### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; ### deleted


### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; ### 23. welcomes in principle the creation of hera , as a body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of and access to medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; regrets however the limited scope , accountability and transparency of its current set-up;


### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; ### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , rapidly responding to health emergencies and promoting public health objectives;


### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies; ### 23. welcomes the creation of hera , as a much-needed body to improve the eu’s preparedness for health emergencies , to ensure the availability of and access to medical countermeasures and to manage this new reality in preventing , preparing for , detecting , and rapidly responding to health emergencies;


### 24. stresses that parliament should have been involved in the creation of hera’s mandate and that it should have scrutiny powers over and the ability to monitor hera; ### 24. stresses that parliament should have been involved in the creation of hera’s mandate and that it should have scrutiny powers over and the ability to monitor hera , is concerned that the commission has failed to ensure an inclusive public health and public interest driven governance or hera , ensuring transparent public control and a balanced representation of public health civil society organisations and patients , while avoiding corporate capture of its decision-making;


### 24. stresses that parliament should have been involved in the creation of hera’s mandate and that it should have scrutiny powers over and the ability to monitor hera; ### 24. stresses that parliament should have been involved in the creation of hera’s mandate and that it should at least have scrutiny powers over and the ability to monitor hera;


### 25. congratulates the commission on proposing the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; ### deleted


### 25. congratulates the commission on proposing the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; ### 25. congratulates the commission on proposing the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; stresses that its resolution on the shortage of medicines (2020/2071(ini)) calls on the commission and member states to assess the possibility of creating one or more european non-profit pharmaceutical undertakings which operate in the public interest 4 to manufacture medicinal products in the absence of existing industrial production , in order to guarantee security of supply and prevent possible shortages of medicines in cases of emergency;


### 25. congratulates the commission on proposing the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; ### 25. takes note of the commission proposal on the eu fab project , a network of ‘ever-warm’ production capacities for vaccine and medicine manufacturing that can be activated in the event of future crises , as a response to the need for the eu to strengthen its industrial upstream and downstream production activities concerning vaccines and medical equipment; stresses that its resolution on the shortage of medicines (2020/2071(ini)) calls on the commission and member states to assess the possibility of creating one or more european non-profit pharmaceutical undertakings which operate in the public interest to manufacture medicinal products in order to guarantee security of supply and prevent possible shortages of medicines in cases of emergency;


### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity; ### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity , and ensuring a proportionate public return on public support for r&;amp;amp;d , notably through public ownership of intellectual property rights;


### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity; ### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity and ensuring public return on public support for r&;d;


### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can play a focal role in the cooperation between academia , industry , research institutes and governments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity; ### 26. expresses its hope that the commission can open up to all stakeholders and play a facilitating role in the cooperation between academia , research institutes , governments and parliaments , as these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating responses to pandemics , while maintaining a secure capacity;


### 28. recognises the pivotal role that the ema plays in implementing measures to enable flexible regulatory processes , while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the authorised vaccines and therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation; ### 28. recognises the pivotal role that the ema plays in implementing measures to enable flexible regulatory processes , while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the authorised vaccines and therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation , stresses that the flexibility must never be preferred over the safety and efficacy of authorised vaccines , that conditions must be attached to serve the public interest , which include accessibility to affordable products , as well as transparency and accountability of the spending of public resources;


### 28. recognises the pivotal role that the ema plays in implementing measures to enable flexible regulatory processes , while ensuring the safety and efficacy of the authorised vaccines and therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation; ### 28. acknowledges the pivotal role that the ema plays and the related responsibilities in implementing measures to enable flexible and accelerated regulatory and authorisation processes of the vaccines and of some therapeutics , notably through the ema’s covid-19 pandemic task force , its rapid delivery of scientific advice selected on the basis of the desired results , its rolling review and conditional marketing authorisation;


### 29. notes with appreciation that , under the ema’s new mandate , its emergency task force took over the activities of its covid-19 pandemic task force and became a permanent body of the ema , improving interactions with the commission , vaccine developers and academics , and coordination with other eu agencies; ### 29. notes that under the ema’s new mandate , its emergency task force took over the activities of its covid-19 pandemic task force and became a permanent body of the ema , improving interactions with the commission , vaccine developers and academics , and coordination with other eu agencies;


### 29. notes with appreciation that , under the ema’s new mandate , its emergency task force took over the activities of its covid-19 pandemic task force and became a permanent body of the ema , improving interactions with the commission , vaccine developers and academics , and coordination with other eu agencies; ### 29. notes that , under the ema’s new mandate , its emergency task force took over the activities of its covid-19 pandemic task force and became a permanent body of the ema , increasing interactions with the commission , vaccine developers and academics , and coordination with other eu agencies;


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


### 31. takes note that the use of conditional marketing authorisation has contributed to a remarkable reduction in deaths and hospitalisations in the eu , and that this is an appropriate tool to accelerate vaccine authorisation in a public health emergency like the covid-19 pandemic; ### 31. takes note that the use of conditional marketing authorisation is a very risky tool for public health , used to accelerate vaccine authorisation , as in the covid-19 pandemic;


### 32. notes that the ecdc did not detect the seriousness of the threat in a timely manner , as a result of a lack of preparedness within the member states at the beginning of the pandemic; acknowledges that this delayed action was due to the lack of timely data sharing by the member states , and a lack of adequate funding and resources for monitoring and data surveillance management; ### 32. notes that the ecdc did not detect the seriousness of the threat in a timely manner , partly as a result of a lack of preparedness within the member states at the beginning of the pandemic; acknowledges that this delayed action was largely due to the lack of timely real data sharing by the member states , and a lack of an adequate , up-to-date pandemic plan at national level; to national health systems’ negligence and superficiality in preparing the operational equipment needed by the health workforce (such as ppe) and to the adoption of inadequate and detrimental protocols for hospitals and for home care , completely divorced as they were from any criteria of scientific rationality;


### 33. supports the ecdc’s extended mandate , which provides for greater resources and additional areas of competence , which will allow it to play a bigger role in improving european preparedness and response; ### deleted


### eu global health strategy ### deleted


### 34. reaffirms its belief that the primary goal of vaccination is to avoid serious disease and death , towards which vaccines are effective , as shown by the outcomes of the covid-19 vaccination process , which saved more than 250 000 lives in the eu; ### 34. reaffirms its belief that the primary goal of vaccination should be protection from infection and prevention of contagion , towards which the covid-19 vaccines produced and authorised are not effective , as shown by the outcomes of the vaccination process , which three years on is seeing the virus still circulating , though weakened by the effect of multiple mutations;


### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted a game-changer in the pandemic and underpinned the important role of vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed effective vaccine protection was unprecedented and that the eu demonstrated leadership in the global response to the covid-19 pandemic; ### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted an unprecedented scientific and financial gamble in global health and revealed the vital role of but also the vast economic interests involved in vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed these products impeded ascertainment of the medium and long-term safety and the efficacy of the vaccines and that the eu adopted a submissive role towards the commercial and manufacturing interests of the pharmaceutical companies;


### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted a game-changer in the pandemic and underpinned the important role of vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed effective vaccine protection was unprecedented and that the eu demonstrated leadership in the global response to the covid-19 pandemic; ### 35. emphasises that the development and deployment of covid-19 vaccines constituted a game-changer in the pandemic and underpinned the important role of vaccine research and development; considers that the speed at which researchers developed effective vaccine protection was unprecedented;


### 36. notes that vaccination strategy , not only for covid-19 , remains a national competence , and calls for a stronger coordination role for the eu to harmonise the timeline , scope and outcomes of vaccines administration in all the member states; ### 36. notes that vaccination strategy , not only for covid-19 , remains a national competence , and should remain so in view of the opaque management , which was excessively onerous for national public budgets and disastrous as regards the european commission’s goal of containing the spread of the virus ,


### 115. strongly supports the proposed european media freedom act , which is designed to preserve freedom and diversity of media in the face of anti-misinformation tools; ### deleted


### 115. strongly supports the proposed european media freedom act , which is designed to preserve freedom and diversity of media in the face of anti-misinformation tools; ### 115. notes with concern the proposed european media freedom act , which is designed on paper to preserve freedom and diversity of media but , in the face of anti-misinformation tools , could in practice become an instrument of censorship;


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


### 116. points out discrepancies in the ability to face disinformation among member states; notes that such differences led to disparities in terms of vaccine hesitancy; ### 116. points out discrepancies in the ability to allow citizens to obtain information freely among member states; notes that such differences led to disparities in terms of information and awareness of the risks associated with covid vaccine administration;


### 117. considers that a focus on health education , among other policies , including communication and proximity to health providers , is key to reducing vaccine hesitancy; ### 117. considers that a focus on health education that is free and independent of pharmaceutical industry interests , among other policies , is key to ensuring a high quality of therapeutic and/or medical support for citizens;


### 118. considers that the european information space needs to be better protected; notes that restrictive measures led to the increasing importance of ‘online democracy’ , which allowed misinformation on social media to gain influence; ### 118. considers that the european free information space needs to be better protected , especially from abuse and from censorship or interference by centres of public or private power; notes that restrictive measures led to the increasing claim of ‘online democracy’ , though in practice this was impeded by censorship by online platforms with the official motivation of preventing misinformation or disinformation;


### 119. notes the establishment of a permanent taskforce on misinformation to monitor the scale of misinformation in the eu and notes the proposed european democracy action plan to establish a common european strategy to tackle misinformation; ### 119. notes the establishment of a permanent taskforce on misinformation to monitor the scale of misinformation in the eu and notes the proposed european democracy action plan to establish a common european strategy to tackle misinformation; is therefore concerned at the possible adoption of new measures and instruments restricting freedom of expression and the right to free and independent information;


### 120. highlights that disinformation campaigns , along with cyberattacks , are part of ‘hybrid warfare’ strategies by foreign powers; reiterates that security and freedom are inseparably interlinked; ### 120. highlights that government campaigns to ‘counter disinformation’ are part of the propaganda techniques typical of totalitarian regimes , which always claim that their intentions are noble while exerting pervasive control over information and systematically censoring content at odds with their predetermined policy; reiterates that health , democracy and freedom are inseparably interlinked;


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


### 122. reiterates the importance of well-established scrutiny processes , both at national and european level , to ensure that national authorities are held accountable for breaches of freedom of assembly , freedom of speech , the right to private property and patient rights , and to ensure certainty and predictability in changes to rules for businesses; ### 122. acknowledges that ema implemented measures to increase the transparency of its regulatory activities on covid-19 vaccines and treatments; calls on the ema to assess the implementation of such measures and where necessary improve its transparency , communication and the availability of information on vaccines and the authorisation processes , with a view to fostering public trust; highlights the importance of ensuring high levels of transparency in the agency’s functioning beyond covid-19 related activities;


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


### 123. notes that the eu has a strong data protection system with consistent data privacy provisions; highlights that the eu covid digital certificate and its tracing apps respected this system , while allowing the free movement of eu citizens under the sanitary rules applied during the crisis; ### 123. notes that the eu is founded on the values and the defence of the human rights listed in the european charter of fundamental rights; also has a strong data protection system with consistent data privacy provisions; highlights that the eu covid digital certificate and its tracing apps should have respected these values and principles , allowing the free movement of eu citizens at a time when there were completely indiscriminate restrictions on movement decided by the member states; points out that , in contrast , the certificate was based on scientifically baseless assumptions and turned into a system of everyday abuse and injustice to the detriment of citizens who did not have one , in particular the unvaccinated , by the european and national authorities and also by individual private entities authorised to request it. expresses its opposition to its renewal and to the adoption of similar certificates , especially in digital form , under any future circumstances , whether emergency or not;


### 124. considers that the digital divide is an element of concern for the eu’s preparedness and resilience , given that vulnerable population groups are particularly impacted because they tend to have fewer connection opportunities; ### 124. highlights that in order to be successful in meeting the needs of the poorest and most marginalized people , the health response in emergencies must be based on need and on principles of equity and inclusion;


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


### 126. considers that in the context of the current perma-crisis , safeguarding transparency , accountability and all the other key features embedded in european democratic values is critical and necessitates designing systematic plans rather than ad hoc measures; ### 126. considers that in the current context , safeguarding transparency , accountability and all the other key features embedded in european democratic values is critical and necessitates designing systematic plans rolled out following appropriate , pluralistic debate rather than ad hoc measures;


### 127. highlights that during the pandemic , extensive use was made of article 122 , which undermined parliament’s prerogatives and ability to conduct political oversight; is of the opinion that it is necessary to reassess the situation in order to safeguard parliament’s prerogatives; ### 127. highlights that during the pandemic , extensive use was made of article 122 , which undermined parliament’s prerogatives and ability to conduct political oversight; is of the opinion that it is necessary to change course in order to safeguard parliament’s prerogatives;


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


### 129. notes that parliament adopted extraordinary measures and undertook innovative action to maintain the continuity of its activities , carry out its duties and exercise its legislative , budgetary , scrutiny and oversight prerogatives under the treaties , while protecting the health of members , staff and other persons during the course of the pandemic; highlights parliament’s ability to maintain its interpretation services in the 24 official eu languages , even during remote meetings; ### 129. notes that parliament adopted extraordinary measures and undertook novel action to maintain the continuity of its activities , carry out its duties and exercise its legislative , budgetary , scrutiny and oversight prerogatives under the treaties , while requiring everyone to wear a mask; restricting access to parliament only to holders of the eu covid digital certificate and forcing the unvaccinated , even if immune following recovery , to certify their covid-19 negativity by undergoing a pcr swab test every 48 hours , measures that were irrational , scientifically unfounded , discriminatory and not apt to contain the spread and protect the health of members , staff and all other persons during the course of the pandemic; highlights parliament’s ability to maintain its interpretation services , albeit partially , even during remote meetings;


### 130. calls for more coordination among institutions on adopting extraordinary measures and stresses the need to address digitalisation challenges and ensure that institutions can fulfil their mandates and responsibilities in person , such as at plenary sittings and interinstitutional negotiations (trilogues); ### 130. calls for a rigorously scientific criterion , respectful of human rights and non-discriminatory , to be used in future by the institutions when adopting any extraordinary measures; stresses the need to address digitalisation challenges while maintaining full respect for the human aspect of existence and ensure that institutions are allowed to fulfil their mandates and responsibilities in person , in particular at plenary sittings and in interinstitutional negotiations (trilogues);


### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , could have improved transparency; recommends finding a way to publish vaccine contracts sooner and in less redacted versions; ### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , should have improved transparency and protected the public interest , including against the business risk taken on by the public institutions , by setting rules that ensured the public-private sharing of intellectual property related to the financed products and an equitable distribution of the profits generated by the investment; recommends respecting the transparency obligations laid down by law by making the advanced purchase contracts for vaccines and pharmaceuticals available in full to members and to interested parties that request them;


### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , could have improved transparency; recommends finding a way to publish vaccine contracts sooner and in less redacted versions; ### 131. considers that the procurement mechanisms , notably the advanced purchase agreements used for vaccine contracting , should have improved transparency; highlights that the european parliament resolution on eu transparency in the development , purchase and distribution of covid19 vaccines (2021/2678(rsp)) calls on the commission to publish non-redacted versions of the purchase agreements entered into without further delay; calls on the commission to develop a transparency policy for advance purchase agreements that informs future negotiation processes;


### 134. notes that diverging approaches among the member states on the use of the eu digital covid certificate undermined public trust in the tool; ### 134. notes that diverging approaches among the member states on the use of the eu digital covid certificate and the adoption of deeply discriminatory practices , as in italy , rendered it a damaging and harmful tool;


### 135. acknowledges that , in the middle of the crisis , institutions were confronted with exceptional situations in which urgency necessarily prevailed over the timely publication of certain documents; stresses , however , that transparency should still be a priority; ### 135. acknowledges that , in the middle of the crisis , institutions were confronted with exceptional situations in which urgency necessarily prevailed over the timely publication of certain documents; stresses , however , that transparency should still be a priority; points out that the documents used in the negotiations should be made public without delay;


### 135. acknowledges that , in the middle of the crisis , institutions were confronted with exceptional situations in which urgency necessarily prevailed over the timely publication of certain documents; stresses , however , that transparency should still be a priority; ### 135. acknowledges that , in the middle of the crisis , institutions were confronted with exceptional situations in which urgency prevailed over the timely publication of certain documents; stresses , however , that these mistakes should never be repeated and that transparency should always be a priority;


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


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


### 137. notes that the shock of the pandemic to labour markets in 2020 was short and sharp , and that the recovery has been swift , aided by policy interventions and significant public support at national and eu level; underlines that overall , eu employment recovered to pre-crisis levels within two years , compared to nearly eight years following the global financial crisis; ### 137. notes that the shock of the pandemic to labour markets in 2020 was sharp , and that the recovery has been aided by policy interventions and public support at national and eu level; underlines that overall , eu employment recovered to pre-crisis levels within two years , compared to nearly eight years following the global financial crisis;


### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; ### 138. underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected;


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


### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; ### 37. notes that many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; affirms that this lack of preparation is in great part the consequence of many years of promoting austerity measures including for public health services , recalls that the european commission has demanded that governments make cuts on public healthcare spending not less than 63 times between the years 2011-2018;


### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; ### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; in part due to , on the one hand , the legacy of under-investment in health and care since the 2008 economic crisis and , on the other hand , increasing fragmentation of services due to the weakening of public systems;


### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; ### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems and services were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis;


### 38. points out that the member states faced obstacles concerning national coordination , cooperation with experts , research funding , the exchange of data and cooperation and solidarity within member states; observes that some of the challenges faced by the member states were a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of icu (intensive care unit) beds available (that dropped dramatically between 2019 and 2020) , shortages of staff , a lack of preparedness plans or a clear governance structure , an insufficient strategic stock of personal protective equipment , insufficient infection prevention and control plans in healthcare settings , inadequate indoor air quality in public buildings and how to effectively communicate with the public; ### 38. points out that the member states faced obstacles concerning national coordination , cooperation with more experts , research funding , the exchange of data and cooperation and solidarity within member states; observes that some of the challenges faced by the member states were a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of icu (intensive care unit) beds available (the number of beds had already been reduced in the years leading up to the pandemic and dropped dramatically between 2019 and 2020) , shortages of staff , a lack of preparedness plans or a clear governance structure , an insufficient strategic stock of personal protective equipment , insufficient infection prevention and control plans in healthcare settings and the fact that digital covid certificates and vaccines were clearly ineffective at keeping the spread of the virus in check;


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


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level (including reporting results and making data available to fellow researchers) and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of accessible data in medical research and highlights the european health data space (ehds) as a key initiative in this field;


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### 40. underlines the importance of personal data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field , but within certain limits: namely that such data , in view of its highly sensitive nature , may be obtained only with the prior informed consent of the holder and the appropriate safeguards to protect the confidentiality of the owner;


### 42. calls on the member states to introduce measures that enhance the security of digital networks in order to protect health institutions and patients from cyberattacks; ### 42. calls on the member states to introduce measures that enhance the security of digital networks in order to protect health institutions and patients from cyberattacks as well as guaranteeing the privacy of users and patients;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states and the fact that the sector had to contend with hefty cuts and restructuring in the years leading up to the pandemic , with an acute shortage of facilities , staff and the proper equipment in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare is not being prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems during the covid-19 crisis and in the face of new possible emergencies;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems and services in the face of new possible emergencies;


### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; ### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , to allows dignified , stable and quality employment and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union;


### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; ### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to support member states in improving their working conditions , physical and mental health , salary , and attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union;


### 46. reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding and orienting the improvement of public health , as all member states should consider health a strategic asset for investments and not a cost to be minimised; ### 46. reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding and orienting the improvement of public health and social care , as all member states should consider health a strategic asset for investments and not a cost to be minimised; furthermore , care and social care should be removed from any austerity measures in the case of the economic crisis;


### 46. reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding and orienting the improvement of public health , as all member states should consider health a strategic asset for investments and not a cost to be minimised; ### 46. reiterates that all member states should consider health a strategic asset for investments to maintain public health , arrest population decline and make human capital more productive , and not a cost to be minimised;


### 46. reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding and orienting the improvement of public health , as all member states should consider health a strategic asset for investments and not a cost to be minimised; ### 46. reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding and orienting the improvement of public health , as all member states should consider public health a priority in public investment and not a cost to be minimised;


### role of primary care in building resilient health systems ### vii) role of primary care in building resilient health systems and services ,


### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services; ### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that successfully meet people’s needs , including in more remote areas such as island , rural and mountain communities , ensure a high and consistent standard of healthcare for all eu citizens , facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services;


### 50. highlights the divergences in healthcare systems among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and peripheral islands; calls for the use of cohesion policy to even out these divergences; ### 50. highlights the divergences in healthcare systems and services among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and peripheral islands; calls for the use of cohesion policy to even out these divergences;


### 50. highlights the divergences in healthcare systems among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and peripheral islands; calls for the use of cohesion policy to even out these divergences; ### 50. highlights the divergences in healthcare systems among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and islands; calls for the use of cohesion policy to even out these divergences;


### 51. notes that economic support , the government response and stringency indices differed depending on each member state’s income support , fiscal measures and restriction measures; highlights that different demographics and cultural specificities , such as the large population of older people in italy and tourism as an active business sector in southern countries , led to different pandemic socio-economic impacts; ### 51. notes that economic support , the government response and stringency indices differed depending on each member state’s income support , fiscal measures and restriction measures; highlights that different demographics and cultural specificities , such as the large population of older people in italy and tourism as an active business sector in southern countries , led to different pandemic socio-economic impacts; points out that countries that enforced no lockdown restrictions of any kind nor any requirements relating to protective measures or medical treatments performed broadly the same – or better – in terms of the number of infections , hospitalisations and deaths from covid19 than those that imposed more restrictive measures;


### 51. notes that economic support , the government response and stringency indices differed depending on each member state’s income support , fiscal measures and restriction measures; highlights that different demographics and cultural specificities , such as the large population of older people in italy and tourism as an active business sector in southern countries , led to different pandemic socio-economic impacts; ### 51. notes that economic support , the government response and stringency indices differed depending on each member state’s income support , fiscal measures and restriction measures; highlights that different demographics and cultural specificities , led to different pandemic socio-economic impacts;


### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; ### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which contributed to poor planning and preparedness , for the crisis , highlights that previous public investment in r&d made it possible for vaccines to be produced;


### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; ### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive and reliable data collection and management systems , i.e. systems that ensure that the data have been collected in a manner that is clear and transparent and respects the right to confidentiality , in addition to being comparable and interoperable , which led to poor or even erroneous planning and preparedness;


### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity; ### 53. notes that the eu reacted by suspending its own rules – long shown to be ineffective and pro-cyclical in nature – namely by easing state aid rules and suspending fiscal rules , which it now , however , looks set to reinstate; points out that the eu also introduced the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and mobilised unprecedented investments in joint vaccine financing , and yet overlooked the issue of early care and research into offlabel treatments , which hindered the sharing of clinical experience and an open and constructive debate among doctors and scientists of differing opinions and political beliefs; points out that member states were also able to spend and run up debts easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity , and therefore bore the brunt of some extremely harsh repercussions;


### 54. calls for better coordination to enable the timely stockpiling and joint procurement of medical countermeasures in line with the eu’s civil protection mechanism and the resceu stockpile; ### 54. calls for better coordination to enable the timely stockpiling and joint procurement of medical countermeasures in line with the eu’s civil protection mechanism and the resceu stockpile and who recommendations;


### 54. calls for better coordination to enable the timely stockpiling and joint procurement of medical countermeasures in line with the eu’s civil protection mechanism and the resceu stockpile; ### 54. calls for better coordination to enable the timely stockpiling and ultimately the optional joint procurement of medical countermeasures in line with the eu’s civil protection mechanism and the resceu stockpile;


### eu health strategic autonomy: strengthening research and innovation investments through public-private partnerships , supported by a globally competitive , effective and sustainable intellectual property (ip) rights protection and incentives system ### eu health strategic autonomy: strengthening research and innovation investments through public investments and public health-driven model of r&d


### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in the production and distribution chain of medicinal products; ### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in contracts including advanced purchase agreements , in testing processes , in the production and distribution chain and in the cost of medicinal products;


### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in the production and distribution chain of medicinal products; ### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in the production and supply of medicinal products;


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. underlines the importance of sharing ip between government and the private sector for products of strategic importance to public health and , in any event , whenever public funding is used to promote medicinal research and development , in order to make europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d with both the public and private sector having a role to play;


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. underlines the importance of public funding in medicinal research and development , and in particular in vaccine development , and stresses the value of public return on public investment as well as enforceable access clauses on health technologies generated with public;


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&;d; ### 56. underlines that there is no proof that increased ip protection leads to improved outcomes in medicinal research and development , and public investments have been instrumental in supporting innovation;


### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease caused by this new virus , including nothing about its genetic sequence (even if the sequence was then shared very soon) or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines; ### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; notes that despite coronaviruses long being recognized as pathogens with pandemic potential , r&d investments were lacking in developing suitable countermeasures ahead of the covid-19 pandemic due to a lack of commercial interest;


### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease caused by this new virus , including nothing about its genetic sequence (even if the sequence was then shared very soon) or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed , and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines; ### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial and that all profit-driven laboratory research should be expressly prohibited; recalls that some basic information on the characteristics of sars-cov-2 and epidemiological behaviour has been available since the onset of the pandemic , such as the low risk of mortality , high transmissibility and the need for timely and personalised treatment;


### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease caused by this new virus , including nothing about its genetic sequence (even if the sequence was then shared very soon) or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines; ### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; notes that despite coronaviruses long being recognized as pathogens with pandemic potential , r&d investments were lacking in developing suitable countermeasures ahead of the covid-19 pandemic due to a lack of commercial interest. recognizes the coalition of emergency preparedness in innovation (cepi) was created to address the market failure of lack of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases;


### 58. notes that high-income countries facilitated the vaccine market at the beginning of the pandemic , hosting most of the large manufacturing facilities , and that major pharmaceutical corporations enhanced the global production and supply of lifesaving medical tools by ownership of ip , technologies and data; ### deleted


### 58. notes that high-income countries facilitated the vaccine market at the beginning of the pandemic , hosting most of the large manufacturing facilities , and that major pharmaceutical corporations enhanced the global production and supply of lifesaving medical tools by ownership of ip , technologies and data; ### 58. notes that the eu institutions and high-income countries in general facilitated the vaccine market at the beginning of the pandemic , hosting most of the large manufacturing facilities , and that major pharmaceutical corporations received vast amounts of public investment to carry out research and preparation for the production of the covid19 vaccines , for which they were permitted to retain the ip rights and to derive all of the enormous profits; notes , moreover , that the industries enhanced the global production and supply of medical tools by ownership of ip , technologies and data;


### 59. highlights that the access to covid-19 tools accelerator demonstrated the power of international collaboration , speed , equity , transparency and innovation , because it enabled a rapid response and an unprecedented level of coordination and collaboration among global health agencies to address the pandemic; emphasises , at the same time , the importance of learning lessons from this initiative; ### deleted


### 142. notes that the labour market is still affected by the consequences of the pandemic and 94 % of workers were living in countries with workplace closures just over one year ago29 , moreover the war in ukraine and the food and energy crises have led to a further global economic downturn; ### 142. notes that the labour market is still affected by the consequences of the pandemic and 94 % of workers were living in countries with workplace closures just over one year ago29;


### 143. welcomes efforts by the eu to quickly put in place economic measures such as the pandemic emergency purchase programme , the triggering of the general escape clause in the stability and growth pact and the commission’s adoption of an extraordinary state aid framework to help member states and businesses; ### 143. notes efforts by the eu to quickly put in place economic measures such as the pandemic emergency purchase programme , the triggering of the general escape clause in the stability and growth pact and the commission’s adoption of an extraordinary state aid framework to help member states and businesses;


### 144. welcomes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans; ### 144. welcomes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans; emphasises that the immediate disbursement and use of nextgenerationeu funds through the recovery and resilience facility , without further delaying it with political actions and re-establish equal level playing field among member states is vital to support recovery and invest for the future in all eu regions and municipalities facing extreme geopolitical and economic uncertainty;


### 144. welcomes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans; ### 144. notes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans;


### 145. highlights that to date eur 100 billion of financial assistance has been allocated by sure across 19 member states , nextgenerationeu loans have been disbursed to seven member states and allocation to other member states is ongoing; ### 145. (does not affect the english version)


### 148. acknowledges that in 2020 , 3.6 % of women’s employment was lost compared to 2.9 % of men’s employment , while the greatest losses were in the americas , followed by asia-pacific , europe and central asia , and africa; notes that in 2021 , there were still 20 million fewer women in work than before the pandemic , compared to 10 million fewer men; notes that women were overrepresented in the hardest-hit sectors , such as the hospitality and food services sector , manufacturing and the health sector; takes the view that those delivering care were at centre stage of the pandemic; notes that a large percentage of workers in care are women who are subject to unequal pay; ### 148. acknowledges that in 2020 , 3.6 % of women’s employment was lost compared to 2.9 % of men’s employment , while the greatest losses were in the americas , followed by asia-pacific , europe and central asia , and africa; notes that in 2021 , there were still 20 million fewer women in work than before the pandemic , compared to 10 million fewer men; notes that women were overrepresented in the hardest-hit sectors , such as the hospitality and food services sector , manufacturing and the health sector; takes the view that those delivering care , including informal carers , residential care workers and homecare workers , were at centre stage of the pandemic; notes that a large percentage of workers in care are women who are subject to unequal pay and could especially be affected by a lack of access to social rights due to high participation in undeclared work;


### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , male violence towards women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations; ### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , gender-based violence against women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations;


### 150. confirms that the restrictive measures in member states affected the mental health of teenagers and young adults; notes that there is evidence of a rise in mental health problems , anxiety , depression-related symptoms and suicidal behaviours; notes that lockdowns and the consequent lack of physical exercise also increased the prevalence of eating disorders and that all these issues were particularly manifest in vulnerable at-risk groups; ### 150. confirms that the restrictive measures in member states affected the mental health of teenagers and young adults; notes that there is evidence of a significant rise in mental health problems , anxiety , depression-related symptoms and suicidal behaviours; notes that lockdowns and the consequent lack of physical exercise also increased the prevalence of eating disorders and that all these issues were particularly manifest in vulnerable at-risk groups;


### 151. notes that some younger students showed a decline in reading , writing and maths skills; points out that among students from low-income households this learning deficit was found to be twice that among those from higher-income households , such that the gap between the strongest and weakest students has widened; ### 151. notes that some younger students showed a decline in reading , writing and maths skills; points out that among students from low-income households this learning deficit was found to be twice that among those from higher-income households , such that the gap between students has widened;


### 152. reports that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also complicated the situation of disadvantaged children making their position even more precarious; ### 152. reports that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also complicated the situation of disadvantaged children making their position even more precarious; stresses that in some countries , such as italy , very large numbers of children were traumatised by the restrictive measures put in place in schools , by the terror spread by teachers and educators regarding possible infection with covid-19 , and by discriminatory and ghettoising attitudes towards unvaccinated children , who were excluded from many school activities and kept away from their classmates;


### 153. is concerned that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received much less mental health support compared to older adults and this could remain an ongoing issue; ### 153. is concerned that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received much less mental health support compared to older adults and this could remain an ongoing issue; observes that the exclusion of children not vaccinated against covid-19 from sports and social activities was unlawful , immoral and inhumane and was seriously detrimental to the physical and mental health of the children affected , and also had effects on their families and classmates;


### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised; ### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , institutionalised people and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that care and social services , including informal carers and home care were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised;


### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised; ### 154. finds that the pandemic had a huge impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised;


### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised; ### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that in many cases the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised;


### 155. states that the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; notes that it also increased signs of depression and anxiety among the elderly and their caregivers as well as increased financial difficulties for the caregivers; points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance; ### 155. states that the restrictive and health measures adopted in response to the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; notes that it also increased signs of depression and anxiety among the elderly and their caregivers as well as increased financial difficulties for the caregivers; points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance;


### 155. states that the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; notes that it also increased signs of depression and anxiety among the elderly and their caregivers as well as increased financial difficulties for the caregivers; points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance; ### 155. states that the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; notes that it also increased signs of depression and anxiety among the elderly and their caregivers as well as increased financial difficulties and loss of social rights for the caregivers; points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance;


### 156. highlights that the pandemic and the restrictive measures have aggravated pre-existing disparities in obesity and metabolic health , with an overall rise in excess body weight , especially among women , lower educated and lower paid people , and psychiatric patients; notes that the quality of people’s diets often worsened , and physical activity declined due to the closure of sport facilities and play areas , leading to a rise in sedentary behaviour; ### 156. highlights that the restrictive and health measures adopted in response to the pandemic have aggravated pre-existing disparities in obesity and metabolic health , with an overall rise in excess body weight , especially among women , lower educated and lower paid people , and psychiatric patients; notes that the quality of people’s diets often worsened , and physical activity declined due to the closure of sport facilities and play areas , as well as the bans on carrying out physical activity , even outside , leading to a rise in sedentary behaviour;


### 157. notes that homeless people faced challenges in staying safe from infection , increasing their mortality risk , and shelters did not operate adequately because of smaller numbers of workers and volunteers; ### 157. notes that homeless people faced challenges in staying safe from infection , increasing their mortality risk , and shelters did not operate adequately because of smaller numbers of workers and volunteers and , in some countries , such as italy , through the refusal of shelter or assistance to homeless people who were unvaccinated or who did not have digital covid certificates;


### 157. notes that homeless people faced challenges in staying safe from infection , increasing their mortality risk , and shelters did not operate adequately because of smaller numbers of workers and volunteers; ### 157. notes that homeless people faced challenges in staying safe from infection , increasing their mortality risk , and shelters did not operate adequately because of lack of political will to ensure their protection and access to healthcare;


### 159. calls on the commission and member states to take the necessary steps to make europe a truly business-friendly environment , with increased access to capital , more flexibility and less red tape for european companies so as to enable them to react quickly , continue business innovation and encourage entrepreneurship , while at the same time protecting and enforcing workers’ rights within the eu’s borders; ### deleted


### 159. calls on the commission and member states to take the necessary steps to make europe a truly business-friendly environment , with increased access to capital , more flexibility and less red tape for european companies so as to enable them to react quickly , continue business innovation and encourage entrepreneurship , while at the same time protecting and enforcing workers’ rights within the eu’s borders; ### 159. calls on the commission and member states to take the necessary steps to make europe a truly business-friendly environment , with increased access to capital , more flexibility and less red tape for european companies so as to enable them to react quickly , continue business innovation and encourage entrepreneurship , while at the same time protecting and enforcing the rights of all workers within the eu’s borders;


### 161. calls on the commission and member states to support , strengthen and safeguard freedom of movement (of people , goods and services) in future pandemics and minimise the burden of documentation and legislation; emphasises the need for rules and guidelines on travelling and disease detection to be harmonised between the member states to simplify procedures for smes; ### 161. calls on the commission and member states to support , strengthen and safeguard freedom of movement (of people , goods and services) and respect for all fundamental human rights in future epidemics , pandemics or emergencies of any kind and minimise the burden of documentation and legislation; emphasises the need for rules and guidelines on travelling to be harmonised between the member states to simplify procedures for smes; warns against introducing or permitting the adoption of discriminatory or anti-democratic measures or , in any event , measures detrimental to human dignity;


### 162. emphasises that the support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) instrument helps safeguard jobs , as do other similar programmes in the form of one-off economic and social solidarity measures in europe , while emphasising that such programmes should be based on loans , and only activated in the event of severe external financial or economic shocks; ### 162. emphasises that the support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) instrument helps safeguard jobs , as do other similar programmes in the form of one-off economic and social solidarity measures in europe;


### 163. notes that the commission recommended that member states recognise covid-19 as an occupational disease in certain sectors during a pandemic; ### 163. notes that the commission recommended that member states recognise covid-19 as an occupational in disease prevention , in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance , or in a pandemic context , in sectors where there is an outbreak in activities in which a risk of infection has been proven;


### 164. states that while eu cooperation during the pandemic suffered some teething problems , it quickly made up for lost time with several key initiatives; notes that the free movement of goods and critical health staff was made possible through the establishment of green corridors; notes that the european agency for safety and health at work (eu-osha) played an important role in providing guidelines and information to businesses about covid-19 preventive measures , while the qr-code-based covid-19 certificate demonstrated that the eu was able to create a common digital certificate to benefit administrations , companies and the public; ### 164. states that , aside from serious conflicts of interest and errors in managing the pandemic , eu cooperation led to some key initiatives; notes that the free movement of goods and critical health staff was made possible through the establishment of green corridors; notes that the european agency for safety and health at work (eu-osha) played an important role in providing guidelines and information to businesses about covid-19 preventive measures;


### 165. recommends that lockdowns or other drastic safety measures should be taken in consultation with social partners at all the different stages of an unfolding emergency; ### 165. recalls that lockdowns or other drastic safety measures proved to be more damaging than useful from all viewpoints , and therefore recommends that they be ruled out as instruments in general or , in any event , should be taken as a very last resort , in exceptional and clearly defined cases and for strictly limited periods of time , in consultation with the scientific community and social partners at all the different stages of an unfolding emergency;


### 167. calls on the member states to take full advantage of rrf funding , which is built on the notion of ‘build back better’ , with a view to reinforcing research and innovation and kick-starting the economy through ambitious proposals and policies , focusing particularly on the green and digital transition , in order to make the eu stronger; ### deleted


### 168. believes that the eu should endeavour to ensure solidarity and coordination between the member states on the economy to strengthen eu competitiveness and avoid fragmentation of the internal market; ### 168. believes that the eu should endeavour to ensure solidarity and coordination between the member states on the economy to strengthen eu competitiveness and avoid fragmentation of the internal market , through greater and better use of territorial cohesion policies , particularly for disadvantaged areas such as rural and mountainous areas and islands;


### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; ### 170. suggests that appropriate measures and help centres that are more widely distributed across national territories should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; calls for the adoption of economic , social and financial support instruments for women who are separating from their husbands after suffering violence and who have no independent sources of support;


### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women have to be at the centre of solutions; considers that fostering innovation and digitalisation within the health service , particularly in areas where health provision is lagging is key as is relying on the expertise of civil society organisations; ### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women have to be at the centre of solutions; considers that it is key to foster the strengthening of health services by improving skills , employing more staff , and through the availability of efficient , modern equipment in all regions , particularly in areas where health provision is deficient , inadequate or lagging , allocating adequate resources to public health from community medicine;


### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of sexual exploitation in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a definition of sexual violence that is broader than the definition of rape , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives and following the standards of the istanbul convention; ### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of exploitation of the female body , for sexual purposes or any other type of exploitation , in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a broad definition of exploitation that includes any practice involving remuneration for the victim , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives and following the standards of the istanbul convention;


### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of sexual exploitation in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a definition of sexual violence that is broader than the definition of rape , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives and following the standards of the istanbul convention; ### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of sexual exploitation in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a definition of sexual violence that is broader than the definition of rape , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives;


### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; ### deleted


### 174. calls for the eu and member states to closely monitor the use of rrf funds and their role in supporting measures for children , young people and young families; considers that investments should be made in compensatory policies , focusing on low socio-economic status individuals , programmes to prevent learning deficits , evidence-based education , adaptation of curricula , and investment in technology , school infrastructure and teachers’ professional development; is convinced that more eu funding on research is needed; ### 174. calls for the eu and member states to closely monitor the use of funds and their role in supporting measures for children , young people and young families; considers that investments should be made in compensatory policies , focusing on low socio-economic status individuals , programmes to prevent learning deficits , evidence-based education , adaptation of curricula , and investment in technology , school infrastructure and teachers’ professional development; is convinced that more eu funding on basic research is needed;


### 175. calls on the commission to gather more information about the impact of the pandemic on children’s rights and psycho-social development , the empowerment of children regarding their rights , the inclusion of emergency measures concerning children in policy and legislation; ### 175. calls on the commission to gather more information about the impact of the measures adopted to cope with the pandemic on children’s rights and psycho-social development , the empowerment of children regarding their rights , the inclusion of emergency measures concerning children in policy and legislation;


### 60. notes that the pandemic put pressure on global supply chains , including the pharmaceutical sector , resulting in disruptions and unpredictability in the supply of vaccines and other countermeasures; ### 60. notes that the pandemic put pressure on global supply chains , including the pharmaceutical sector , resulting in disruptions and unpredictability in the supply of vaccines and other countermeasures; highlights the need to introduce in the eu pharmaceutical legislation robust measures for the prevention of medicine shortages;


### 60. notes that the pandemic put pressure on global supply chains , including the pharmaceutical sector , resulting in disruptions and unpredictability in the supply of vaccines and other countermeasures; ### 60. notes that the pandemic put pressure on global supply chains , including the pharmaceutical sector , resulting in disruptions and unpredictability in supply;


### 61. stresses the importance of generic , biosimilar and value added medicines in preventing shortages of medicines , avoiding the consequences of disruptions in pharmaceutical supply chains during emergency situations , consistently increasing equitable access for patients and making healthcare systems sustainable in an eu in which access is still uneven; ### 61. stresses the importance of generic , biosimilar and value added medicines in preventing shortages of medicines , avoiding the consequences of disruptions in pharmaceutical supply chains during emergency situations , consistently increasing equitable access to all medicines for patients and making healthcare systems sustainable in an eu in which access is still uneven; highlights the crucial role for local medicine and for general practitioners to have the freedom to decide how they advise their patients , not least the absolute need to have the final say , on an individual and highly personalised basis , on the treatments they prescribe , including the off-label use of medicines – where available – in an emergency , providing it is supported by clinical experience and by scientific research , even if it has not been subject to formal review;


### 62. calls on the commission to consider new processes to promote the repurposing of medicinal products to facilitate broader off-label use of medicines , including less expensive medicines , whenever there is strong scientific evidence of efficacy and safety for patients in order to avoid shortages of medical countermeasures and the effects of disruption in pharmaceutical global supply chains; highlights , in addition , the opportunity for a new framework to support the marketing and use of drugs with new approved indications; ### 62. calls on the commission to consider new processes to promote the repurposing of medicinal products to facilitate broader off-label use of medicines , including less expensive medicines , whenever there is scientific evidence of efficacy and safety for patients in order to avoid shortages of medical countermeasures and the effects of disruption in pharmaceutical global supply chains; highlights , in addition , the opportunity for a new framework to support the marketing and use of drugs with new approved indications , giving due consideration to all treatment protocols successfully employed , whether in an official capacity or not , during the pandemic;


### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production; ### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and probity , transparency and due diligence in industry; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of truly open centres for research and production; expresses the wish to introduce standard contract models for r&d financing in the pharmaceuticals sector , which should ensure the appropriate degree of transparency for production processes , monitoring of how management is carried out and a sharing of the profits in order to justify the use of public funds and the public sector being liable for the risk;


### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production; ### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in low and middle income countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production; and calls the commission and member states to create a pan-european r&d infrastructure and delivery organisation for medicines in the public interest , with a public-health driven agenda;


### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production; ### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production;


### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in developing countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships and the creation of open centres for research and production; ### 63. recalls the critical need for global health and for global supply chains to develop local production and distribution capacities in the eu and in low and middle income countries , notably in terms of pharmaceutical research , development and production and always according to social standards and industry due diligence; calls on the commission to use the industrial , ip and pharmaceutical strategies to bridge the persistent gap in research and medicine production through product-development partnerships , technology transfer and the creation of open centres for research and production;


### 64. understands that the political and economic consequences of the response to the covid-19 pandemic occurred before health systems were overwhelmed , notably by the collapse of global supply chains; ### 64. understands that the political and economic consequences of the response to the covid-19 pandemic occurred before health systems were overwhelmed , notably by the inappropriate , blanket imposition of restrictive measures and the ensuing collapse of global supply chains , the closure of thousands of businesses , and plummeting consumer spending on goods and services;


### 65. notes that sustainable vaccine development , production and delivery rely on robust and transparent supply chains; calls on the wto to take action to ensure the fluidity of supply chains and vaccine deliveries; ### 65. notes that the sustainable development , production and delivery of medicines relies on robust and transparent supply chains; calls on the wto to take action to ensure the fluidity of supply chains and deliveries of medicines;