### 2. commends the decision to align the plan with the multiannual financial framework (mff) , as this allows for a longer-term perspective and ties it in with the relevant funding instruments; underlines the importance of the plan in delivering the european education area; ### 2. commends the decision to align the plan with the multiannual financial framework (mff) , as this allows for a longer-term perspective and ties it in with the relevant funding instruments; underlines the importance of the plan in delivering the european education area; welcomes in particular the ambition of the commission to establish a strategic dialogue with the member states on key enabling factors for successful digital education;


### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes; calls on the commission to ensure effective synergies between these programmes; ### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes; calls on the commission and member states to ensure effective synergies between these programmes; emphasises the need to learn from the covid-19 crisis by applying the good practices (peer learning) of some countries in terms of using digital tools for education;


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


### 7. welcomes the digital education hubs as a first step towards a co-creation process involving key stakeholders; calls on the commission to supervise implementation at national level and ensure fair representation and independence within the hubs; calls on the commission to fully involve parliament in creating european and national hubs and in nominating relevant stakeholders; ### 7. welcomes the digital education hubs as a first step towards a co-creation process involving key stakeholders; calls on the commission to supervise implementation at national level and ensure fair representation and independence within the hubs; calls on the commission to fully involve parliament in creating european and national hubs and in nominating relevant stakeholders and experts representing different pedagogical approaches to digital education from both inside and outside mainstream education;


### 8. deplores the persistent digital divide in the union; regrets the fact that in some member states , like romania , efforts to provide access to quality digital education have failed , leaving more than 30 % of pupils without access to education for several months; shares the commission’s analysis that fast and reliable internet and quality digital equipment in educational establishments , non-formal settings and the home are prerequisites for effective digital education; ### 8. deplores the persistent digital divide in the union; regrets the fact that in some member states efforts to provide access to quality digital education have failed , leaving more than 30 % of pupils without access to education for several months; shares the commission’s analysis that fast and reliable internet and quality digital equipment in educational establishments , non-formal settings and the home are prerequisites for effective digital education;


### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; calls for a new initiative on ai and robotics for education; ### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; calls for a new initiative on ai and robotics for education; recalls furthermore that an ethical and human-centric al approach should be ensured by eu programmes and schemes;


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


### 11. insists that greater attention be devoted to teacher training as the plan is rolled out so as to ensure that teachers not only possess digital skills , but can also teach them; calls for a pan-union initiative to develop new pedagogical methods for the digital environment; underlines the increasingly important role played by parents and tutors in distance learning and calls for them to be given special training and support mechanisms; ### 11. insists that greater attention be devoted to teacher training as the plan is rolled out so as to ensure that teachers not only possess digital skills , but can also teach them; calls for a pan-union initiative to develop new pedagogical methods for the digital environment; underlines the increasingly important role played by parents , families and tutors in distance learning and the need for them to have good internet , digital and technical skills and calls for them to be given special training and support mechanisms; stresses the need to assist all families with digital tools in order to grant access to remote education;


### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns; ### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; highlights that any development in the field of digital education must go hand-in-hand with a robust framework of data protection; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns;


### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns; ### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy through education and training in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns;


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


### 4. believes that mothers and fathers should receive more social recognition for caring for their children and parenting , taking into account that they are investing in the future of society by raising and bringing up their children; ### 4. notes with concern that women are still underrepresented in sport , both in participation and in governance; emphasises that although the number of women actively involved in sport has significantly increased , only 20%-30% of all sports coaches in europe are women; stresses that the gender pay gap in sport is persistent and even greater than the average gender pay gap at the highest levels; stresses that there are still significant differences in the media coverage of sport;


### 5. takes the view that the national statistical offices of the member states should , if possible , check whether a gender-based value for invisible work in the area of solidarity between generations and the contribution of this work to national gdp is included in the respective national calculation systems; ### 5. calls on member states to foster initiatives that encourage gender equality and equal participation in decision-making roles in sports , enable female athletes to reconcile their family and professional sporting life , and seek to reduce the gender-based remuneration gap and award disparities , as well as any kind of stereotypes and harassment in sports;


### — having regard to the sustainable development goals (sdgs) adopted by world leaders in september 2015 and endorsed by the council , which voiced its commitment to their implementation , ### — having regard to the un sustainable development goals (sdgs) adopted by world leaders in september 2015 and endorsed by the council , which voiced its commitment to their implementation ,


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


### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model; reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline; ### 1. believes that it is important to have a strategy similar to the one we have now , beyond 2020 and the future strategy should also be a comprehensive document , addressing economic policy and employment and social policy objectives in a coherent way , taking into account and presenting synergistic links , welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and recalls that the european semester was established to achieve and maintain macro-economic stability and budgetary balance , therefore treating other policies at the same level as fiscal discipline would undermine this goal; beleives that social and ecological objectives , however important they are , can not be treated at the same level as fiscal discipline;


### 2. calls on the commission to identify eu-specific targets and headline indicators in relation to the sdg to measure the effectiveness of policy decisions , and to ensure better targeting of funding; ### 2. calls on the commission to identify eu-specific targets in relation to the sdg to measure the effectiveness of policy decisions; recalls that while the european semester must respect the un's sustainable development goals and the social pillar , these cannot in themselves fulfill the role of the strategy , which also needs to reflect european realities and challenges in the area of employment and social affairs , such as technological development and demographic change , which also place great pressure on the labor market and on our social protection systems and we must address the challenges of certain social groups and the reduction of inequalities as well


### 3. welcomes the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020; emphasises the central role of the social scoreboard in the european semester; calls on the commission to reinforce the scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the epsr; ### 3. is of the opinion that the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020 is not in line with the original goal of the european semester which aims to achieve and maintain macro-economic stability and budgetary balance; calls on the commission to build upon the existing indicators (such as the epm –employment performance monitor , sppm – social protection performance monitor , jaf – joint assessment framework) instead of the reinforcement of the scoreboard by integrating further indicators;


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for tackling long-term unemployment by focusing existing funds on this issue in regions with above-average long-term unemployment and analysing further the effectiveness of existing financial instruments such as the youth employment initiative before inventing new ones to avoid the same difficulties;


### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services; ### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy with close cooperation with the member states and by recognising their achievements so far and to establish a european child guarantee and well-designed support services to be used in a sufficiently flexible way that suits national specificities and respects existing national schemes and to provide adequate funding but without cutting back on existing financial instruments;


### 8. calls on the commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemes in order to provide a social protection floor; ### 8. calls on the commission to consider actions supporting member states on having fair minimum wage which provide a decent standard of living in relations to the economic conditions of each member states;


### 8. calls for an increase in the quality and efficiency of education and training systems , the strengthening of comprehensive lifelong learning and the upgrading of skills , notably of disadvantaged groups , including people with a migrant background; reiterates its support to citizenship education in schools as a key pillar of developing european democracy; ### 8. calls for an increase in the quality and efficiency of education and training systems , the strengthening of comprehensive lifelong learning and the upgrading of skills , notably of disadvantaged groups; reiterates its support to citizenship education in schools as a key pillar of developing european democracy;


### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; ### 12. calls on the commission to guide member states in the regulation of new forms of work in order to improve the working conditions of platform workers;


### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union; ### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; stresses the need for keeping the original goals of the european semester;


### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; ### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present plans for automatic stabilisers in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances;


### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health; ### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by respecting prudent fiscal policies; recalls that allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health requires that fiscal rules should continue to take into account the debt reduction target for countries with high debt levels and in this context , it is worth reviewing the structure of expenditure and focusing on the elements that contribute most to growth;


### 17. calls on the member states to shift taxation away from labour towards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth; calls for new own resources for the eu budget in order to give the union the tools to better tackle current and future challenges; ### 17. calls on the member states to shift taxation towards promoting sustainable growth; calls for new own resources for the eu budget in order to give the union the tools to better tackle current and future challenges by taking into account the contributive capacity of individual member states in the system of own resources by examining means of correcting , for the less prosperous member states , regressive elements existing in the present own resources system;


### 18. reiterates that the rule of law , including independent and efficient justice systems , as well as quality public administrations and public procurement and robust anti-corruption frameworks , are the basis for a sound business environment , functioning labour markets and the proper use of eu funds , and should thus continue to be included in the european semester; ### 18. reiterates that the goal of the european semester is ensuring sound public finances by avoiding excessive government debt , preventing excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the eu , supporting structural reforms to create more jobs and growth and boosting investment , therefore the proper use of eu funds should continue to be included in the european semester;


### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2 ; ### b. whereas 151 981 fishers were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2 ;


### 2. notes that the esf has been widely used to revitalise coastal and rural areas by providing people excluded from the labour market with training and employment opportunities tailored to local needs and sectors; whereas the emff contributes to fisheries and the maritime economy , as well as to social inclusion and development; ### 2. notes that the esf has been widely used to revitalise coastal and rural areas by providing people excluded from the labour market with training and employment opportunities tailored to local needs and sectors; whereas the emff contributes to fisheries , the maritime and the broader blue economy , as well as to social inclusion , employment mobility and development;


### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; ### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development. underlines the importance to safeguard traditional occupations in the fisheries sector;


### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector and people interested in such work access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education enabling them to adapt to new market trends (e.g. organic food , specialised tourism , sale and promotion of local products by means of new technologies); ### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector and people interested in such work fair and inclusive access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education enabling them to adapt to new market trends (e.g. organic food , specialised tourism , sale and promotion of local products by means of new technologies);


### 7. underlines the significance of continuity in professional careers and , in this context , of the creation and maintenance of jobs: recalls that fishermen should be supported in continuing their career ashore if , due to health reasons , changes in the labour market or other factors , they cannot continue working at sea; believes that european funds , especially the esf , should support their smooth professional transition; ### 7. underlines the significance of continuity in professional careers and , in this context , of the creation and maintenance of jobs: recalls that fishermen should be supported in continuing their career ashore if , due to health reasons , changes in the labour market or other factors , they cannot continue working at sea; believes that european funds , especially the esf , should support their smooth professional transition , including through lifelong learning and other skills programmes;


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


### 8. points out that professional maritime activities in general are considered high risk and dangerous , particularly fishing , and this situation is made worse by the fact that 85% of eu vessels are small-scale coastal vessels (less than 12 m in total length) and are , therefore , exposed to greater risks caused by adverse weather conditions and by operating close to shore; ### 8. points out that professional maritime activities in general are considered high risk and dangerous , particularly fishing , and this situation is made worse by the fact that 85% of eu vessels are small-scale coastal vessels (less than 12 m in total length) , many of them antiquated , and are , therefore , exposed to greater risks caused by adverse weather conditions and by operating close to shore;


### 10. underlines therefore the importance of supporting new markets for the sale of fish and other sea products , and of simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of local markets for fresh fish; encourages further digitalisation of the sector , which should allow for better cooperation between fishermen and customers , as well as better management of the fish and other sea products caught , and the prevention of waste; highlights the value of access to training on this supported by eu funds; ### 10. underlines therefore the importance of supporting new markets for the sale of fish and other sea products , and of simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of local markets for fresh fish; encourages further digitalisation of the sector , which should allow for better cooperation between fishers and customers , as well as better management of the fish and other sea products caught , and the prevention of waste; highlights the value of access to training on this supported by eu funds;


### 10. reiterates that working and living conditions on board cannot be seen separately from safety conditions; takes the view that good working and living conditions on vessels improve the safety conditions in which fishing operations are carried out , as does time to rest for fishers , with direct implications for their safety , as a large percentage of accidents and incidents on fishing vessels continue to be linked to human error , whether caused by lack of knowledge or training or by fatigue; ### 10. reiterates that working and living conditions on board cannot be seen separately from safety conditions; takes the view that good working and living conditions on vessels and the suitable modernisation thereof improve the safety conditions in which fishing operations are carried out , as does time to rest for fishers , with direct implications for their safety , as a large percentage of accidents and incidents on fishing vessels continue to be linked to human error , whether caused by lack of knowledge or training or by fatigue;


### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; ### 11. is highly concerned about fisher’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector;


### 11. points out that maritime workers , including fishers , are often excluded from the scope of european and member states’ national legal frameworks on labour , taking into account that many rules do not apply to the reality of these workers’ activities; points out that , as it is not possible to apply general labour schemes , it is necessary to ensure that a number of basic premises related to employment regulations are provided , in a tailored manner , for seafarers and , in particular , for fishers; ### 11. points out that maritime workers , including fishers , are often excluded from the scope of european and member states’ national legal frameworks on labour , taking into account that many rules do not apply to the reality of these workers’ activities; points out that , as it is not possible to apply general labour schemes , it is necessary to ensure that a number of basic premises related to employment regulations are provided , in a tailored manner , for seafarers and , in particular , for fishers and fish farmers;


### 13. considers that reintegration of former fishermen with disabilities into the labour market by guaranteeing an accessible working environment leads to social inclusion , and creates incentives for income creation in the fisheries sector and fishing communities. ### 13. considers that reintegration of former fishers with disabilities into the labour market by guaranteeing an accessible working environment leads to social inclusion , and creates incentives for income creation in the fisheries sector and fishing communities;


### f. whereas , even without any specific data covering only the fisheries sector , it is possible to obtain some information on the age of fisheries workers in some of the member states’ statistics services; whereas the figures show that the percentage of fishers aged 55 or older has been increasing in the last 10 years and currently stands at some 20% of active fishers and , on the other hand , the percentage of young fishers (aged 34 or younger) does not display a clear trend , remaining between 20 and 23% of active fishers; ### f. whereas , even without any specific data covering only the fisheries sector , it is possible to obtain some information on the age of fisheries workers in some of the member states’ statistics services; whereas the figures show that the percentage of fishers aged 55 or older has been increasing in the last 10 years and currently stands at some 20% of active fishers and , on the other hand , the percentage of young fishers (aged 40 or younger) does not display a clear trend , remaining between 20 and 23% of active fishers;


### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a fact which was first acknowledged at least two decades ago , and which creates additional difficulties in the industry as a whole and exacerbates social problems in coastal communities; ### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a fact which was first acknowledged at least two decades ago , and which creates additional difficulties in the industry as a whole and exacerbates social problems in coastal communities of the continent and overseas regions;


### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a fact which was first acknowledged at least two decades ago , and which creates additional difficulties in the industry as a whole and exacerbates social problems in coastal communities; ### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a fact which was first acknowledged at least two decades ago , and which creates additional difficulties in the industry as a whole and exacerbates social problems in coastal , riverside , island and lakeside communities;


### 15. recalls that the ultimate goal of the cfp is to make fishing activity socially , environmentally and economically sustainable , and that only with good working , living and safety conditions will it be possible to attract young people and achieve the generational renewal of this activity which provides eu citizens with healthy food; ### 15. recalls that the ultimate goal of the cfp is to make fishing activity socially , environmentally and economically sustainable , and that only with good working , living and safety conditions will it be possible to attract young people and achieve the generational renewal of this activity which provides eu citizens with healthy and good-quality food;


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


### 17. insists on the need to ensure that the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) makes a significant contribution to improving the working , living and safety conditions on eu vessels , finding ways to improve those conditions without increasing fishing capacity , with particular attention paid to small-scale coastal fishing vessels; ### 17. insists on the need to ensure that the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) makes a significant contribution to improving the working , living and safety conditions on eu vessels , finding ways to improve those conditions without increasing fishing capacity , with particular attention paid to small-scale coastal fishing vessels; expresses concern at the failure of the new emfaf to facilitate the modernisation of obsolete vessels in order to make them more environmentally sustainable and safer to work on;


### 18. insists , further , on the need for regular monitoring and statistical information on incidents and accidents involving vessels not covered by directive 2009/18/ec , as it is only by monitoring and assessing changes in these figures , by geographical areas , fleets and fishing gear used , that it will be possible to find solutions that make improvement possible and that reduce and prevent the occurrence of such accidents , particularly in local and coastal fishing vessels; ### 18. insists , further , on the need for regular monitoring and statistical information on incidents and accidents involving vessels not covered by directive 2009/18/ec , as it is only by monitoring and assessing changes in these figures , by geographical areas , fleets and fishing gear used , that it will be possible to find solutions that make improvement possible and that reduce and prevent the occurrence of such accidents , particularly in local and coastal fishing vessels , including the antiquated craft used in outermost regions;


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


### “the aim of this decision is to encourage cooperation between member states through the network in the field of employment , within the areas of pes responsibility , in order to contribute to the implementation of the union’s employment policies. this will also help implementing the european pillar of social rights and the united nations sustainable development goals , thereby supporting:” ### “the aim of this decision is to encourage cooperation between member states through the network in the field of employment , within the areas of pes responsibility , in order to contribute to the implementation of the union’s employment policies , thereby supporting:”


### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities. those strategies are presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or union funding. they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the structural and cohesion funds , and from other programmes. ### (4) national multiannual investment strategies are presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priorities to be supported by national and/or union funding. they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the structural and cohesion funds , and from other programmes.


### the implementation of growth-sustaining and resilience-enhancing reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular the country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the european semester or actions related to the implementation of union law; ### the implementation of growth-sustaining and resilience-enhancing reforms in the context of economic governance processes;


### 3. taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , and further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state. ### 3. taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , and further to a dialogue with the member state , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state.


### (1) member states have been affected by the crisis due to the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in an unprecedented manner. the crisis hampers growth in member states , which in turn aggravates the serious liquidity shortages due to the sudden and important increase in public investments needed in their health systems and other sectors of their economies. this has created an exceptional situation which needs to be addressed with specific measures. ### (1) member states have been affected by the crisis due to the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in an unprecedented manner. the crisis deepens social cleavages , increases job losses and inequalities and hampers growth in member states , which in turn aggravates the serious liquidity shortages due to the sudden and important increase in public investments needed in their health systems and other sectors of their economies. this has created an exceptional situation which needs to be addressed with specific measures.


### (5) an additional exceptional amount of eur 58 272 800 000 (in current prices) for budgetary commitment from the structural funds under the investment for growth and jobs goal , for the years 2020 , 2021 and 2022 should be made available to support member states and regions most impacted in crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic or preparing a green , digital and resilient recovery of the economy , with a view to deploying resources quickly to the real economy through the existing operational programmes. resources for 2020 stem from an increase in the resources available for economic , social and territorial cohesion in the multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 whereas resources for 2021 and 2022 stem from the european union recovery instrument. part of the additional resources should be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission. the commission should set out the breakdown of the remaining additional resources for each member state on the basis of an allocation method based on the latest available objective statistical data concerning member states’ relative prosperity and the extent of the effect of the current crisis on their economies and societies. the allocation method should include a dedicated additional amount for the outermost regions given the specific vulnerability of their economies and societies. in order to reflect the evolving nature of the effects of the crisis , the breakdown should be revised in 2021 on the basis of the same allocation method using the latest statistical data available by 19 october 2021 to distribute the 2022 tranche of the additional resources. ### (5) an additional exceptional amount of eur 58 272 800 000 (in current prices) for budgetary commitment from the structural funds under the investment for growth and jobs goal , for the years 2020 , 2021 and 2022 should be made available to support member states and regions most impacted in crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic and preparing the recovery of the economy , with a view to deploying resources quickly to the real economy through the existing operational programmes. resources for 2020 stem from an increase in the resources available for economic , social and territorial cohesion in the multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 whereas resources for 2021 and 2022 stem from the european union recovery instrument. part of the additional resources should be allocated to technical assistance at the initiative of the commission. the commission should set out the breakdown of the remaining additional resources for each member state on the basis of an allocation method based on the latest available objective statistical data concerning member states’ relative prosperity and the extent of the effect of the current crisis on their economies and societies. the allocation method should include a dedicated additional amount for the outermost regions given the specific vulnerability of their economies and societies. in order to reflect the evolving nature of the effects of the crisis , the breakdown should be revised in 2021 on the basis of the same allocation method using the latest statistical data available by 19 october 2021 to distribute the 2022 tranche of the additional resources.


### (6) horizontal financial rules adopted by the european parliament and the council on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union apply to this regulation. these rules are laid down in the financial regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants , procurement , prizes , indirect implementation , and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors. rules adopted on the basis of article 322 tfeu also concern the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , as the respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for sound financial management and effective eu funding. ### (6) horizontal financial rules adopted by the european parliament and the council on the basis of article 322 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union apply to this regulation. these rules are laid down in the financial regulation and determine in particular the procedure for establishing and implementing the budget through grants , procurement , prizes , indirect implementation , and provide for checks on the responsibility of financial actors.


### (9) in order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the erdf , as extended by regulations (eu) 2020/460 and (eu) 2020/558 of the european parliament and of the council5 , member states should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services , for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes , in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. technical assistance should also be supported. it is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “fostering crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic and preparing a green , digital and resilient recovery of the economy” , which should also constitute a single investment priority , to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. ### (9) in order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the erdf , as extended by regulations (eu) 2020/460 and (eu) 2020/558 of the european parliament and of the council5 , member states should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services and social services of general interest , for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes , particularly in the sectors most impacted by the pandemic such as tourism and culture , in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis , for measures aimed at supporting female employment such as the provision of early childhood education and care , and incentives to female entrepreneurship. technical assistance should also be supported. it is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “fostering crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic and preparing a green , digital and resilient recovery of the economy” , which should also constitute a single investment priority , to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources.


### (9) in order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the erdf , as extended by regulations (eu) 2020/460 and (eu) 2020/558 of the european parliament and of the council5 , member states should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services , for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes , in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. technical assistance should also be supported. it is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “fostering crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic and preparing a green , digital and resilient recovery of the economy” , which should also constitute a single investment priority , to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. ### (9) in order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the erdf , as extended by regulations (eu) 2020/460 and (eu) 2020/558 of the european parliament and of the council5 , member states should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services , for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes , in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , infrastructure providing basic services to citizens , including in rural , insular and mountainous areas , or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. technical assistance starting from the preliminary stages should also be supported. it is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “fostering crisis repair in the context of the covid-19 pandemic and preparing a green , digital and resilient recovery of the economy” , which should also constitute a single investment priority , to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources.


### (10) for the esf , member states should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance , including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , job creation , in particular for people in vulnerable situations , support to youth employment measures , education and training , skills development and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children. it should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self-employed in the context of the covid-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time. ### (10) for the esf , member states should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance , including in rural , insular and mountainous areas , as well as through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , job creation , in particular for citizens in vulnerable situations , support to youth employment measures , education and training , skills development and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children. it should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self-employed in the context of the covid-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.


### (10) for the esf , member states should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance , including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , job creation , in particular for people in vulnerable situations , support to youth employment measures , education and training , skills development and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children. it should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self-employed in the context of the covid-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time. ### (10) for the esf , member states should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance , including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , job creation , in particular for people in vulnerable situations , support to youth employment measures , education and training , support to social economy enterprises , skills development and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children. it should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self-employed in the context of the covid-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.


### (15) with a view to allow the targeting of these additional resources to the geographic areas where they are most needed , as an exceptional measure and without prejudice to the general rules for allocating structural funds resources , the additional resources allocated to the erdf and the esf are not to be broken down per category of region. however , member states are expected to take into account the different regional needs and development levels in order to ensure that focus is maintained on less developed regions , in accordance with the objectives of economic , social and territorial cohesion set out in article 173 tfeu. member states should also involve local and regional authorities , as well as relevant bodies representing civil society , in accordance with the partnership principles. ### deleted


### (15) with a view to allow the targeting of these additional resources to the geographic areas where they are most needed , as an exceptional measure and without prejudice to the general rules for allocating structural funds resources , the additional resources allocated to the erdf and the esf are not to be broken down per category of region. however , member states are expected to take into account the different regional needs and development levels in order to ensure that focus is maintained on less developed regions , in accordance with the objectives of economic , social and territorial cohesion set out in article 173 tfeu. member states should also involve local and regional authorities , as well as relevant bodies representing civil society , in accordance with the partnership principles. ### (15) with a view to allow the targeting of these additional resources to the geographic areas where they are most needed , as an exceptional measure and without prejudice to the general rules for allocating structural funds resources , the additional resources allocated to the erdf and the esf are not to be broken down per category of region. however , member states are expected to take into account the different regional needs and development levels in order to ensure that focus is maintained on less developed regions , in accordance with the objectives of economic , social and territorial cohesion set out in article 173 tfeu. member states should also involve local and regional authorities , as well as relevant bodies representing civil society , in particular the third sector , in accordance with the partnership principles.


### the derogation provided in the second sub-paragraph of article 65(10) setting the eligibility date of 1 february 2020 for operations for fostering crisis response capacities in the context of the covid-19 outbreak; ### deleted


### each member state shall allocate the additional resources available for programming under the erdf and the esf to operational programmes. ### each member state shall allocate the additional resources available for programming under the erdf and the esf to operational programmes , involving local and regional authorities , in accordance with the partnership principle. up to 5% of the additional resources shall be used for cross-border projects.


### 6. up to 4% of the total additional resources under the erdf and the esf may be allocated to technical assistance under any existing operational programme supported from the erdf or the esf or the new operational programme referred to in paragraph 11. ### 6. up to 4% of the total additional resources under the erdf and the esf may be allocated to technical assistance starting from the preliminary stages under any existing operational programme supported from the erdf or the esf or the new operational programme referred to in paragraph 11.


### for the erdf , the additional resources shall primarily be used to support investment in products and services for health services , to provide support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes , investments contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens , and economic measures in the regions which are most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis. ### for the erdf , the additional resources shall primarily be used to support investment in products and services for health services , to provide support in the form of working capital or investment support to smes and social economy enterprises , particularly in sectors such as tourism and culture , investments contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy , investments in infrastructure providing basic services to citizens , and economic measures in the regions which are most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis.


### for the esf , the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance , including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. the additional resources shall also support job creation , in particular for people in vulnerable situations , youth employment measures , education and training , skills development , in particular to support the twin green and digital transitions , and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children. ### for the esf , the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance , including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed , even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures , unless the latter are imposed by national law. the additional resources shall also support job creation , in particular for citizens in vulnerable situations , youth employment measures , education and training , skills development , and to enhance access to social services of general interest , including for children.


### the revised financing plan set out in article 96(2)(d) shall set out the allocation of the additional resources for the years 2020 , 2021 and , where applicable , for 2022 without identifying amounts for the performance reserve and with no breakdown per category of regions. ### the revised financing plan set out in article 96(2)(d) shall set out the allocation of the additional resources for the years 2020 , 2021 and , where applicable , for 2022 without identifying amounts for the performance reserve.


### for the number of people unemployed and the number of young people unemployed the reference period shall be: the average of june to august 2020. ### for the number of people unemployed and the number of young people unemployed the reference period shall be: the average of april to june 2020.


### for the number of people unemployed and the number of young people unemployed the reference period shall be: the average of june to august 2021. ### for the number of people unemployed and the number of young people unemployed the reference period shall be: the average of april to june 2021.


### (19) in view of the covid-19 pandemic and the urgency to address the associated public health crisis , it is considered necessary to use the exception to the eight-week period referred to in article 4 of protocol no 1 on the role of national parliaments in the european union , annexed to the treaty on european union , to the treaty on the functioning of the european union and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community. ### deleted


### a. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities , independent of public authorities , as cooperatives , mutual benefit societies , associations (including charities) , foundations , social enterprises , and other legal forms , all characterised by different operating and organisational principles and features such as the primacy of people as well as social purpose over profit , the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses , and democratic or participatory governance; ### a. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities , independent of public authorities , as cooperatives , mutual societies , associations (including charities) , foundations , social enterprises , and other legal forms , all characterised by different operating and organisational principles and features such as the primacy of people as well as social purpose over profit , the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses , and democratic or participatory governance;


### b. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of covid-19 on the eu’s social market , society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to the long-term orientation of the european pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ; ### b. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of covid-19 on the eu’s social market , society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to its long-term orientation and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ;


### c. whereas social economy organisations have a long history in the majority of member states , most of which have adopted specific laws in this field , and have established themselves as crucial market players; ### c. whereas social economy organisations have a long history in the majority of member states , most of which have adopted specific laws in this field , and have established themselves as crucial market players; whereas regulatory frameworks must ensure that social economy enterprises can compete effectively in all economic sectors;


### 2. believes , however , that concrete measures and follow-up measures for achieving each objective need to be laid out and the interlinkages between measures further detailed; considers it necessary to establish a calendar for all actions included in the seap , with a view to guiding the relevant authorities in the implementation; ### 2. believes , however , that concrete measures and follow-up measures for achieving each objective need to be laid out and the interlinkages between measures and other eu-level initiatives further detailed; considers it necessary to establish a calendar for all actions included in the seap , with a view to guiding the relevant authorities in the implementation;


### 4. reiterates its call13 for the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in the drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies , so as to make the union’s ecosystem more competitive and supportive of micro , small and medium-sized organisations both within and outside the social economy; ### 4. reiterates its call13 for the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in the drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies , so as to make the union’s ecosystem more competitive and supportive of micro , small and medium-sized organisations both within and outside the social economy and ensure that its role is strengthened to support the development of social economy;


### 5. reminds the member states that the public procurement directive (directive 2014/24/eu) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives , and , in particular , allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to consider socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives; ### 5. reminds the member states that the public procurement directive (directive 2014/24/eu) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives , and , in particular , allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce and calls for following the best practices of member states in this regard; invites public authorities to consider socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives;


### 5. reminds the member states that the public procurement directive (directive 2014/24/eu) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives , and , in particular , allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to consider socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives; ### 5. reminds the member states that the public procurement directive (directive 2014/24/eu) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives , and , in particular , allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to recognise socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives;


### 7. welcomes existing initiatives in member states to provide workers interested in the buyout process and cooperatives emerging from workers’ buyouts with legal counselling , financial support , support in the preparation of business plans , data needed for external investors and business support structures; encourages member states to include this topic in the 2023 council recommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regional and national level; ### 7. welcomes existing initiatives in member states to provide workers interested in the buyout process and cooperatives emerging from workers’ buyouts with legal counselling , financial support , support in the preparation of business plans , data needed for external investors and business support structures; encourages member states to include this topic in the 2023 council recommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regional and national level and to work closely with workers' representatives to support and link up with the federations of worker cooperatives in assisting workers’ buyouts ; also urges the commission to keep on working closely with the member states to identify tools and solutions to remove obstacles and speed up legal procedures to transfer the ownership of an enterprise after its closure to the employees through worker cooperatives or other forms of worker-owned social economy enterprises; invites the member states to share and exchange best practices in this regard;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; in this regard , brings to the attention of regional and local authorities committed to initiating or upgrading their capacity building measures for the social economy the guidelines for local governments on policies for social and solidarity economy published by the united nations research institute for social development in 2021;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up national , transnational and interregional capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks and their representative organisations in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; welcomes concrete projects such as the european business school on social economy promoted by the smart specialisation platform partnership on social economy , formed by six european regions and supported by european social economy networks;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching , financing capacity-building , training and education , incubating services and networking for capacity-building; further calls for the dissemination of assistive technologies;


### 10. highlights the key role that new technologies can play in developing and scaling up social economy projects and the importance of giving social entrepreneurs priority access to training programmes on digital skills and advanced technologies , both at eu and national level , and calls on the commission and member states to explore how mainstream businesses and social economy organisations can cooperate in that regard; ### 10. highlights the key role that new technologies , if accessible to all , can play in developing and scaling up social economy , as well as the importance of giving social economy entrepreneurs enhanced access to training programmes on digital skills and advanced technologies , both at eu and national level , and calls on the commission and member states to explore how mainstream businesses and social economy organisations can cooperate in that regard;


### 15. strongly welcomes the proposal of a council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks , especially in member states where the social economy ecosystem is less developed , and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the eu and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement , employment and social policies , taxation , education , skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas; ### 15. strongly welcomes the proposal of a council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should provide a common definition of the social economy based on its principles and features -as per the seap- , a definition that , taking into consideration the diversity of the social economy , applies to all policies , programmes and measures that the european commission develops and operates for the social economy7a ,as it would also ensure that support measures are granted to all social economy organisations and enterprises; notes that the council recommendation should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks , especially in member states where the social economy ecosystem is less developed , and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the eu and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement , employment and social policies , taxation , education , skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas;


### 15. strongly welcomes the proposal of a council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks , especially in member states where the social economy ecosystem is less developed , and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the eu and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement , employment and social policies , taxation , education , skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas; ### 15. strongly welcomes the proposal of a council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks , especially in member states where the social economy ecosystem is less developed , and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the eu and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement , state aid , employment and social policies , taxation , education , social and care services , skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas;


### 16. considers it regrettable that parliament’s past calls on the commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies , associations and foundations to act on a european and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes , thus undermining the european social model and hindering the completion of the single market; suggests , in view of the window of opportunity opened by the seap , as well as the activities of the monitoring committee of the luxembourg declaration , which comprises a majority of member states , that enhanced cooperation be explored as a tool to overcome the aforementioned decades-long deadlocks; ### 16. considers it regrettable that parliament’s past calls on the commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies , associations9a and foundations to act on a european and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes , thus undermining the european social model and hindering the completion of the single market; suggests , in view of the window of opportunity opened by the seap , as well as the activities of the monitoring committee of the luxembourg declaration , which comprises a majority of member states , that enhanced cooperation be explored as a tool to overcome the aforementioned decades-long deadlocks;


### 17. notes that the full potential of the social economy sector for addressing socio-economic challenges requires a clear identification of social priorities by public authorities; highlights that social economy projects do generally require a close partnership with public entities , and calls therefore on the commission and member states to develop , within the macro-economic governance framework provided at eu level , a social investment strategy where social priorities are clearly identified and which can provide a framework for cooperation between public authorities and social economy organisations; ### 17. notes that the full potential of the social economy sector for addressing socio-economic challenges requires a clear identification of social priorities by public authorities; highlights that social economy projects do generally require a close partnership with public entities , and calls therefore on the commission and member states to develop , within the macro-economic governance framework provided at eu level , a social investment strategy taking into consideration the integration of sheltered workshops as well , where social priorities are clearly identified and which can provide a framework for cooperation between public authorities and social economy organisations;


### 18. welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all member states; notes that detailed , standardised , comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions , future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to eu economic and social goals; ### 18. welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all member states; notes that detailed , standardised , comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions , future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to eu economic and social goals; reminds the member states of the 2015 council conclusions’ invitation for national statistical authorities to develop and implement social economy satellite accounts;


### 19. calls on the member states to designate social economy coordinators and to set up local social economy contact points with a view to facilitating access to funding , including eu funding; ### 19. calls on the member states to designate social economy coordinators and to set up local social economy contact points with a view to facilitating access to funding , including eu funding; invites the commission and the social economy organisations to also use the announced social economy gateway to raise awareness of the funding opportunities at eu level; calls on the member states to properly and effectively implement the seap in collaboration with the social economy stakeholders;


### a. whereas roma people are europe’s largest ethnic minority; whereas many roma people in europe still live in extremely precarious conditions in both rural and urban areas7 ; whereas intergenerational poverty in roma settlements is of a socioeconomic nature with serious ramifications for roma people’s health and well-being; ### a. whereas the roma are europe's largest ethnic minority and have been an integral part of europe's cultural and economic life for centuries; whereas many roma in europe still live in extremely inequitable conditions , both in rural and urban areas; whereas intergenerational poverty in roma settlements is socio-economic in nature , with serious consequences for the physical and mental health and well-being of roma;


### b. whereas deep-rooted structural anti-gypsyism continues to exist at all levels of european society and is a major barrier to roma people fully exercising their fundamental rights as eu citizens in all spheres of life , including employment , housing , education and healthcare; ### b. whereas deep-rooted structural anti-gypsyism is still present in european society and is a major obstacle to roma people's enjoyment of their fundamental rights as eu citizens in all areas of life , including employment , housing , education and healthcare;


### d. whereas poverty in marginalised roma settlements is a complex problem that needs to be addressed horizontally with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level in cooperation with initiatives of ngos and private enterprises; ### d. whereas poverty in marginalised rural roma settlements and urban slums is a complex problem that requires a bottom-up approach and needs to be addressed horizontally , in cooperation with all stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level , in cooperation with non-governmental registered and informal roma (roma-led) organisations and private business initiatives , educators , churches , roma organisations , related ngos;


### 1. deplores the fact that there are still people in europe without access to clean drinking water , electricity , sewage and waste facilities , decent housing , education , employment and healthcare; is deeply concerned by the substantial gap between the declarations and commitments on a strong social europe and the reality on the ground; stresses the situation of marginalised roma communities must be urgently addressed in order to create a europe where no one is left behind; ### 1. regrets that there are still people in europe who do not have access to clean drinking water , electricity , sanitation and waste treatment facilities , decent housing , education , employment and healthcare; expresses its deep concern about the gap between declarations and commitments for a strong social europe and the reality on the ground; stresses the urgent need to address the situation of marginalised roma communities in order to create a europe that leaves no one behind , while noting that segregated areas need immediate help , but that their specific situation means that they can be reached through gradual eradication , a process that requires active cooperation with municipal leaders and local roma community members , and thus the development of short-term , targeted programmes adapted to the current situation


### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements; ### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements; calls on the member states to incorporate and adapt the hungarian family home building allowance and the large family car purchase allowance schemes into their national strategies and encourages member states to upgrade road networks to reduce the extent of housing and travel difficulties in rural areas;


### 3. stresses the critical role of preschool education for success in subsequent educational stages and on the labour market; notes the significant gap in preschool attendance between roma and non-roma children , which is a principal determinant of early dropout; calls on member states to provide pre-school education for all children from roma settlements from the age of three; believes member states should systematically monitor dropout risk to allow for timely interventions , both in terms of pedagogical help and individual counselling; ### 3. stresses that pre-school education is crucial for success in later stages of education and in the labour market; notes that there is a significant gap between roma and non-roma children in terms of participation in pre-school education , which is a determining factor in early drop-out; calls on the member states to ensure pre-school education for all children in roma settlements from the age of three; believes that member states should systematically monitor the risk of early school leaving , so as to allow for timely intervention , in addition to educational assistance , through extra-curricular activities , sports development and talent management , which also ensure the mental and physical development of all children , as well as individual counselling;


### 3. stresses the critical role of preschool education for success in subsequent educational stages and on the labour market; notes the significant gap in preschool attendance between roma and non-roma children , which is a principal determinant of early dropout; calls on member states to provide pre-school education for all children from roma settlements from the age of three; believes member states should systematically monitor dropout risk to allow for timely interventions , both in terms of pedagogical help and individual counselling; ### 3. stresses the critical role of preschool education for success in subsequent educational stages and on the labour market; notes the significant gap in preschool attendance between roma and non-roma children , which is a principal determinant of early dropout; calls on member states to provide pre-school education for all children from roma settlements from the age of three; emphasises the importance to learn from the good practice in the member states of linking the payment of family allowances to a school attendance certificate believes member states should systematically monitor dropout risk to allow for timely interventions , both in terms of pedagogical help and individual counselling;


### 4. deplores the ongoing segregation of roma children in special education and programmes outside mainstream educational systems , often stemming from misdiagnoses of intellectual disabilities; calls on member states to take appropriate actions to ensure that their diagnostic systems for identifying such disabilities use modern methods; calls on the member states to put in place mechanisms to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions; regrets , further , persistent segregation of roma children in several member states within mainstream schools; ### 4. deplores the fact that roma children are currently segregated into special education and programmes outside mainstream education systems , often due to misdiagnosis of intellectual disability; calls on the member states to take appropriate measures to ensure that their diagnostic systems for such disabilities use up-to-date methods; calls on the member states to introduce mechanisms for reviewing and , where necessary , changing diagnostic decisions; regrets , furthermore , that in many member states roma children continue to be segregated in majority schools; calls on the member states to include roma social studies subjects in teacher training for at least one semester in order to reduce the above-mentioned problem.


### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements; ### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; believes that children in need should be provided with free meals in pre-schools and schools , as this guarantees that they will receive adequate food and thus be able to develop and study properly , calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements;


### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements; ### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements; calls on member states to adapt the hungarian sure start nurseries and kindergartens services and to develop integrated private kindergartens and family day care networks;


### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma; ### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; believes that children need to see their parents go to work every day , because that alone is a good example for them , and therefore considers public work programs to be a good example , especially if they also provide an opportunity to enter the open labor market; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma;


### 8. in concerned that in some member states the use of resources earmarked for marginalised roma communities have been low thus far , risking a significant loss of financial resources by the end of the programming period; regrets that current systems and conditions for drawing down european structural and investment funds (esif) in a number of member states do not facilitate their smooth and efficient absorption; ### 8. is concerned that in some member states the uptake of funds earmarked for roma communities has so far been low and not used as intended , due to a lack of external quality , independent ex-ante , interim and ex-post monitoring , which risks losing a significant part of the financial resources by the end of the programming period; regrets that the current systems and conditions for the absorption of european structural and investment funds (esif) in many member states do not facilitate a smooth and efficient absorption;


### 9. calls on member states to urgently make full use of available funding instruments and resources at both national and european level to create favourable conditions for the funding and implementation of projects in an efficient , coordinated and flexible way and eliminate obstacles that hinder their absorption , in particular the absorption of esf+ , erdf and the rrf; calls on the commission to monitor and evaluate member states’ actions in this regard through their nrrps , national roma strategic frameworks and european semester csrs; ### 9. calls on member states to make full and immediate use of the available funding instruments and resources , both at national and european level , in order to create favourable conditions for efficient , coordinated and flexible project financing and implementation and to remove obstacles to the use of resources , in particular for the esf+ , erdf and the recovery and reconstruction instrument , and to pay more attention to the possibilities of the fead , the cap and the digital europe programme to facilitate the digital switchover; calls on the commission to monitor and evaluate the actions taken by member states in this regard through their national recovery and resilience plans , national roma strategy frameworks and the country-specific recommendations of the european semester , and on member states to adapt good practices to their own contexts , such as the family homestead allowance , the social security exemption for mothers of four or more children , the social security exemption for workers under 25 , the car purchase benefit for large families , to be part of their strategy to help the most vulnerable communities;


### 10. believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget; ### 10. believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget; strengthening fra roma division with roma researchers.


### 11. stresses the importance of active roma participation in the development , implementation and monitoring of public policies , as well as in projects aimed at them at both european and national level; believes roma participation should be a binding qualitative target under national roma strategic frameworks; ### 11. stresses the importance of active roma participation in the development , implementation and monitoring of public policies , as well as in projects aimed at them at both european and national level; believes roma participation should be a binding qualitative target under national roma strategic frameworks; highlights the importance of the european and regional roma platforms as well as proposes to introduce an all year working method using the platform in a digitalised form.


### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu; ### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu; calls the commission to use all tools to strengthen the racial equality directive and its acting bodies as well as reintroduce the european commission task force on roma strategy; asks the commission to develop digital tools for better reporting of incidents and to shorten procedural periods.