulnerable and marginalised women in our societies in order to leave no one behind;


### d. whereas women are over-represented in non-standard forms of work , in the hardest-hit sectors and among frontline workers in healthcare; whereas more women than men are in occupations that can be carried out remotely; ### d. whereas women are over-represented in non-standard forms of work , in the hardest-hit sectors and among frontline workers in health and social care; whereas more women than men are in occupations that cannot be carried out remotely; whereas more women than men lost their jobs due to the covid-19 pandemic; and whereas more women than men reduced working hours to ensure continued care for children and to provide for family members in need;


### e. whereas low pay and low career prospects are barriers to achieving equal economic independence for women and men and can lead to higher risks of poverty and social exclusion; ### e. whereas the burden of domestic unpaid labour , the discrimination in access to the labour market , low pay and low career prospects are barriers to achieving equal economic independence for women and men and can lead to higher risks of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the gender pay gap within the eu remains persistently at 14%; whereas there is no country where full gender equality is achieved;


### 1. calls for an overarching european anti-poverty strategy , with ambitious targets for reducing poverty and a focus on breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty risks; ### 1. calls for an overarching european anti-poverty strategy , with ambitious targets for reducing poverty and a focus on breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty risks; calls for such a strategy to integrate an intersectional analysis and approach and set out targeted measures to support the most marginalised.


### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to reduce the burden of women by ensuring affordable and quality care and services for people with disabilities , the elderly and other dependants; calls on the commission and the member states to adequately fund public services and social infrastructure , as this would allow more women to participate in the labour market and would also contribute to reducing the risk of women falling into poverty; ### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to reduce the burden and responsibilities of women and actively support informal care-providers , the majority of them being women , by providing adequate income for carers and by ensuring accessible , affordable and adequate quality care and services for children , people with disabilities , the elderly and other dependants; calls on the commission and the member states to adequately fund public as well as not-for-profit social services and other social infrastructures and to ensure universal access to essential services for women , especially for vulnerable groups , as this would allow more women to participate in the labour market and would also contribute to reducing the risk of women and their dependents falling into poverty;


### 2. underlines that women’s poverty needs to be analysed from an intersectional approach , including migrant and ethnic origin , age , race and sexual or gender orientation; calls for the eige’s gender equality index to be incorporated into the social scoreboard; calls on the eige to provide data disaggregated intersectionally and by gender , and calls on the member states to use this data in order to better address country-specific challenges; ### 2. underlines that women’s poverty needs to be analysed from an intersectional approach , including migrant and ethnic origin , age , race and sexual orientation , gender identity or gender expression; calls for the eige’s gender equality index to be incorporated into the social scoreboard; calls on the eige to provide data disaggregated intersectionally and by gender , and calls on the member states to use this data in order to better address country-specific challenges;


### 3. highlights that universal access to public , solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old age pensions must be granted to all; underlines the importance of public and occupational pension systems that provide an adequate retirement income above the poverty threshold and allow pensioners to maintain their standard of living; asks the member states to consider factoring child-raising responsibilities into pension schemes when women are not able to work and make suitable contributions during such periods; ### 3. highlights that universal access to public , solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old age pensions must be granted and accessible to all , particularly to women as the average gender pension gap within the eu remains persistently at 35%; underlines the importance of public and occupational pension systems that take into account women’s contribution in unpaid care responsibilities and that provide an adequate retirement income above the poverty threshold and allow pensioners to maintain their standard of living; calls on the member states to consider child-raising and other informal care responsibilities into pension schemes when women and persons are not able to undertake paid work and make suitable contribution payments due to their caring tasks;


### 3. calls on the commission to put forward a ‘care deal for europe’ , which should take a holistic , gender-sensitive and lifelong approach to care while envisaging legislative measures and investment at eu level; ### 3. calls on the commission to put forward a ‘care deal for europe’ , which should ensure a transition towards a caring economy , should take a holistic , gender-responsive and lifelong approach to care , and should include measures to ensure fair working conditions , end discrimination , combat poverty , violence and abuse and ensure ecological sustainability while envisaging legislative measures and investment at eu level;


### 4. stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth , and the resilience and fairness of our societies , and should be complemented by a strong social dimension , paying attention to women who have a disability or who stay at home to care for a family member , as they are particularly at risk of falling into poverty; ### 4. stresses that the recovery efforts should invest in the care sector , boost quality jobs and growth , decent work , skills and training and the resilience and fairness of our societies , and should be complemented by a strong social dimension , paying attention to people , in particular young women , women with disabilities , women with migration background , roma women , women of religious or ethnic minorities as well as lbtiq+ women who care for dependents , as they are particularly at risk of falling into or remaining in poverty;


### 4. stresses the pivotal role of women working in the social , care and retail sectors that keep our societies functioning , as shown by the covid-19 crisis; calls for typically female-dominated work to be reassessed and revaluated and for cross-sector gender-neutral job evaluation tools to be developed and applied in order to better assess and more fairly remunerate female-dominated work; ### 4. stresses the pivotal role of women working in the social , care and retail sectors that keep our societies functioning , as shown by the covid-19 crisis; calls for typically female-dominated work to be reassessed and revaluated and for cross-sector gender-neutral job evaluation tools to be developed and applied in order to better assess and more fairly remunerate female-dominated work and ensure an equal pay for work of equal value;


### 5. recognises the crucial role of all european funds and programmes in the social area , particularly the european social fund plus and the european globalisation adjustment fund for displaced workers; calls on the member states to make full use of these funds; ### 5. stresses the crucial role of all european funds and programmes in the social area , particularly the european social fund plus and the european globalisation adjustment fund for displaced workers , the just transition fund , the recovery and resilience facility and the asylum , migration and integration fund; calls on the member states to make full use of these funds and ensure that the most vulnerable groups , including young women , women with disabilities , women with migration background , romani women , women of religious or ethnic minorities as well as lbtiq women are specifically targeted in the designing and planning of the national plans and the implementation of funded projects; reminds the members states that all eu-funded projects must comply with eu law , including the charter of fundamental rights , as well as the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (uncrpd);


### 5. highlights that in order to tackle the multidimensionality of women’s poverty , it is necessary to overcome the segregation of unpaid domestic care work mainly performed by women and to introduce flexitime in order to allow women and men to better reconcile their professional life with their private life (time use policy); ### 5. highlights that in order to tackle the multidimensionality of women’s poverty , it is necessary to overcome the segregation of unpaid domestic care work mainly performed by women and to reinforce care services as well as work-life balance measures in order to allow women and men to better reconcile their professional life with their private life (time use policy);


### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to submit initiatives to promote women’s empowerment through education , vocational training and lifelong learning , as well as access to finance , female entrepreneurship and women’s representation in future-oriented sectors with a view to ensuring access to high-quality employment; calls for greater promotion of stem subjects , digital education , artificial intelligence and financial literacy in order to ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development. ### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to submit initiatives in line with the commission’s recommendation on effective active support to employment and to promote women’s empowerment through accessible and inclusive education , vocational training and lifelong learning with specific attention to the most marginalised , as well as access to finance , female entrepreneurship and women’s representation in future-oriented sectors with a view to ensuring access to high-quality employment; calls for greater promotion of stem subjects , digital education , artificial intelligence and financial literacy in order to ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development.


### h. whereas poverty also makes women more vulnerable to gender-based violence; whereas this includes disproportionate vulnerability to trafficking and sexual exploitation; ### h. whereas poverty exacerbates the impacts of gender-based violence on women due to increased difficulties to escape this situation; whereas gender-based violence is a structural problem that transcends class , origin or belief; whereas poverty puts women at a greater risk of trafficking and sexual exploitation;


### 7. calls on the commission to mainstream gender into the eu’s climate change policies in order to ensure that the fit for 55 package policies and the social climate fund are designed and implemented with a clear gender dimension and benefit women as equally as men; ### 7. deplores that a gender perspective has not been introduced systematically in eu's climate policies; calls on the commission to mainstream gender into the eu’s climate change policies and legislation in order to ensure that the fit for 55 package policies and the social climate fund are designed and implemented with a clear gender dimension and benefit women as equally as men;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to mainstream gender into all transport-related legislation , policies , programmes and actions and to include gender criteria and work-life balance in the design of mobility , housing and urban planning; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to mainstream gender into all transport-related legislation , policies , programmes and actions and to include a gender perspective in the design of mobility , housing and urban planning;


### 10. urges the eu and its member states to integrate a gender perspective into policies and practices that address homelessness , to develop a specific strategy to combat women’s homelessness and to ensure that services work appropriately and effectively to meet the needs of homeless women; ### 10. urges the eu and its member states to integrate a gender perspective into policies and practices that address homelessness , to develop a specific strategy to eradicate women’s homelessness by 2030 and to ensure that services work appropriately and effectively to meet the needs of homeless women;


### b. whereas the voice of workers is a key element of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation , and tripartism are the building blocks of a diverse and socially sustainable future; ### b. whereas the voice of workers is a key element of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation , and tripartism are the building blocks of a diverse and socially and environmentally sustainable future;


### d. whereas workers’ participation , collective bargaining coverage and unionisation are declining across the eu; ### d. whereas labour market de-regulation and austerity measures have resulted in a decline of workers’ participation , collective bargaining coverage and unionisation across the eu;


### e. whereas trade unions and workers’ representatives have played a key role in mitigating the impact of the covid-19 pandemic in the workplace , from the introduction of measures to protect the health and safety of workers , notably essential workers in highly exposed workplaces , to the implementation of job retention schemes such as short-time work and new forms of work organisation like working from home; ### e. whereas trade unions and workers’ representatives have played a key role in mitigating the impact of the covid-19 pandemic in the workplace , from the introduction of measures to protect the health and safety of workers , notably essential workers , particularly in highly feminised sectors with low pay and poor working conditions , such as the care sector , in highly exposed workplaces , to the implementation of job retention schemes such as short-time work and new forms of work organisation like working from home;


### f. whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas the economic model based on the short-term ‘shareholder value’ principle has failed to encourage long-term investment and proper respect for human rights and , in particular , for the participation rights of trade unions and workers during past crises20 ; ### f. whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas the economic model based on the short-term ‘shareholder value’ principle has failed to encourage long-term investment and proper respect for the environment , human rights and workers' rights , in particular , for the participation rights of trade unions and workers during past crises20 ;


### h. whereas studies have shown that worker participation enhances productivity , innovation , work organisation , gender equality , decision-making and alternatives to crisis-induced employment reduction22 ; ### h. whereas studies have shown that worker participation enhances productivity , innovation , work organisation , supports the transition to a carbon-neutral , climate-neutral , resource-efficient and circular economy , gender equality , decision-making and alternatives to crisis-induced employment reduction22 ;


### 3. is convinced that the workers’ voice must be a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable corporate governance and due diligence on human rights; ### 3. is convinced that the workers’ voice must be a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable corporate governance and due diligence on the environment , on human rights and workers' rights;


### 10. calls on the commission to deliver on its commitment to put forward without further delay a directive on binding human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct , including workers’ rights such as the right to organise and collectively bargain , health and safety , social protection and working conditions; stresses that this directive should establish mandatory due diligence covering companies’ activities and their business relationships , including supply and subcontracting chains , and should ensure the full involvement of trade unions and workers’ representatives throughout the whole due diligence process; ### 10. calls on the commission to deliver on its commitment to put forward without further delay a directive on binding environment and human rights due diligence and responsible business conduct , including workers’ rights such as the right to organise and collectively bargain , health and safety , social protection and working conditions; stresses that this directive should establish mandatory due diligence requirements covering companies’ operations , activities and their business relationships , including supply and subcontracting chains , and should ensure the full involvement of trade unions and workers’ representatives throughout the whole due diligence process , including the development and implementation process;


### 11. is convinced that introducing and monitoring new digital technologies in the workplace successfully and in a trustworthy manner will require timely and meaningful information for and consultation with trade unions and workers’ representatives to ensure full respect for their health , safety , data protection , equal treatment and well-being at work and prevent undue exploitation and surveillance of workers , in particular via management by algorithms; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology; ### 11. is convinced that introducing and monitoring new digital technologies in the workplace successfully and in a trustworthy manner will require timely and meaningful information for and consultation with trade unions and workers’ representatives to ensure full respect for their health , safety , data protection , equal treatment , employment protection and well-being at work and prevent undue exploitation and surveillance of workers , as well as discrimination and stigmatisation , in particular via management by algorithms; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology prior to their introduction;


### 12. stresses the need to strengthen , enforce and consolidate all the relevant eu laws to ensure that information and consultation is an integral part of company decision-making at all levels within companies; ### 12. stresses the need to strengthen , enforce and consolidate all the relevant eu laws to ensure that information and consultation is an integral part of company decision-making at all levels within companies; particularly when it comes to fostering equality in the workplace;


### 14. calls for the eu to ensure that employees are also represented on boards in european-scale companies , above all when those companies make use of eu legislation for the purposes of cross-border company restructuring and mobility; ### 14. calls for the eu to ensure that employees are also represented on boards in european-scale companies , above all when those companies make use of eu legislation for the purposes of cross-border company restructuring and mobility , stresses the need for gender balanced boards both in terms of employees’ seats and the board overall; reiterates its call on the council to end the blockade of the women on boards directive reflecting the fact that in order to achieve a participatory workplaces gender equality must be ensured at all levels;


### 15. states that much remains to be done to ensure gender equality in all aspects of worker participation across the eu; ### 15. states that much remains to be done to ensure gender equality in all aspects of worker participation across the eu; notes that persistent gender inequality is also reflected in women’s limited access to leadership and representative positions in the workplace; calls for the introduction of increased measures , in consultation with the social partners , to ensure balanced representation and gender equality; notes that gender quotas contribute to the achievement of more diversity , and gender equality and equitability throughout all decision-making bodies;


### 16. calls on the commission to introduce a new framework directive on workers’ information , consultation and participation for the various kinds of european companies , including subcontracting chains and franchises , and for companies that use eu company mobility instruments , in order to establish minimum standards on issues such as anticipating change and restructuring , in particular at company level; ### 16. calls on the commission to introduce a new framework directive on workers’ information , consultation and participation for the various kinds of european companies , including subcontracting chains and franchises , and for companies that use eu company mobility instruments , in order to establish minimum standards on issues such as anticipating change , including with regard to measures concerning climate change , and restructuring , in particular at company level;


### 19. calls on the commission to guarantee information and consultation rights to ensure that the european works council can deliver its opinion before consultation is completed at the respective level; calls on the commission , moreover , to ensure access to justice , to put an end to exemptions for old , so-called ‘voluntary’ pre-directive agreements after more than 20 years , to introduce sanctions , to consolidate the concept of the ‘transnational character of a matter’ and incorporate it into the european works council directive , to prevent the abuse of confidentiality rules , and to ensure the efficient coordination of information , consultation and participation at local , national and eu levels; ### 19. calls on the commission to guarantee information and consultation rights to ensure that the european works council can deliver its opinion before consultation is completed at the respective level; calls on the commission , moreover , to ensure effective access to justice , to put an end to exemptions for old , so-called ‘voluntary’ pre-directive agreements after more than 20 years , to introduce dissuasive sanctions , including but not limited to fines , to consolidate the concept of the ‘transnational character of a matter’ and incorporate it into the european works council directive , to prevent the abuse of confidentiality rules as a means to limit access to information and effective participation , and to ensure the efficient coordination of information , consultation and participation at local , national and eu levels;


### d. whereas the commission’s work programme for 2018 , dated 24 october 2017 , announced the intention to introduce a european social security number (essn); whereas the commission consulted stakeholders and citizens on the introduction of a essn between 27 november 2017 and 7 january 2018; whereas the european commission confirmed in its 2019 annual burden survey to be working on an initiative on a essn; whereas commission president ursula von der leyen announced in the state of the european union speech on 16 september 2020 that the commission would soon propose a secure european e-identity; whereas the european commission announced in the european pillar of social rights action plan that it would explore launching a european social security pass (essp) building on the initiative for a european e-id; ### d. whereas the commission’s work programme for 2018 , dated 24 october 2017 , announced the intention to introduce a european social security number (essn); whereas the commission consulted stakeholders and citizens on the introduction of a essn between 27 november 2017 and 7 january 2018; whereas the european commission confirmed in its 2019 annual burden survey to be working on an initiative on a essn; whereas commission president ursula von der leyen announced in the state of the european union speech on 16 september 2020 that the commission would soon propose a secure european e-identity; whereas the european commission announced in the european pillar of social rights action plan that it would start a pilot project in 2021 to explore by 2023 launching a european social security pass (essp) building on the initiative for a european e-id;


### 2. welcomes the commitment by the commission in the action plan on the european pillar of social rights to present at digital essp; calls on the commission to move forward the launch of the essp from 2023 to 2022; ### 2. welcomes the commitment by the commission in the action plan on the european pillar of social rights to start a pilot project in 2021 to explore by 2023 launching a digital essp; calls however on the commission to step up its ambition launching an impact assessment in parallel with the pilot with a view to put forward a concrete proposal for essp already in 2022;


### 4. believes that the essn initiative with a eplc must cover all european citizens including self-employed , as well as third country nationals , working in the eu; ### 4. believes that the essn initiative with a eplc must cover all mobile european citizens including self-employed , as well as all third country nationals in situations covered by intra-eu rules; underlines that the essn should aim to safeguard access to social rights by facilitating information and improving enforcement of applicable rules on social security coordination and labour mobility in cross-boarder situations;


### 5. considers that a essn initiative with a eplc should aim to: ensure effective identification , traceability , aggregation and portability of rights; improve enforcement of eu rules on decent working conditions , labour mobility and social security coordination in the labour market in a fair and effective way to ensure a level playing field for eu companies; enable quick verification of insurance status and contributions; combat exploitation , wage dumping , fraud and abuse of social security benefits; enable labour inspectorates and social partners , where they are carrying out or are involved in labour inspections , to verify compliance , via cross-referencing between databases , and better prevent social fraud in relation to issues such as abusive subcontracting , false self-employment , bogus posting , letterbox companies , undeclared work and non-payment of social security contributions; enable immediate checks of workers’ place of work , place of employment , identity , working time , education and training , social security , insurance and payment of taxes; ### 5. considers that a essn initiative with a eplc should aim to: ensure effective identification , traceability , aggregation and portability of rights; improve enforcement of eu rules on decent working conditions , labour mobility and social security coordination in the labour market in a fair and effective way to ensure a level playing field for eu companies; enable quick verification of insurance status and contributions; combat exploitation , wage dumping , fraud and abuse of social security benefits; enable labour inspectorates and social partners , where they are carrying out or are involved in labour and social security inspections , to verify compliance , via cross-referencing between databases , and better prevent social fraud in relation to issues such as abusive subcontracting , false self-employment , bogus posting , letterbox companies , undeclared work and non-payment of social security contributions; enable immediate checks of workers’ place of work , place of employment , identity , working time , education and training , social security , insurance and payment of taxes;


### 6. believes that workers , their trade union representatives and national labour inspectorates should have up-to-date access to information about their employment relation , their wage entitlements and labour and social rights , in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or national legislation where applicable; considers that a essn initiative with a eplc with real time data-access would allow for national competent authorities to verify social security coverage for workers at any given point in time and thereby strengthen labour inspections; underlines that a essn would also make it easier for workers to track their social security contributions and entitlements , such as pension rights; ### 6. believes that workers , their trade union representatives and national labour and social security inspectorates should have up-to-date access to information about their employment relation , their wage entitlements and labour and social rights , in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or national legislation where applicable; considers that a essn initiative with a eplc with real time data-access would allow for national competent authorities to verify social security coverage for workers at any given point in time and thereby strengthen labour inspections; underlines that a essn would also make it easier for workers to track their social security contributions and entitlements , such as pension rights;


### 7. stresses that the union’s data protection rules must be strictly applied and that the social security data is only made available to the worker and the competent national authorities concerned; considers that in member states where social partners are carrying out or are involved in labour inspections , the access to social security data of workers from other member states must be ensured for social partners without jeopardizing the data protection provisions; ### 7. stresses that the union’s data protection rules must be strictly applied and that the social security data is only made available to the person and the competent national authorities concerned and not to be shared for any other purposes than the enforcement of eu rules on social security coordination and labour mobility in strict compliance with data protection rules; considers that in member states where social partners are carrying out or are involved in labour inspections , the access to social security data of workers from other member states must be ensured for social partners without jeopardizing the data protection provisions;


### 9. notes that there is currently no alternative to pd a1 forms as regards the verification of social security coverage of posted workers; acknowledges the limitations and challenges related to the pd a1 procedure in particular with regard to the application of pd a1 forms by companies as well as their verification by the competent national authorities in the context of the provision of services in another member state; ### 9. notes that there is currently no alternative to pd a1 forms as regards the verification of social security coverage of posted workers; acknowledges the limitations and challenges related to the pd a1 procedure in particular with regard to the application of pd a1 forms by employers as well as their verification by the competent national authorities in the context of the provision of services in another member state; calls on the commission to ensure that the essp pilot project guarantees social security coverage of persons performing activities in another member states by simplifying the procedures on request , issuance and verification of the pda1 in order to combating fraud.


### 11. calls on the commission to closely cooperate with social partners when it comes to the development and introduction of a essn; ### 11. calls on the commission to closely cooperate with social partners and national social security institutions when it comes to the development and introduction of a essn or a essp;


### 1. welcomes the progress made by the agencies in their efforts to respond to the requests and recommendations expressed within the annual discharge procedure; ### 1. welcomes the progress made by the agencies in their efforts to respond to the requests and recommendations expressed within the previous annual discharge procedure;


### 2. notes that the court found that the payments underlying the accounts were legal and regular for all agencies except for easo , for which a qualified opinion was issued due to irregularities in regard to public procurement procedures and related payments; is disappointed that the legality and regularity of payments only slowly improved in 2019; regrets that , once again , there were irregular payments , representing 14 ,6 % of the value of all payments made by easo in 2019; acknowledges that the executive director is taking action to improve the management of easo; ### 2. notes that the court found that the payments underlying the accounts were legal and regular for all agencies except for easo , for which a qualified opinion was issued due to irregularities in regard to public procurement procedures and related payments; is disappointed that the legality and regularity of payments only slowly improved in 2019; regrets that , once again , there were irregular payments , representing 14 ,6 % of the value of all payments made by easo in 2019; welcomes that the executive director , who was appointed in june 2019 , is taking action to improve the management of easo and implementing corrective measures , as also highlighted by the court;


### 7. notes that the level of detail provided in the budgetary implementation reports of a minority of agencies differs from that of the majority , which demonstrates the need for clearer guidelines on agencies’ budget reporting , including the need for agencies to explain significant deviations from the original budget and/or establishment plans; deplores the reply of the commission to the request to automatically provide the discharge authority with the official budget (in commitment appropriations and in payment appropriations) and staff figures (establishment plan figures with permanent staff , temporary agents , contract agents and seconded national experts as of 31 december of the year in question) in respect of the 32 decentralised agencies , as the mentioned guidelines (which in reality are templates that mostly provide guidance on form and not substance) are not sufficient to address the differences in calculations between the reports; reiterates its request to the commission to provide the discharge authority with the official budget and staff figures for each agency and to provide consolidated figures for the decentralised agencies that are subject to the parliament’s discharge procedure; ### 7. regrets that the level of detail provided in the budgetary implementation reports of a minority of agencies differs from that of the majority , which demonstrates the need for clearer and standardised guidelines on agencies’ budget reporting , including the need for agencies to explain significant deviations from the original budget and/or establishment plans; highlights the urgent need for all agencies to improve their planning capacities; deplores the reply of the commission to the request to automatically provide the discharge authority with the official budget (in commitment appropriations and in payment appropriations) and staff figures (establishment plan figures with permanent staff , temporary agents , contract agents and seconded national experts as of 31 december of the year in question) in respect of the 32 decentralised agencies , as the mentioned guidelines (which in reality are templates that mostly provide guidance on form and not substance) are not sufficient to address the differences in calculations between the reports; reiterates its request to the commission to provide the discharge authority with the official budget and staff figures for each agency and to provide consolidated figures for the decentralised agencies that are subject to the parliament’s discharge procedure; calls on the commission to adopt a centralised set of guidelines on reporting and kpis-setting to ensure proper measurement of the agencies’ performance;


### 9. notes the court’s finding in its report on the future of eu gencies that agencies measure performance through key performance indicators (kpis) and that the commission in 2015 issued guidelines for directors of agencies on kpis; notes with regret that the indicators used in practice mainly relate to the implementation of an agency’s annual work programme , budget and its human resources management , and that they do not usually allow for the assessment of results or of the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness in discharging its mandate; calls on the agencies to work together to improve the use of kpis with the aim of ensuring a stronger focus on performance in the discharge procedure , in addition to compliance; ### 9. notes the court’s finding in its report on the future of union agencies that agencies measure performance through key performance indicators (kpis) and that the commission in 2015 issued guidelines for directors of agencies on kpis; notes with regret that the indicators used in practice mainly relate to the implementation of an agency’s annual work programme , budget and its human resources management , and that they do not usually allow for the assessment of results or of the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness in discharging its mandate; urges the agencies to improve joint cooperation and efforts in definition and the use of kpis with the aim of ensuring a stronger focus on performance in the discharge procedure , in addition to compliance;


### 15. notes that some of the agencies are facing the challenge of insufficient staff , especially when new tasks are allocated without matching personnel for their implementation , and that the discharge authority is particularly concerned about the difficulties that some agencies experience in hiring qualified staff at specific grades , a fact which hinders the overall performance of the agencies and necessitates the employment of external actors; notes in this regard recommendations 1 and 2 of the court in its report on the future of eu agencies (special report 22/20205 ) as regards the increased need for flexibility , and encourages the network and the commission to work together on the implementation of these recommendations; notes further in this regard that the court’s special report on the european personnel selection office (epso) (special report 23/2020 ) highlights the fact that the current selection process makes union institutions look for r more flexible selection procedures to fulfil their immediate recruitment needs; further notes the union institutions’ need for more specialised personnel , which in the case of agencies is essential given their specific mandates; calls on the commission , and in particular on epso , to better facilitate the agencies in this regard; ### 15. notes with regret that some of the agencies are facing the challenge of insufficient staff , especially when new tasks are allocated without matching personnel for their implementation , and that the discharge authority is particularly concerned about the difficulties that some agencies experience in hiring qualified staff at specific grades , a fact which hinders the overall performance of the agencies and necessitates the employment of external actors; notes in this regard recommendations 1 and 2 of the court in its report on the future of eu agencies (special report 22/20201a)as regards the increased need for flexibility , and encourages the network and the commission to work together on the implementation of these recommendations; notes further in this regard that the court’s special report on the european personnel selection office (epso) (special report 23/2020) highlights the fact that the current selection process makes union institutions look for more flexible selection procedures to fulfil their immediate recruitment needs; emphasises the union institutions’ need for more specialised personnel , which in the case of agencies is essential given their specific mandates; calls on the commission , and in particular on epso , to better facilitate the agencies in this regard and to adapt its recruitment policies in a way that would attract best qualified and specialised staff; asks the commission and epso to show a degree of flexibility in adapting the job offers to the particular conditions , to ensure efficient recruitment; highlights the importance of improving union’s selection procedures and job attractiveness; stresses that understaffing of agencies poses serious risk of negative impact on the performance , as well as on staff’s wellbeing and turnover;


### 16. notes that the court identified weaknesses in agencies’ recruitment procedures concerning the management of potential conflicts of interests (one agency) , the application of the principle of equal treatment and/or transparency (three agencies) , and keeping a proper audit trail of the procedure (one agency); ### 16. notes that the court identified weaknesses in agencies’ recruitment procedures concerning the management of potential conflicts of interests (one agency) , the application of the principle of equal treatment and/or transparency (three agencies) , and keeping a proper audit trail of the procedure (one agency); deplores that there were cases (in at least three agencies) of panel members in significant conflict of interest with relation to the ongoing selection procedure; stresses that undeclared conflicts of interest can hinder selection procedures , causing substantial delays and loss of funds , as well as reputational damages to the agencies;


### 17. notes that the court made 82 observations addressing areas for improvement in 29 agencies; notes that most observations concern shortcomings in public procurement procedures and that this was also the case in 2018; notes that these shortcomings mostly concern sound financial management and regularity; ### 17. notes with concern that the court made 82 observations addressing areas for improvement in 29 agencies; notes that most observations concern shortcomings in public procurement procedures and that this was also the case in 2018; notes that these shortcomings mostly concern sound financial management and regularity; urges the agencies to implement recommendations and eliminate shortcomings; reiterates calls on the commission to improve its efforts to implement clear and unified budgetary measures and procedures in agencies to tackle the identified issues reoccurring in majority of the agencies;


### 18. notes with concern that it remains the case that not all agencies have published on their websites the declarations of interest for members of the management boards , executive leadership and seconded experts; regrets the fact that some agencies still publish declarations of absence of conflicts of interests; highlights that it is not up to the board members or executives to declare themselves to have an absence of conflicts of interests; reiterates its calls for a unified model of declarations of interest to be implemented by all agencies; stresses the importance of establishing an independent ethics body to assess conflict of interest and revolving door situations throughout the institutions , agencies and other bodies of the union; urges the member states to ensure that all seconded experts publish their respective declarations of interest and cvs on the respective agency websites; ### 18. deplores that it remains the case that not all agencies have published on their websites the cvs and declarations of interest for members of the management boards , executive leadership and seconded experts; regrets the fact that some agencies still publish self-declarations of absence of conflicts of interests; stresses that it is not up to the board members or executives to declare themselves to have an absence of conflicts of interests; reiterates its calls for a unified model of declarations of interest to be implemented by all agencies; urges all agencies to review and improve their transparency; stresses the importance of establishing an independent ethics body to assess conflict of interest and revolving door situations throughout the institutions , agencies and other bodies of the union; urges the member states to ensure that all seconded experts and senior management publish their respective declarations of interest and cvs on the respective agency websites;


### 19. notes that the study “conflicts of interests and eu agencies” , which was published in january 2020 , concluded that one should not strive for achieving a one-size-fits all conflicts of interests policy for all agencies , that conflicts of interests policies should remain flexible and agency-specific as regards the system for assessment of conflicts of interests , the modalities of the internal investigations and the protection for whistleblowers as well the need to create an internal advisory body; acknowledges the need for a tailored policy for each agency; notes however that this should not result in complacency; urges the agencies to continually assess and improve their policies given the instances of assumed or perceived conflicts of interests which occurred in 2019; ### 19. notes that the study “conflicts of interests and eu agencies” , which was published in january 2020 , concluded that transparency is the main principle that should underpin the agencies’ policies so as to enable effective public scrutiny; acknowledges the differences in risk factors , size and external pressure among agencies and the need to adapt conflict of interest policies to those differences; notes the recommendations made in this study to improve conflict of interest rules and to achieve more coherence and consistency and urges the agencies to follow up on these recommendations and continually assess and improve their policies given the instances of assumed or perceived conflicts of interests which occurred in 2019;


### 20. acknowledges the court’s observation that , when using inter-institutional contracts , agencies remain responsible for the application of public procurement principles for their specific purchases , and that agencies’ internal controls must ensure that these principles are respected; ### 20. acknowledges the court’s observation that , when using inter-institutional contracts , agencies remain responsible for the application of public procurement principles for their specific purchases , stresses that agencies’ internal controls must ensure that these principles are respected;


### 21. notes that at the end of 2019 , most agencies reported that they had implemented the revised internal control framework and have performed an annual assessment; reiterates its calls for the adoption and implementation of the internal control framework by all agencies in order to align their internal control in the with international best practice , and to make sure that internal control effectively and efficiently supports the decision-making process; ### 21. notes that at the end of 2019 , most agencies reported that they had implemented the revised internal control framework and have performed an annual assessment; urges for the adoption and implementation of the internal control framework by all agencies in order to align their internal control in the with international best practice , and to make sure that internal control effectively and efficiently supports the decision-making process; deplores the fact that in2019 in some agencies there was no audit procedures conducted by the ias;


### 22. notes that in 2019 , according to the court’s report concerning follow-up of previous years’ observations , 98 observations were closed , 71 observations were still being implemented , and 16 observations were deemed to be not under the agencies’ (sole) control , meaning that major decisions concerning these 16 observations need to be taken by the court of justice of the european union , the commission or the member states; ### 22. notes that in 2019 , according to the court’s report concerning follow-up of previous years’ observations , 98 observations were closed , 71 observations were still being implemented , and 16 observations were deemed to be not under the agencies’ (sole) control , meaning that major decisions concerning these 16 observations need to be taken by the court of justice of the european union , the commission or the member states; calls on the agencies to diligently implement the observations and further improve its internal control frameworks;


### 260. recommends strengthening the institutional capacity of the commission; ### deleted


### 261. looks forward to working with the commission on the revision of the eu general pharmaceuticals legislation; ### 261. looks forward to working with the commission on the revision of the eu general pharmaceuticals legislation; to improve equitable access to safe , effective , and affordable medicines;


### 262. calls on the member states to introduce stress tests to strengthen their healthcare systems , and the resilience and quality of their healthcare systems , based on the outcomes and the training handbook being developed by eu4health funded projects in cooperation with the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd); ### 262. calls on the member states to introduce stress tests to strengthen their healthcare systems , and the resilience and quality of their healthcare systems , based on the outcomes and the training handbook being developed by eu4health funded projects in cooperation with the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd); calls on member states to invest in health- and care personnel and to improve their working conditions and financial compensation to combat workforce shortages;


### 267. calls for a revision of the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making30with a view to increasing the role of parliament in the decision-making process during crisis management , including the use of article 122 tfeu , thus enhancing democratic legitimacy and parliamentary oversight; ### 267. calls for a revision of the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making30with a view to increasing the role of parliament in the decision-making process during crisis management , including the use of article 122 tfeu , thus enhancing democratic legitimacy and parliamentary oversight; calls in this regard on the commission to publish non-redacted versions of the covid-19 vaccine purchase agreements without further delay;


### importance of community engagement , including listening to and addressing public concerns ### iii) role of social media platforms in countering mis-and disinformation


### 269. recommends tackling market failures in health and completing the single market for health products; ### deleted


### 270. calls for strategic autonomy at eu level to be ensured to avoid dependency on third countries for medicines , in particular active ingredients and medical devices , including raw materials; ### 270. calls for diversification in suppliers of active ingredients and medical devices , including raw materials; calls on the eu and the member states to actively require transparency of production and supply chains information as well as earlier sharing of data from the industry;


### 271. calls for a list of essential , priority and innovative medicines and treatments (such as biotechnology solutions) relying on existing european agencies and hera to be established at eu level to guarantee their availability for citizens; ### deleted


### 272. notes the during the pandemic the eu mobilised emergency funding under horizon 2020 and horizon europe to speed up research for a cure for covid-19. stresses that for europe to secure strategic autonomy , the eu and member states need to invest in research and innovation; ### 272. notes the during the pandemic the eu mobilised emergency funding under horizon 2020 and horizon europe to speed up research for a cure for covid-19. stresses that for europe to secure strategic autonomy , the eu and member states need to invest in research and innovation; highlights the need to maximise public return by making funding conditional to the availability and affordability of medicines and other health technologies;


### 273. consider organising coordinated eu-wide strategic stockpiling in order to achieve the necessary coordinated , long-term action at eu level , and include health and healthcare among the shared competencies between the eu and the eu member states; ### 273. consider organising coordinated eu-wide strategic stockpiling , limited to essential and priority products , in order to achieve the necessary coordinated , long-term action at eu level , and include health and healthcare among the shared competencies between the eu and the eu member states;


### 218. considers that sustainable vaccine development , production and delivery rely on robust and transparent supply chains and not only on patents; underlines in this regard the need for a better distribution of manufacturing capacities throughout the world; ### deleted


### 219. calls for the establishment of a global network of manufacturers which would be able to rapidly adapt to the production of any vaccine required; ### deleted


### 220. urges regional organisations and entities to ensure that their governance becomes/stays scientifically-driven; ### deleted


### 222. welcomes the initiative of the pandemic treaty as long as previous frameworks are assessed first and as long as it follows an ethical approach; ### deleted


### 223. welcomes the leading role of the eu in the discussions on the pandemic treaty; notes that the pandemic treaty has the potential to change how the global pharmaceuticals business operates in times of crisis; ### deleted


### 225. considers that europe needs to find a constructive solution on ip protection; underlines that free ip alone will not solve the problem of access , that patents are useless without technology transfer and proper industrial know-how and that export restrictions and access to raw materials were obstacles to vaccine production; ### deleted


### 226. underlines that compulsory licensing does not ensure that third party manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries can produce pharmaceuticals or equipment , as investment in regional and local capacities and infrastructure is also needed; notes that team europe is cooperating with african countries in this regard; ### deleted


### 226. underlines that compulsory licensing does not ensure that third party manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries can produce pharmaceuticals or equipment , as investment in regional and local capacities and infrastructure is also needed; notes that team europe is cooperating with african countries in this regard; ### 226. underlines that compulsory licensing does not ensure that third party manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries can produce pharmaceuticals or equipment , as investment in regional and local capacities and infrastructure is also needed; notes that team europe is cooperating with african countries in this regard; highlights in this regard the need for innovative vaccines , treatments , and diagnostics for new , prevalent or neglected infectious and non-communicable diseases and underlines that funding from horizon europe and the eu-africa global health and developing countries clinical trials partnership (edctp3) has the potential for boosting research , capacity building and strengthening of the regulatory environment in sub-saharan africa; notes that these partnerships work in cooperation with pharmaceutical industry and that an enabling environment is necessary to continue to develop and improve vaccines and medications for current challenges and pandemics to come;


### 227. stresses that strong ip protection was part of the solution to create a strong and resilient eu pharmaceuticals ecosystem , because it gives the private sector incentives; underlines that ip protection helps incentivise pharmaceutical companies to develop the necessary vaccines , and that misuse of waivers may undermine long-term healthcare solutions; ### deleted


### the eu’s role in vaccine diplomacy ### the eu’s role in vaccine access


### covid-19 and fundamental rights (focus on the digital) ### the impact of covid-19 and countermeasures on fundamental rights of particular groups in society;


### eu preparedness and prevention in response to cross-border health threats ### eu prevention in response to cross-border health threats;


### covid-19 certificate , tracing apps and their security ### deleted


### institutional capacity to respond to pandemics ### deleted


### 228. observes that countries cannot fight a global emergency alone and international coordination is key; ### 228. observes that countries cannot address a global emergency alone and international coordination is key;


### 229. believes that health is a geopolitical strategic value and that europe has the potential to be a global leader in this domain; ### deleted


### 231. notes that many developing countries across the world had trouble accessing vaccine doses due to a lack of funding , especially at the beginning of the crisis; ### 231. notes that many developing countries across the world had trouble accessing vaccine doses due to a lack of supply , especially at the beginning of the crisis;


### 232. underlines that , thanks to a particularly innovative private sector , the eu had a major role in global vaccination , being home to three out of the first four safe and effective vaccines , the first producer and exporter of mrna vaccines; emphasises that this would have been impossible without ambitious public funding; ### deleted


### 234. considers that export restrictions and access to raw materials to be more serious obstacles to production than ip; ### deleted


### role in initiatives such as covax ### deleted


### 237. calls for more efforts to facilitate easy and affordable access to vaccines and to healthcare in africa by actively supporting an environment that allows capacities for local vaccine manufacturing to be established , preparedness to be strengthened , local health professionals to be trained and response capacities to be scaled up , while enabling countries with fragile healthcare systems to access medical equipment and supplies; ### 237. calls for more efforts to facilitate easy and affordable access to vaccines and to healthcare in africa by actively supporting an environment that allows capacities for local vaccine manufacturing to be established , preparedness to be strengthened , local health professionals to be trained and response capacities to be scaled up , while enabling countries with fragile healthcare systems to access medical equipment and supplies; welcomes in this regard global gateway flagship programmes in health manufacturing and access to vaccines , medicines and health technology products in senegal , rwanda , ghana and south africa;


### 237. calls for more efforts to facilitate easy and affordable access to vaccines and to healthcare in africa by actively supporting an environment that allows capacities for local vaccine manufacturing to be established , preparedness to be strengthened , local health professionals to be trained and response capacities to be scaled up , while enabling countries with fragile healthcare systems to access medical equipment and supplies; ### 237. calls for more efforts to facilitate easy and affordable access to vaccines , medicines , diagnostics and healthcare in low- and middle-income countries by actively supporting an environment that allows capacities for local manufacturing to be established , preparedness to be strengthened , local health professionals to be trained and response capacities to be scaled up , while enabling countries with fragile healthcare systems to access medical equipment and supplies;


### 239. highlights that many eu member states would have been willing to share doses and donate surpluses to the global south but that sometimes there was no demand from global south countries and that the interest in vaccine doses was diminishing; ### 239. highlights that many eu member states have been willing to share doses and donate surpluses to the global south but that donations were offered after the peak of the pandemic , were obstructed by pharmaceutical companies and concerns over responsibility for liability for adverse effects , leading to a decreasing demand from global south countries;


### 241. considers that the eu should be a major developer , producer and exporter of vaccines , in the context of strong international competition especially with the united states; ### deleted


### 242. highlights the need to focus particularly on funding the development of vaccines and treatments to cope with the competition with the united states; points out in this regard the role of public-private partnerships; ### deleted


### 243. underlines that strategic autonomy is a potential tool to enhance the eu’s pharmaceutical ecosystem , and that regulatory harmonisation could improve the fluidity of global supply chains; ### deleted


### conclusions ### deleted


### democratic oversight to pandemic response ### compliance with fundamental rights and democratic oversight to pandemic response at the eu-level;


### covid , communicable and non-communicable diseases (including long covid) ### deleted


### 244. calls on the commission to strengthen the screening of foreign direct investment to protect strategic industries in the health sector from foreign takeovers , and initiate a frank dialogue with countries outside the eu hosting major eu-owned production of medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients to secure a reliable supply to eu citizens; suggests applying the european programme for critical infrastructure protection to the health infrastructure sector; welcomes the establishment of the world bank financial intermediary fund for prevention , preparedness and response (ppr) , the pandemic fund; calls for targeted funding to fill critical gaps in ppr capacities , in line with its mandate , starting by surveillance gaps and emergency workforce training; ### 244. welcomes the establishment of the world bank financial intermediary fund for prevention , preparedness and response (ppr) , the pandemic fund; calls for targeted funding to fill critical gaps in ppr capacities , in line with its mandate , starting by surveillance gaps and emergency workforce training;


### 245. highlights that without co-responsibility by beneficiaries , for example in investing in their primary health systems , medical countermeasures will not reach the population; encourages low- and middle-income countries to implement the target set in the 2001 african union abuja declaration on hiv/aids , tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases to allocate ‘at least 15 % of [the] annual budget to the improvement of the health sector’ while taking account of the necessary fiscal space; ### deleted


### 248. recommends moving forward a proper european health union by investing in data collection , digitalisation , sharing and analysis; ### 248. recommends moving forward a proper european health union with a view to reinforcing the resilience and quality of the healthcare systems in the member states , tackling health inequalities in the eu , a solid mechanism for joint procurement with clear guidelines on transparency and democratic accountability , a robust pandemic preparedness planning and a more integrated surveillance system;


### 251. calls for own legislative initiatives under article 225 tfeu to promote a european union of health , to improve the resilience and quality of healthcare systems , to ensure equal , universal , affordable medical care , and foster transparency on public funding for health research and governance; ### 251. calls to increase eu competence in health , to improve the resilience and quality of healthcare systems , to ensure equal , universal , affordable medical care , and foster transparency on public funding for health research and governance; calls on the commission and member states to contribute to the implementation of the 2019 who resolution on improving the transparency of markets for medicines , vaccines , and other health products;


### 253. recommends addressing the digital divide , which particularly affects marginalised population groups , to improve their access to internet and hardware to better enable their access to education , public services and healthcare; ### 253. recommends addressing the digital divide , which particularly affects marginalised population groups , to promote digital literacy , improve access to internet and hardware to better enable access to education , public services and healthcare;


### 16. notes that the law-making and scrutiny role of national parliaments did initially suffer , including facing the delegation of legislative powers to the executive and the implementation of emergency and fast-track legislative procedures , as governments had to respond quickly under evolving circumstances; ### 16. notes that the law-making and scrutiny roles of parliaments were often side-lined during the covid-19 pandemic , with the delegation of legislative powers to the executive and the implementation of emergency and fast-track legislative procedures , recognises that this lack of oversight came with a surge in corruption in the procurement of medical supplies , a widespread mishandling of pandemic funds , and the quick passing of legislation unrelated to the pandemic without oversight;


### 17. welcomes eu efforts to step up solutions for global access to vaccines and medicines during the pandemic through collaborative initiatives such as the access to covid-19 tools accelerator and covax , but recognises that the eu needs to be much more of a global leader to ensure that it plays a central role in future pandemic preparedness , prevention and response. ### deleted


### building the european union of health prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats ### building the european union of health prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats and health consequences following thereof;


### building the european union of health prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats ### building eu prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats;


### building the european union of health prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats ### building the european heath union for the preparedness , prevention , and response to cross-border health threats;


### 18. believes that health promotion and disease prevention , preparedness and response to cross-border health threats must constitute the foundations of a future european health union with a view to reinforcing the resilience and quality of the healthcare systems in the member states and tackling health inequalities in the eu , by providing adequate investments in health systems at the national and regional levels; ### deleted


### 19. calls on the member states to invest more in primary healthcare , making full use of the eu4health programme , in order to increase capacity and flexibility in healthcare services , so that hospitals will be not overwhelmed during emergencies; ### 19. calls on the member states to invest more in publicly funded primary healthcare , making full use of the eu4health programme , in order to increase capacity and flexibility in public healthcare services , so that hospitals will be not overwhelmed during emergencies;


### 20. welcomes the fact that the commission established scientific advice resources , such as the scientific advice platform for covid-19 , early-on with experts from the member states , who helped to inform policymaking in a coordinated manner; ### 20. welcomes the fact that the commission established scientific advice resources , such as the scientific advice platform for covid-19 , early-on with experts from the member states , who helped to inform policymaking in a coordinated manner; recommends that the european parliament should set-up ad hoc scientific expert committees during pandemics , epidemics or other health urgencies , in order to inform the parliament’s work during the time of crises and ensure democratic accountability at eu-level;


### 21. acknowledges the adoption of regulation (eu) 2022/123 on the ema’s extended mandate , regulation (eu) 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health , the reinforcement of the ecdc’s mandate , and the creation of the emergency preparedness and response authority hera as examples of eu instruments that will enable the eu to become more resilient and effective , as we move towards a more sustainable approach to preventing , preparing for and managing pandemics; ### 21. welcomes the adoption of regulation (eu) 2022/123 on the ema’s extended mandate , regulation (eu) 2022/2371 on serious cross-border threats to health , the reinforcement of the ecdc’s mandate , as examples of eu instruments that will enable the eu to become more resilient and effective , as we move towards a more sustainable approach to preventing , preparing for and managing health crises , including pandemics;


### 22. urges stock to be taken of the coordination among relevant agencies , and of their beefed-up mandates and calls for the eu to be given an enhanced ability to coordinate these matters; ### 22. urges stock to be taken of the coordination among member states and the relevant union agencies or bodies , research infrastructures , the who , in accordance with international health regulations and the future pandemic treaty and calls for the eu to be given an enhanced ability to coordinate and improve , through the one health approach , the prevention of communicable diseases; calls for the european parliament to be given democratic scrutiny abilities over these different coordination processes;


### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; ### 23. recognises the creation of hera as an important body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to support the eu action in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; calls for hera to become an independent eu agency; notes that it would increase the level of transparency and democratic scrutiny needed to create public trust in eu action;


### 25. congratulates the commission on proposing the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; ### 25. welcomes the establishment of the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , calls on hera to support not-for-profit eu infrastructure , to steer its activities towards environmentally sustainable practices , and to align funding conditions on data transparency , intellectual property rights and sharing knowhow with the public interest;


### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity; ### 26. recommends that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes , governments and civil society actors , to identify medical needs and setting of research priorities as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity; calls the commission to guarantee that private sector partnerships are steered by- and aligned with the public interest such as ensuring transparency and public return on public investments in r&d


### 27. understands that the unprecedented , urgent demand for medicines and medical countermeasures during the covid-19 pandemic tested the ema’s resources and necessitated resorting to ad hoc measures; ### deleted


### 28. recognises the pivotal role that the ema plays in implementing measures to enable flexible regulatory processes , while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the authorised vaccines and therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation; ### 28. recognises the pivotal role that the ema plays in implementing measures to enable flexible regulatory processes , while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the authorised vaccines and therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation; which will ultimately need to go through full marketing authorisation to maintain safety and efficacy safeguards;


### 30. observes that the commission granted conditional market authorisation to vaccines for covid-19 , after receiving the ema’s recommendation and consultation with the eu member states , under the condition that the benefits of the vaccines far outweighed their potential risks and with mandatory , rigid post-approval safeguards and controls; ### deleted


### 32. notes that the ecdc did not detect the seriousness of the threat in a timely manner , as a result of a lack of preparedness within the member states at the beginning of the pandemic; acknowledges that this delayed action was due to the lack of timely data sharing by the member states , and a lack of adequate funding and resources for monitoring and data surveillance management; ### 32. notes that the ecdc was not able to detect the seriousness of the threat in a timely manner , as a result of a lack of timely data sharing by the member states , a lack of adequate funding and resources for monitoring and data surveillance management and errors in member states’ analysis of the gravity of their national situation at the beginning of the pandemic;


### investing in effective risk communication and tackling disinformation (social media , tackling fake news) ### deleted


### resilience to support core activities and the decision-making process ### deleted


### 34. reaffirms its belief that the primary goal of vaccination is to avoid serious disease and death , towards which vaccines are effective , as shown by the outcomes of the covid-19 vaccination process , which saved more than 250 000 lives in the eu; ### 34. reaffirms that the primary achievement of the current generation of sars-cov-2 vaccines is to avoid serious disease and death , towards which these vaccines are effective , as shown by the outcomes of the covid-19 vaccination process , which saved more than 250 000 lives in the eu;


### 34. reaffirms its belief that the primary goal of vaccination is to avoid serious disease and death , towards which vaccines are effective , as shown by the outcomes of the covid-19 vaccination process , which saved more than 250 000 lives in the eu; ### 34. reaffirms that the primary goal of vaccination is to avoid serious disease and death , towards which vaccines are effective , as shown by the outcomes of the covid-19 vaccination process , which saved more than 250 000 lives in the eu;


### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted a game-changer in the pandemic and underpinned the important role of vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed effective vaccine protection was unprecedented and that the eu demonstrated leadership in the global response to the covid-19 pandemic; ### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted a game-changer in the pandemic and underpinned the important role of public subsidies for vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed effective vaccine protection was unprecedented; recommends for the future to attach better conditions to public funding regarding transparency-standards on the use of public funds , know-how transfers and affordability;


### 115. strongly supports the proposed european media freedom act , which is designed to preserve freedom and diversity of media in the face of anti-misinformation tools; ### 115. strongly supports the proposed european media freedom act , which is designed to preserve freedom and diversity of media in the face of anti-misinformation tools , underlines , however , that in particular the provisions on surveillance still require substantial improvements to ensure that the provisions do not legitimize the use of spyware against individuals , notably journalists , and thereby undermine fundamental rights instead of strengthening them;


### 116. points out discrepancies in the ability to face disinformation among member states; notes that such differences led to disparities in terms of vaccine hesitancy; ### deleted


### 117. considers that a focus on health education , among other policies , including communication and proximity to health providers , is key to reducing vaccine hesitancy; ### 117. considers that a focus on health education , among other policies , including communication and proximity to healthcare providers , community-based solutions and outreach to marginalised communities are key to reducing vaccine hesitancy;


### 118. considers that the european information space needs to be better protected; notes that restrictive measures led to the increasing importance of ‘online democracy’ , which allowed misinformation on social media to gain influence; ### 118. acknowledges that the european information space needs to be better protected; notes a steep growth of mis- and disinformation on social media and traditional media outlets during the pandemic and strongly recommends applying extra measures to prevent misinformation during times of crises;


### 119. notes the establishment of a permanent taskforce on misinformation to monitor the scale of misinformation in the eu and notes the proposed european democracy action plan to establish a common european strategy to tackle misinformation; ### 119. welcomes the establishment of the eeas stratcom divison as a permanent taskforce on misinformation to monitor the scale of misinformation in the eu; reiterates its calls on the commission and eeas to establish a self-standing and well-resourced european centre for interference threats and information integrity; stresses that this centre should: 1) identify , analyse and document interference threats and information manipulation operations that the eu faces as a whole and that target eu institutions , 2) to increase situational awareness , also in key areas of the eu’s external action , 3) to develop a specialised knowledge hub through becoming a platform for coordination with civil society and the business sector , 4) to facilitate coordination with eu structures , member states’ bodies , including those that have been newly established , and international bodies , 5) to raise public awareness , inter alia via regular reports on systemic threats;


### 121. recommends further including representatives of local and territorial communities , including elected officials , in the interinstitutional , multi-level process of building trust , coordinating the delivering of correct messages and fostering the population’s active engagement in times of crisis; ### deleted


### 122. reiterates the importance of well-established scrutiny processes , both at national and european level , to ensure that national authorities are held accountable for breaches of freedom of assembly , freedom of speech , the right to private property and patient rights , and to ensure certainty and predictability in changes to rules for businesses; ### deleted


### 123. notes that the eu has a strong data protection system with consistent data privacy provisions; highlights that the eu covid digital certificate and its tracing apps respected this system , while allowing the free movement of eu citizens under the sanitary rules applied during the crisis; ### deleted


### 124. considers that the digital divide is an element of concern for the eu’s preparedness and resilience , given that vulnerable population groups are particularly impacted because they tend to have fewer connection opportunities; ### 124. acknowledges that emergency legal frameworks and measures (or lack thereof) have often resulted in indirect discrimination , resulting in unequal treatment or particular negative impacts on certain groups in practice (i.e. triage); highlights that in order to successfully meet the needs of the poorest and most marginalised people , the health response in emergencies must be based on principles of equity and inclusion;


### 125. notes a high discrepancy in the degree of parliamentary oversight of covid-19-related emergency measures among some member states; notes that the resilience of parliamentary scrutiny was generally higher in countries with constitutions that give their national parliaments more room to manoeuvre vis-à-vis the executive power; ### deleted


### 128. regrets that the crisis has exacerbated pre-existing challenges to democracy and the rule of law in some member states; ### deleted


### 129. notes that parliament adopted extraordinary measures and undertook innovative action to maintain the continuity of its activities , carry out its duties and exercise its legislative , budgetary , scrutiny and oversight prerogatives under the treaties , while protecting the health of members , staff and other persons during the course of the pandemic; highlights parliament’s ability to maintain its interpretation services in the 24 official eu languages , even during remote meetings; ### 129. notes that parliament adopted extraordinary measures and undertook innovative action to maintain the continuity of its activities , carry out its duties and exercise its legislative , budgetary , scrutiny and oversight prerogatives under the treaties , while protecting the health of members , staff and other persons during the course of the pandemic; highlights parliament’s ability to maintain remote plenary and committee sessions , including votes , without serious incidents;


### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , could have improved transparency; recommends finding a way to publish vaccine contracts sooner and in less redacted versions; ### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , should have improved transparency; recommends finding a way to publish vaccine contracts sooner and in less redacted versions; reiterates that the european parliament resolution on eu transparency in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines (2021/2678(rsp); calls on the commission to publish non-redacted versions of the purchase agreements without further delay; calls on the commission to develop a transparency policy for advance purchase agreements that informs future negotiation processes;


### covid-19 and member states’ restrictions on free movement of persons and the internal market ### compliance with fundamental rights and democratic oversight to pandemic response by member states;


### 132. highlights that the four freedoms are fundamental building blocks of the european project and therefore deplores the initial blocking of essential goods , including personal protective equipment (ppe) and medical equipment , and delivery failures across the single market during the first part of the covid-19 pandemic; ### deleted


### 133. highlights that , in 2020 , the commission published guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services26 , as well as a communication on green lanes27 , in order for member states to guarantee the continued functioning of supply chains in the single market and avoid possible shortages , and guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during covid-19 outbreak28to allow workers in critical occupations , in particular , to perform activities related to essential services; ### deleted


### 134. notes that diverging approaches among the member states on the use of the eu digital covid certificate undermined public trust in the tool; ### 134. notes that diverging approaches among the member states on the use of the eu digital covid certificate undermined public trust in the tool; recognises that several contact tracing methods and tools introduced and used on national level were insecure , ineffective , or privacy-invasive; calls on member states to learn from such mistakes;


### conclusions ### deleted


### conclusions ### conclusions and recommendations;


### conclusions ### conclusions and recommendations


### 135. acknowledges that , in the middle of the crisis , institutions were confronted with exceptional situations in which urgency necessarily prevailed over the timely publication of certain documents; stresses , however , that transparency should still be a priority; ### deleted


### 136. considers that the covid-19 crisis was a stress test for the eu’s democratic resilience; ### deleted


### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; ### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs and amongst employees with atypical contracts but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations , worsening economic disparities and inequality; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including feminised sectors , self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal- , platform- and temporary workers , acknowledges that workers in certain sectors , such as tourism , hospitality and retail were strongly affected;


### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; ### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , member states’ health systems were already lacking adequate resources to provide healthcare to all and were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis , partly due to a structural under-investment , years of austerity measures that targeted public healthcare systems and led to the fragmentation of our public healthcare infrastructures and shortages of healthcare workers;


### 38. points out that the member states faced obstacles concerning national coordination , cooperation with experts , research funding , the exchange of data and cooperation and solidarity within member states; observes that some of the challenges faced by the member states were a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of icu (intensive care unit) beds available (that dropped dramatically between 2019 and 2020) , shortages of staff , a lack of preparedness plans or a clear governance structure , an insufficient strategic stock of personal protective equipment , insufficient infection prevention and control plans in healthcare settings , inadequate indoor air quality in public buildings and how to effectively communicate with the public; ### 38. points out that the member states faced obstacles concerning national coordination , cooperation with experts , research funding , the exchange of data and cooperation and solidarity within member states; observes that some of the challenges faced by the member states were a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of icu (intensive care unit) beds , medical devices and medicines available , shortages of staff as a result of under investment in public healthcare systems and poor working conditions for healthcare workers , and lack of preparedness plans or a clear governance structure in some member states caused by an indiscriminate healthcare privatisation process , an insufficient strategic stock of personal protective equipment , insufficient infection prevention and control plans in healthcare settings , inadequate indoor air quality in public buildings and how to effectively communicate with the public;


### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; ### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; welcomes the extended mandate of the ecdc in this regard which should improve monitoring of diseases in the eu;


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### 40. believes that the eu needs to further coordinate and accelerate clinical trials through supporting international multicentre trials - without endangering high safety standards and sound trials design; underlines in this regard the importance of the digitalisation of health systems and robust and accessible data sharing , in compliance with the gdpr , in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field;


### 41. supports adapting existing eu regulatory frameworks and soft law and developing and implementing new frameworks in order to allow national healthcare systems and the scientific community to benefit from artificial intelligence (ai) in the fields of clinical practice , biomedical research , public health and health administration , while ensuring the safety and respectful treatment of patients receiving ai-mediated healthcare; ### deleted


### 42. calls on the member states to introduce measures that enhance the security of digital networks in order to protect health institutions and patients from cyberattacks; ### 42. notes that healthcare organisations faced heightened cybersecurity threats in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic; calls on the eu institutions and agencies to be equipped with a high level of security controls and processes against cyber-attacks , cyber espionage and other data breach to ensure the protection of health data and their ability to operate normally at all times and especially during public health emergencies; calls on the member states to introduce measures that enhance the security of digital networks in order to protect health institutions and patients from cyberattacks;


### 43. reaffirms the need to improve the security of critical infrastructure , such as power grids and financial systems , as well as measures to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and to provide training to individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves , as these cyberattacks may also have an impact on patients and hospitals; ### deleted


### boosting the health workforce in the eu to be prepared for the next crisis (training , sufficient number of healthcare workers , improved working conditions , upskilling and reskilling) ### boosting the health , care and social workforce in the eu to be prepared for the next crisis;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare and social care have not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages or and low-quality offers , lack of work equipment , poor working spaces and conditions in this area and consequent low levels of resilience and underperforming patient treatment in health and social services systems in the face of new possible emergencies;