### 3. notes that the foundation achieved a 91 % activity completion rate with a timely completion rate of 94 % , and that it succeeded in reaching its targets for 14 out of 15 kpis; ### 3. notes that the foundation achieved a 91 % activity completion rate with a timely completion rate of 94 %; notes that for 14 out of the 15 kpis the foundation is above the target;


### 2. expresses its satisfaction that the budget implementation rate stood at 99.6 % in 2018 (100 % in 2017); ### 2. expresses its satisfaction that the budget implementation rate stood at 99.6 % in 2018 (100 % in 2017) and the programme delivery rate at 83 %;


### 3. appreciates eurofound’s work to provide knowledge and expertise to support policies on improving living and working conditions across the union; ### 3. appreciates eurofound’s work to provide scientifically sound , unbiased , timely and policy-relevant knowledge and expertise to support better informed policies for upward convergence of living and working conditions across the union; particularly welcomes the publication of the foundation's overview report from the most recent european quality of life survey (eqls) and its publications related to the future of work and digitalisation , particularly in the area of platform work;


### 20. notes from the court’s report that shortcomings were found related to excessive dependency on contractors , external consultancy and interims , to the use of inadequate award criteria and the conclusion of contracts with abnormally low tenderers without reasonable justification; notes that several agencies have outsourced , extensively , regular activities and occasionally core business activities , which weakens the internal expertise and control over contract execution , with some weaknesses in the procurement process which may impair fair competition and the achievement of best value for money procurements; notes that for six agencies the framework contract terms for the provision of it maintenance and equipment were weak , as they allowed the purchase of items not specifically mentioned therein and not subject to an initial competitive procedure , and it also allowed the contractor to charge uplifts on the prices of items purchased from other suppliers; notes that although agencies have no power to change the basic contractual arrangements , their related ex -ante controls did not check the accuracy of the up-lifts charged by the contractor; ### 20. notes with concern from the court’s report that shortcomings were found related to excessive dependency on contractors , external consultancy and interims , to the use of inadequate award criteria and the conclusion of contracts with abnormally low tenderers without reasonable justification; notes that several agencies have outsourced , extensively , regular activities and occasionally core business activities , which weakens the internal expertise and control over contract execution , with some weaknesses in the procurement process which may impair fair competition and the achievement of best value for money procurements; notes that for six agencies the framework contract terms for the provision of it maintenance and equipment were weak , as they allowed the purchase of items not specifically mentioned therein and not subject to an initial competitive procedure , and it also allowed the contractor to charge uplifts on the prices of items purchased from other suppliers; notes that although agencies have no power to change the basic contractual arrangements , their related ex -ante controls did not check the accuracy of the up-lifts charged by the contractor; calls on all agencies and bodies of the union to strictly abide by public procurement rules; underlines that digitalisation is a great opportunity for the agencies to increase efficiency and transparency , including in the field of procurement; calls , therefore , on all agencies and bodies to rapidly finalize and implement e-tendering , e-submission , e-invoicing and e-forms for public procurement;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european agency for safety and health at work discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european agency for safety and health at work discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european agency for safety and health at work discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018


### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european agency for safety and health at work for the financial year 2018/ postpones the closure of the accounts of the of the european agency for safety and health for the financial year 2018; ### 1. approves the closure of the accounts of the european agency for safety and health at work for the financial year 2018.


### 2. commends the budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 96 % in 2017; ### 2. commends the budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 96 % in 2017 and the very high implementation of the annual work programme of 93 % , above the established target; welcomes the results of the 2018 independent stakeholders’ survey which showed that stakeholders’ overall satisfaction with the agency’s work across all stakeholders’ groups is high (89 %);


### 5. notes that the agency proactively shares tasks with other agencies in subjects such as security , facilities management or banking services , and that it joined an inter-institutional call for tender for evaluation and stakeholders’ feedback services launched by eurofound; ### 5. welcomes that the agency proactively shares tasks with other agencies in subjects such as security , facilities management or banking services , and that it joined an inter-institutional call for tender for evaluation and stakeholders’ feedback services launched by eurofound;


### 8. notes that the agency started implementing e-procurement in november 2018 with the launch of its first e-tender and that during 2019 , the agency has also started to use a new module of the e-procurement suite , e-submission; also notes that the agency intends to explore further use of the whole e-procurement suite during the course of 2019 and 2020; ### 8. notes that the agency is embracing digitisation in procurement and started implementing e-procurement in november 2018 with the launch of its first e-tender and that during 2019 , the agency has also started to use a new module of the e-procurement suite , e-submission; also notes that the agency intends to explore further use of the whole e-procurement suite during the course of 2019 and 2020;


### 2. commends the budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 99.95 % in 2017; ### 2. commends the exemplary budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 99.95 % in 2017 and the 96% occupation rate of the establishment plan;


### 3. appreciates the centre’s work to provide research , analyses and technical advice in vocational education and training (vet) , qualifications and skills policies; ### 3. appreciates the centre’s continued high-quality work to provide research , analyses and technical advice to assist the development of european lifelong learning and vocational education and training (vet) , qualifications and skills policies in particular through the skills panorama and its role in supporting the participants of the copenhagen process;


### (6) this directive should cover employment relationships between third-country workers and employers. where a member state’s national law allows admission of third-country nationals through temporary work agencies established on its territory and which have an employment relationship with the worker , such agencies should not be excluded from the scope of this directive. ### (6) this directive should cover employment relationships between third-country workers and employers. where a member state’s national law allows admission of third-country nationals through temporary work agencies established on its territory and which have an employment relationship with the worker , such agencies should also be included in the scope of this directive.


### (13) the deadline for adopting a decision on the application should include both the time required for issuing a visa where needed , and the time required to comply with the checks of the labour market situations. ### (13) the deadline for adopting a decision on the application should include the time required for issuing a visa , where needed.


### (29) union law does not limit the power of the member states to organise their social security schemes. it is for each member state to lay down the conditions under which social security benefits are granted , as well as the amount of such benefits and the period for which they are granted. however , when exercising that power , member states should comply with union law. ### (29) union law does not , and should not , limit the power of the member states to organise their social security schemes. it is for each member state to lay down the conditions under which social security benefits are granted , as well as the amount of such benefits and the period for which they are granted. however , when exercising that power , member states should comply with union law.


### (32) to ensure the proper enforcement of this directive , member states should ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for the monitoring of employers and that , where appropriate , effective and adequate inspections are carried out on their respective territories. the selection of employers to be inspected should be based primarily on a risk assessment to be carried out by the competent authorities in the member states taking into account factors such as the sector in which a company operates and any past record of infringement. ### (32) to ensure the proper enforcement of this directive , member states should ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for the monitoring of employers and that , where appropriate , effective and adequate inspections in accordance with national law or practices , are carried out on their respective territories. the selection of employers to be inspected should be based primarily on a risk assessment to be carried out by the competent authorities in the member states taking into account factors such as the sector in which a company operates and any past record of infringement.


### (33) member states should also put in place effective mechanisms through which third-country workers may seek legal redress and lodge complaints directly or through third parties having , in accordance with the criteria laid down by the national law , a legitimate interest in ensuring compliance with this directive , such as trade unions or other associations , or competent authorities. that is considered necessary to address situations where third-country workers are unaware of the existence of enforcement mechanisms or hesitant to use them in their own name , for example out of fear of possible consequences. ### (33) member states should also put in place effective mechanisms through which third-country workers may seek legal redress and lodge complaints directly or through competent authorities. when granting the single permit , the mechanisms for legal redress and lodging complaints should be communicated in an accessible way to the third-country workers including the provision of that information in relevant languages. that is considered necessary to address situations where third-country workers are unaware of the existence of enforcement mechanisms or hesitant to use them in their own name , for example out of fear of possible consequences. where provided for in accordance with the criteria laid down by the national law , practices or applicable collective agreements , it should also be possible that complaints be lodged , with the consent of the third-country worker , by third parties having a legitimate interest in ensuring that this directive is complied with.


### (34) the single permit should authorise the third-country national to change the employer during the period of its validity. member states should be able to require a notification of the change and to check the labour market situation where a change of employer takes place. the single permit should not be withdrawn during a period of at least three months in the event of the unemployment of its holder. ### (34) the single permit should authorise the third-country national to change the employer during the period of its validity. member states should be able to require a notification of the change. in the event of the unemployment of the single permit holder , the permit should not be withdrawn during a period of at least six months.


### ‘employer’ means any natural person or any legal entity , including temporary work agencies , for or under the direction and/or supervision of whom the employment is undertaken; ### ‘employer’ means any natural person or any legal entity , including temporary work agencies , for or under the direction and/or supervision of whom the employment is undertaken , as defined by the national law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state.


### the time limit referred to in the first subparagraph shall cover checking the labour market situation and issuing the requisite visa referred to in article 4(3). the time limit may be extended in exceptional circumstances , linked to the complexity of the examination of the application. ### the time limit referred to in the first subparagraph shall cover issuing the requisite visa referred to in article 4(3). the time limit may be extended in exceptional circumstances , linked to the complexity of the examination of the application.


### within the period of validity referred to in paragraph 1 , member states may: ### within the period of validity referred to in paragraph 1 , member states may require that a change of employer be communicated to the competent authorities in the member state concerned , in accordance with procedures laid down in national law.


### require that a change of employer be communicated to the competent authorities in the member state concerned , in accordance with procedures laid down in national law , ### deleted


### require that a change of employer be subject to a check of the labour market situation. ### deleted


### the right of the single permit holder to pursue such a change of employer may be suspended for a maximum of 30 days while the member state concerned checks the labour market situation and verifies that the requirements laid down by union or national law are fulfilled. the member state concerned may oppose the change of employment within those 30 days. ### the right of the single permit holder to pursue such a change of employer may be suspended for a maximum of 30 days while the member state concerned verifies that the requirements laid down by union or national law are fulfilled. the member state concerned may oppose the change of employment within those 30 days , if the member state considers that there is a risk of labour exploitation.


### 4. within the period of validity referred to in paragraph 1 , the single permit shall not be withdrawn during a period of at least three months in the event of unemployment of its holder. member states shall allow the third-country national to stay in their territory until the competent authorities have taken a decision in accordance with paragraph 3 , point (b) , as relevant , even if that period of at least three months expired. ### 4. within the period of validity referred to in paragraph 1 , the single permit shall not be withdrawn during a period of at least six months in the event of unemployment of its holder. member states shall allow the third-country national to stay in their territory until the competent authorities have taken a decision in accordance with paragraph 3 , point (b) , as relevant , even if that period of at least six months expired.


### working conditions , including pay and dismissal as well as health and safety at the workplace; ### working conditions , including remuneration , working time , leave entitlements , dismissal procedures as well as health and safety at the workplace;


### education and training; ### education and training including where applicable occupational training entitlements;


### recognition of diplomas , certificates and other professional qualifications in accordance with the relevant national procedures; ### recognition of diplomas , certificates and other professional and occupational qualifications as well as skills and competences in accordance with the relevant national procedures;


### branches of social security , as defined in regulation (ec) no 883/2004; ### access to branches of social security , as defined in regulation (ec) no 883/2004;


### access to goods and services and the supply of goods and services made available to the public including procedures for obtaining access to public and private housing as provided by national law , without prejudice to the freedom of contract in accordance with union and national law; ### access to goods and services , in particular public services , and


### advice services afforded by employment offices. ### individualised advice services and support afforded by employment offices.


### (ii) restricting access to public housing; ### deleted


### 4. third-country workers moving to a third country , or their survivors who reside in a third country and who derive rights from those workers , shall receive , in relation to old age , invalidity and death , statutory pensions based on those workers’ previous employment and acquired in accordance with the legislation referred to in article 3 of regulation (ec) no 883/2004 , under the same conditions and at the same rates as the nationals of the member states concerned when they move to a third country. ### 4. third-country workers moving to a third country , or their survivors who reside in a third country and who derive rights from those workers , shall receive , in relation to old age , invalidity and death , statutory pensions based on those workers’ previous employment and acquired in accordance with the legislation referred to in article 3 of regulation (ec) no 883/2004 , under the same conditions and at the same rates as the nationals of the member states concerned when they move to a third country. in cases where no bilateral social security agreement exists between the member state and the third country in question , any resulting difficulty for former single permit holders to receive their pension entitlements shall be addressed by the member state in a timely and effective manner.


### 3. member states shall ensure that services in charge of inspection of labour or other competent authorities and , where provided for under national law in respect of national workers , organisations representing workers’ interests have access to the workplace. ### 3. member states shall ensure that services in charge of inspection of labour or other competent authorities are sufficiently resourced and have access to the workplace.


### 1. member states shall ensure that there are effective mechanisms through which third-country workers may lodge complaints against their employers: ### 1. member states shall ensure that there are effective mechanisms through which third-country workers may lodge complaints against their employers directly , or through a designated competent authority of the member state when provided for by national law.


### directly; or ### deleted


### through third parties which have , in accordance with the criteria laid down by their national law , a legitimate interest in ensuring compliance with this directive; or ### deleted


### through a competent authority of the member state when provided for by national law. ### deleted


### 2. member states shall ensure that third parties referred to in paragraph 1 , point (b) may engage either on behalf of or in support of a third-country worker , with his or her approval , in any judicial and/or administrative procedures aimed at enforcing compliance with this directive. ### 2. when provided for in accordance with the criteria laid down by the national law , practices , or applicable collective agreements , member states shall ensure that third parties referred to in paragraph 1 may engage on behalf of a third-country worker , with his or her approval , in any judicial and/or administrative procedures aimed at enforcing compliance with this directive.


### measures protecting against dismissal or other adverse treatment by the employer as a reaction to a complaint within the undertaking; or to ### measures protecting against dismissal or other adverse treatment or consequences by the employer as a reaction to a complaint within the undertaking; and to


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


### 1. stresses the valuable role played by union agencies in helping union institutions to implement policies , especially by carrying out specific technical , scientific and managerial tasks; appreciates the high quality work performed by the agencies working in the area of employment , social affairs and inclusion; ### 1. stresses the valuable role played by union agencies in helping union institutions to design and implement policies , especially for carrying out specific technical , scientific and operational or regulatory tasks; appreciates the high quality work performed by the agencies working in the area of employment , social affairs and inclusion;


### 3. notes that the edps requested to the court of justice of the european union to annul two provisions of the revised europol regulation , as they seriously undermine legal certainty for individuals’ personal data and threaten the independence of the edps; recommends the committee on budgetary control to postpone granting the discharge in respect of the implementation of europol’s budget for the financial year 2021 until the court of justice of the european union delivers its judgement; ### 3. notes that the edps requested to the court of justice of the european union to annul two provisions of the revised europol regulation , arguing that they seriously undermine legal certainty for individuals’ personal data and threaten the independence of the edps; underlines the fact that europol has no control over the legality of articles in the regulation detailing its mandate and prerogatives; highlights that this responsibility falls to the co-legislators and the court , when certain provisions are challenged; takes further note that no request was made to apply the articles in cause and that all contributions from before the entry into force of the amended europol regulation have meanwhile been assigned with a data subject category (dsc);


### 4. welcomes the deepened cooperation between the agencies within the framework of the european union agencies network (euan) with a focus on sharing services , knowledge and expertise; ### 4. welcomes the deepened cooperation between the agencies within the framework of the european union agencies network (euan) which is an important inter-agency cooperation platform to enhance agencies’ visibility , identify and promote possible efficiency gains , add value and ensure efficient communication between the agencies and relevant stakeholders with a focus on sharing services , knowledge and expertise; appreciates and encourages the close collaboration among the agencies under the remit of the committee on employment and social affairs in order to ensure synergies , complementarity and sharing resources;


### 4. notes that the court found that the payments underlying the accounts were legal and regular for all agencies except for eu-lisa , for which a qualified opinion was issued because of six payments that were considered not compliant to the provisions of framework contracts , amounting in total to eur 18.11 million in 2021 , representing 6 ,2 % of the total payment appropriations available in 2021; ### 4. notes that the court found that the payments underlying the accounts were legal and regular for all agencies except for eu-lisa , for which a qualified opinion was issued because of six payments that were considered not compliant to the provisions of framework contracts , amounting in total to eur 18.11 million in 2021 , representing 6 ,2 % of the total payment appropriations available in 2021; notes from eu-lisa's reply that compliance in this area is affected by several factors linked to budgetary planning , the sourcing model , managing contractual evolutions , delays in the adoption of relevant legislation , as well as understaffing , restricting the possibility of eu-lisa to limit the scope , duration and value of contracts; calls on the commission to better coordinate the allocation of resources to eu-lisa with the adoption of relevant legislative acts;


### 5. notes that one observation regarding recruitment procedures , one regarding payment management and two regarding the accounting system were made to cedefop; notes that one observation regarding procurement procedures was made to eurofound and eu-osha; notes that one observation regarding internal procedure and one regarding internal controls were made to ela. ### 5. notes that one observation regarding recruitment procedures , one regarding payment management and two regarding the accounting system were made to cedefop; notes that one observation regarding procurement procedures was made to eurofound and eu-osha; notes that one observation regarding internal procedure and one regarding internal controls were made to ela; urges eu agencies to improve their public procurement procedures with a view to compliance with applicable rules;


### 5. expresses deep concern that public procurement weaknesses are increasing and remain the largest source of irregular payments and that the court reported shortcomings in relation to contracts signed by frontex , eu-lisa , cepol and easo; ### 5. expresses deep concern that public procurement weaknesses are increasing and remain the largest source of irregular payments and that the court reported shortcomings in relation to contracts signed by frontex , eu-lisa , cepol and easo; expresses further concern over the shortage of procurement staff reported by eu-lisa , as well as by the lack of approrpriate grading for posts managing procurement procedures , such as the case of cepol where the highest graded procurement officer was recruited at the ast-5 grade; reiterates to the commission the importance of appropriately graded positions when allocating tasks of great responsibility;


### 2. stresses that the court issued three ‘emphasis on the matter’ paragraphs in relation to frontex; is concerned about weaknesses in recruitment at frontex related to the evaluation process; reiterates its deep concern about the findings of the olaf report; reaffirms that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the jha agencies is conditional on the agencies’ accountability and transparency , fundamental rights compliance , and commitment to comply with union law; recommends the committee on budgetary control to postpone granting the discharge to frontex in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2021 until frontex fully complies with such requirements and there are no further instances of fundamental rights violations; ### 2. stresses that the court issued three ‘emphasis on the matter’ paragraphs in relation to frontex; is concerned about weaknesses in recruitment at frontex related to the evaluation process; reiterates its deep concern about the findings of the olaf report; highlights that frontex is currently undergoing a transition process , following the resignation of its former executive director , in light of an olaf investigation into the mismanagement of frontex; welcomes in this sense the various actions taken by the ad-interim management to improve its activities and standards; reaffirms that the granting of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the jha agencies is conditional on the agencies’ accountability and transparency , fundamental rights compliance , and commitment to comply with union law; calls on frontex to continue its commitment towards fully implementing these necessary reforms , also after the appointment of a non-interim executive director , and to report to the discharge authority about the progress achieved;


### 6. notes with concern the court’s findings on weaknesses in management and control systems in relation to frontex , europol , cepol and eppo; ### 6. notes with concern the court’s findings on weaknesses in management and control systems in relation to frontex , europol , cepol and eppo; calls on these agencies and on the eppo to step up their efforts towards effectively addressing these weaknesses and to report to the discharge authority about the progress achieved;


### 7. notes that weaknesses in budgetary management can result in high carry-overs or late payments; is concerned that the court found such shortcomings at frontex , eu-lisa , eppo and fra; ### 7. notes that weaknesses in budgetary management can result in high carry-overs or late payments; is concerned that the court found such shortcomings at frontex , eu-lisa , eppo and fra; notes however that in certain cases the level of high carry-overs is also a result of factors that are outside of the agencies' control such as the nature of their activities expanding on multi-annual periods , or the necessity to recur to external contractors over periods that extend beyond the financial year , due to understaffing;


### 8. applauds that the court has decided to examine potential ‘revolving door’ situations in its audit and asks that this topic , as well as the associated risk of conflict of interests , is also included in future annual reports; shares the opinion by the court that agencies are particularly prone to the risk of ‘revolving door’ situations; expresses deep concern that the eu legal framework applicable to managing ‘revolving door’ risks lacks clear requirements on compliance and monitoring , and that it do not apply to members of the agencies’ boards; ### 8. applauds the court for the decision to examine potential ‘revolving door’ situations in its audit and asks that this topic , as well as the associated risk of conflict of interests , are included in its future annual reports; shares the opinion by the court that agencies are particularly prone to the risk of ‘revolving door’ situations; expresses deep concern that the eu legal framework applicable to managing ‘revolving door’ risks lacks clear requirements on compliance and monitoring , and that it does not apply to members of the agencies’ management boards;


### 9. calls on the commission to propose changes to prevent any risk of ‘revolving door’ and conflict of interest; ### 9. calls on the commission to propose changes to prevent any risk of ‘revolving door’ and conflict of interest; welcomes that most agencies publish the declarations of interest of their senior management and members of their respective management boards; recalls that such declarations should have a clear format allowing for the listing of any interests that may come in conflict with the nature of the position occupied; calls on the remaining agencies to follow this model and publish yearly declarations of interest of the above-mentioned representatives without further delay;


### 14. calls on all jha agencies to ensure a gender balanced distribution on all levels of staff and report to the discharge authority on implemented measures and progress; ### 14. calls on all jha agencies to ensure a gender balanced distribution on all levels of staff; further calls on all jha agencies to take into consideration geographical balance when conducting their recruitment procedures and report to the discharge authority on implemented measures and progress achieved;


### c. whereas the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human and fundamental rights as enshrined in the echr , the eu charter of fundamental rights and the esc; ### c. whereas the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human and fundamental rights as enshrined in the echr , the eu charter of fundamental rights and the esc and other international human rights documents , in particular the right to human dignity , prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment , equality before the law , non-discrimination , the rights of the child including the right of the child to social , legal and economic protection , right to education , right to engage in work , right to protection against poverty and social exclusion , right to adequate housing and right to social and housing assistance , right to water and sanitation , right to healthcare or environmental protection; whereas it is alarming that these rights are not being respected in practice with regards to roma people living in settlements;


### c. whereas the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human and fundamental rights as enshrined in the echr , the eu charter of fundamental rights and the esc; ### c. whereas the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human and fundamental rights as enshrined in the echr , the eu charter of fundamental rights , the esc , the international covenant on economic , social and cultural rights and the convention on the rights of the child;


### d. whereas poverty in marginalised roma settlements is a complex problem that needs to be addressed horizontally with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level in cooperation with initiatives of ngos and private enterprises; ### d. whereas the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty in marginalised roma settlements is a complex problem that needs to be addressed horizontally with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level in cooperation with initiatives of ngos and private enterprises , learning from best practices and replicating them on a wider scale;


### d. whereas poverty in marginalised roma settlements is a complex problem that needs to be addressed horizontally with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level in cooperation with initiatives of ngos and private enterprises; ### d. whereas poverty in marginalised roma settlements is a complex problem that needs to be addressed horizontally and through flexible and holistic solutions with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders; whereas effective solutions require full engagement at european , national , regional and local level in cooperation with initiatives of ngos and private enterprises;


### 1. deplores the fact that there are still people in europe without access to clean drinking water , electricity , sewage and waste facilities , decent housing , education , employment and healthcare; is deeply concerned by the substantial gap between the declarations and commitments on a strong social europe and the reality on the ground; stresses the situation of marginalised roma communities must be urgently addressed in order to create a europe where no one is left behind; ### 1. deplores the fact that there are still people in europe without access to clean drinking water , electricity , sewage and waste facilities , decent housing , education , employment and healthcare; highlights the fact that such catastrophic conditions not only affect the people living within the settlements , but also impact the wider community; is deeply concerned by the substantial gap between the declarations and commitments on a strong social europe and the reality on the ground; stresses the situation of marginalised roma communities must be urgently addressed with appropriate short and long-term policies in order to create a europe where no one is left behind;


### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements; ### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work involving the participation of members of the roma community , and a short , medium and long-term planning to leave settlements , depending on the specific dimension of the problem , as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements;


### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements; ### 2. emphasises that access to safe and healthy housing is key to breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; notes that access to housing is closely linked to other human rights and human dignity; reiterates its call on member states to adopt a housing first approach guaranteeing citizens’ access to housing , regardless of their ethnicity; considers transitional housing accompanied by high-quality field social work and supporting social services as a way for the roma to leave life in settlements;


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


### 3. stresses the critical role of preschool education for success in subsequent educational stages and on the labour market; notes the significant gap in preschool attendance between roma and non-roma children , which is a principal determinant of early dropout; calls on member states to provide pre-school education for all children from roma settlements from the age of three; believes member states should systematically monitor dropout risk to allow for timely interventions , both in terms of pedagogical help and individual counselling; ### 3. stresses the critical role of preschool education for success in subsequent educational stages and on the labour market; notes the significant gap in preschool attendance between roma and non-roma children , which is a principal determinant of early dropout; calls on member states to provide pre-school education for all children from roma settlements from the age of three; furthermore , calls on the member states to set up a network of kindergartens in every municipality with roma settlements or directly within them to facilitate their participation;


### 4. deplores the ongoing segregation of roma children in special education and programmes outside mainstream educational systems , often stemming from misdiagnoses of intellectual disabilities; calls on member states to take appropriate actions to ensure that their diagnostic systems for identifying such disabilities use modern methods; calls on the member states to put in place mechanisms to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions; regrets , further , persistent segregation of roma children in several member states within mainstream schools; ### 4. deplores the ongoing segregation of roma children in special education and programmes outside mainstream educational systems , often stemming from misdiagnoses of intellectual disabilities; calls on member states to take appropriate actions to ensure that their diagnostic systems for identifying such disabilities use modern methods; calls on the member states to put in place mechanisms to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions; regrets , further , persistent segregation of roma children in several member states within mainstream schools , especially in its most primitive forms such as segregated classes and floors , segregation within classes and segregated dining;


### 4. deplores the ongoing segregation of roma children in special education and programmes outside mainstream educational systems , often stemming from misdiagnoses of intellectual disabilities; calls on member states to take appropriate actions to ensure that their diagnostic systems for identifying such disabilities use modern methods; calls on the member states to put in place mechanisms to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions; regrets , further , persistent segregation of roma children in several member states within mainstream schools; ### 4. deplores the ongoing segregation of roma children in special education and programmes outside mainstream educational systems , often stemming from misdiagnoses of intellectual disabilities; calls on member states to take appropriate actions to ensure that their diagnostic systems for identifying such disabilities use modern methods; calls on the member states to put in place mechanisms to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions and to implement anti-discrimination campaigns in school; regrets , further , persistent segregation of roma children in several member states within mainstream schools;


### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements; ### 5. is alarmed by higher infant mortality rates in roma populations compared to non-roma , especially those living in settlements; emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on the member states to urgently take action to ensure that children in roma settlements will be automatically supported by healthcare professionals from birth in order to recognize possible physical or mental predispositions in time and initiate treatment if necessary as well as to recognize psychological or physical abuse of the child with an obligation to notify all such cases to competent authorities; to this end calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements;


### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals widely available and accessible in all roma settlements; ### 5. emphasises that children in roma settlements are being born into poverty and an environment unconducive to healthy physical and mental development; calls on member states to make early childhood intervention centres , as well as community centres employing field social workers , teachers and health professionals , roma school mediators , teachers and professionals , widely available and accessible in all roma settlements;


### 6. emphasises the environmental risks to marginalised roma communities’ health and lives caused by toxic waste surrounding their settlements; calls on member states to urgently address the situation and develop comprehensive waste management systems in line with the european waste framework directive; stresses the role of the commission in enforcing eu legislation in this regard; ### 6. emphasises the environmental risks to marginalised roma communities’ health and lives caused by toxic waste surrounding their settlements; calls on member states to urgently address the situation and develop comprehensive waste management systems in line with the european waste framework directive , including awareness raising in the communities concerned; stresses the role of the commission in enforcing eu legislation in this regard;


### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma; ### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed and at the same time enhancing the municipalities , for example by specialisation in products or services of public interest; emphasizes that such enterprises should reinvest the majority of profit in "social interest" , specifically into community centres; believes the commission’s action plan for the social economy can support member states’ efforts in this regard with guidance on taxation , access to state aid social public procurement for social economy organisations; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma;


### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma; ### 7. notes that the phenomenon of long-term unemployment in roma settlements is compounded by the social exclusion and poverty faced by their inhabitants; encourages member states to invest in social enterprises with the purpose of employing the long-term unemployed; believes the forthcoming proposal for a council recommendation on developing the social economy framework should ensure an intersectional approach targeting vulnerable groups , in particular marginalised roma; encourages member states to launch anti-discrimination campaigns among recruiters and workplaces and to invest in training and access to quality employment as a way forward to achieve economic and social inclusion;


### 8. in concerned that in some member states the use of resources earmarked for marginalised roma communities have been low thus far , risking a significant loss of financial resources by the end of the programming period; regrets that current systems and conditions for drawing down european structural and investment funds (esif) in a number of member states do not facilitate their smooth and efficient absorption; ### 8. in concerned that in some member states the use of resources earmarked for marginalised roma communities have been low thus far , risking a significant loss of financial resources by the end of the programming period; regrets that current systems and conditions for drawing down esif in a number of member states do not facilitate their smooth and efficient absorption , often due to bureaucratic and structural barriers in national systems; recalls in this regard the need to provide further flexibility to facilitate the use of funds for managing authorities and beneficiaries and promote the use of simplified cost options;


### 9. calls on member states to urgently make full use of available funding instruments and resources at both national and european level to create favourable conditions for the funding and implementation of projects in an efficient , coordinated and flexible way and eliminate obstacles that hinder their absorption , in particular the absorption of esf+ , erdf and the rrf; calls on the commission to monitor and evaluate member states’ actions in this regard through their nrrps , national roma strategic frameworks and european semester csrs; ### 9. calls on member states to urgently make full use of available funding instruments and resources at both national and european level to create favourable conditions for the funding and implementation of long-term projects in an efficient , coordinated and flexible way and eliminate obstacles that hinder their absorption , in particular the absorption of esf+ , erdf and the rrf; calls on the commission to monitor and evaluate member states’ actions in this regard through their nrrps , national roma strategic frameworks and european semester csrs;


### 10. believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget; ### 10. highlights that current practices in marginalised roma communities in some member states show evaluation of projects based on quantitative outputs alone is insufficient and can even be misleading as to the reality on the ground by not providing information on the quality of projects’ progress; warns that as a consequence , this could lead to decisions that pose a threat to sound financial management of the eu budget; believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget;


### 10. believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget; ### 10. believes it is essential for the commission to require concrete qualitative outcomes that better reflect the reality on the ground , in addition to quantitative outputs , when evaluating individual projects funded by the esif and eu cohesion funds in marginalised roma communities; calls on the commission , further , to start monitoring and evaluating projects based first and foremost on their own observations from on-site visits in order to decrease its dependence on mediated information and strengthen oversight of the eu budget; calls on member states to ensure that calls for proposals allow for the improvement of settlements in the short term , as well as medium-long term dismantling plans;


### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu; ### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu; calls on member states to develop and implement effective and ambitious national plans against racism and racial discrimination , drawing inspiration from the common guiding principles adopted by the commission;


### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu; ### 12. calls on the commission and member states to tackle anti-gypsyism in all areas of society through effective european and national legislative and policy measures , both in member states as well as enlargement countries; considers that the fight against anti-gypsyism is a horizontal issue and that it should be taken into account in all relevant areas of union policy; calls on the council , further , to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the eu;


### 13. underlines that the issues of marginalised roma communities are cross-sectoral and require the attention and involvement of several commissioners and dgs at eu level; calls for the creation of the post of commission coordinator for roma issues to liaise directly with marginalised roma communities in order to relay the reality of their situations and concerns to the commission’s task force on equality in order to create synergies and achieve roma people’s equality , inclusion and participation in the eu; ### 13. underlines that the issues of marginalised roma communities are cross-sectoral and require the attention and involvement of several commissioners and dgs at eu level; calls therefore for the creation of the post of commission coordinator for roma issues to liaise directly with marginalised roma communities in order to relay the reality of their situations and concerns to the commission’s task force on equality as well as to liaise with the national roma contact points , the (euroma network) , the european roma platform and the high level group on non-discrimination , equality and diversity in order to create synergies and achieve roma people’s equality , inclusion and participation in the eu;


### 2. appreciates the agency’s activities to develop , gather and provide reliable and relevant information , analysis and tools on occupational safety and health , which contribute to the union policy aiming to promote healthy and safe workplaces across the union; ### 2. appreciates the agency’s activities to develop , gather and provide reliable and relevant information , analysis and tools on occupational safety and health , which contribute to the union policy aiming to promote healthy and safe workplaces across the union; notes in particular the role the agency can play in supporting the eu institutions' work on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to asbestos at work as well as the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens , mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work (the carcinogens , mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive (cmrd)) and on the revision of the chemical agents directive (cad); believes the agency can provide useful information and analysis on the impact of telework and other digital solutions for both employers and workers on occupational safety and health in the context of working conditions in the pandemic with particular attention to mental health;


### 4. welcomes the fact that the agency has completed all actions taken to court of auditors’ observations related to the implementation of the budget for the financial years 2018 and 2019; ### 4. welcomes however the fact that the agency has completed all actions taken to court of auditors’ observations related to the implementation of the budget for the financial years 2018 and 2019;


### 2. appreciates the centre’s activities , providing research , analyses and technical advice in vocational education and training (vet) , qualifications and skills policies; ### 2. appreciates the centre’s activities , providing research , analyses and technical advice in vocational education and training (vet) , qualifications and skills policies; welcomes , in particular , the centre's recent work in helping to analyse the impact of the pandemic and digital transition on adapting business practices to the new realities in the union labour market through e.g. the covid-19 european company survey in conjunction with eurofound;


### 4. is worried about the fact that the court has reported weaknesses in the centre’s recruitment procedures and payment management – with particular regard to ex-ante controls; ### 4. is worried about the fact that the court has reported weaknesses in the centre’s recruitment procedures and payment management – with particular regard to ex-ante controls; urges the centre to undertake necessary measures to address the court’s recommendations;


### 9. notes that , as regards gender balance reported for 2021 , the centre’s senior management is unevenly composed by 4 men (66 ,7%) and 2 women (33 ,3%); also notes the management board is composed by 80 men (51%) and 76 women (49%); deplores the high number of members of the board (156) which does not facilitate decision-making and simplified management; notes further that regarding its staff overall the gender breakdown is 57% women and 43% men; welcomes the presence of gender equality indicators among the social sustainability indicators; recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy including work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , the gender balance , the teleworking , the geographical balance and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 9. notes that , as regards gender balance reported for 2021 , the centre’s senior management is unevenly composed by 4 men (66 ,7%) and 2 women (33 ,3%); also notes the management board is composed by 80 men (51%) and 76 women (49%); deplores the high number of members of the board (156 composed by 84 voting members observers and alternates ) which does not facilitate decision-making and simplified management; notes further that regarding its staff overall the gender breakdown is 57% women and 43% men; welcomes the presence of gender equality indicators among the social sustainability indicators; recalls the importance to develop a long term hr policy including work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , the gender balance , the teleworking , the geographical balance and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities;


### 10. notes with concern that the discharge authority’s recommendations about the staff members’ affiliation with the national healthcare system have not been addressed by the centre , but welcomes that a new health and wellbeing committee has been established in july 2022; ### deleted


### 32. notes the centre’s longstanding practice of cooperation and information exchange with other agencies such as etf and eurofound; recalls in particular the service legal agreement signed by the centre with the european union agency for cybersecurity (enisa) on 4 may 2020 to share resources; points out that such resources regard , as of 2021 , also the data protection officer; calls on the centre to regularly report on the implementation of the agreement; notes further that a memorandum of understanding was agreed in 2022 with the european labour authority , and that cooperation in the context of eures and skills-ovate has been identified as a key priority; ### 32. notes the centre’s longstanding practice of cooperation and information exchange with other agencies such as etf and eurofound; recalls in particular the service level agreement signed by the centre with the european union agency for cybersecurity (enisa) on 4 may 2020 to share resources; points out that such resources regard , as of 2021 , also the data protection officer; calls on the centre to regularly report on the implementation of the agreement; notes further that a memorandum of understanding was agreed in 2022 with the european labour authority , and that cooperation in the context of eures and skills-ovate has been identified as a key priority;


### (1) a skilled workforce is crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions , and to strengthening the union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic or the fallout of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine. more and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market , society and democracy , to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. ### (1) a skilled workforce and citizens who are skilled in democratic participation and the pursuit of personal development are crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions , and to strengthening the union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic or the fallout of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine. warns about the skill mismatch challenge europe is currently facing1a. in this regard , highlights the need to offer training in areas linked to skills needs identified in labour markets , and future oriented sectors to overcome labour shortages in view of the twin transition. more and adequate skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market , society and democracy , to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. attention should also be given to life skills and non-formal skills , as they are essential.1b


### (1) a skilled workforce is crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions , and to strengthening the union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic or the fallout of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine. more and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market , society and democracy , to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. ### (1) a skilled workforce is crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions , and to strengthening the union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic or the fallout of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine. more and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market , society and democracy , to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. however , public spending on worker training has declined over the past two decades in most oecd countries. 1a


### 2. appreciates the foundation’s activities in helping transition and developing countries harness the potential of their human capital through the reform of education , training , and labour market systems , in the context of the union’s external relations policies; ### 2. appreciates the foundation’s activities in helping the union´s partner countries harness the potential of their human capital and improve the employment prospects of their citizens through the reform of education , vocational training , skills and labour market systems , in the context of the union’s external relations policies;


### — having regard to the eurofound report of 9 november 2021 entitled ‘impact of covid-19 on young people in the eu’ , ### — having regard to the eurofound report of 9 november 2021 entitled ‘impact of covid-19 on young people in the eu’ , and the eurofound report of 10 may 2021 entitled ‘living , working and covid-19: mental health and trust decline across eu as pandemic enters another year’ ,


### — having regard to the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) health policy study of 2021 entitled ‘a new benchmark for mental health systems: tackling the social and economic costs of mental ill health’ , ### — having regard to the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) health policy study of 2021 entitled ‘a new benchmark for mental health systems: tackling the social and economic costs of mental ill health’ , and the study of oecd of 2021 entitled ‘fitter minds , fitter jobs: from awareness to change in integrated mental health skills and work policies’ ,


### — having regard to eu-osha report of 2014 entitled ‘psychosocial risks in europe: prevalence and strategies for prevention’ , ### — having regard to eu-osha and eurofound report of 2014 entitled ‘psychosocial risks in europe: prevalence and strategies for prevention’ ,


### a. whereas the right to physical and mental health is a fundamental human right; whereas the who defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being in which people cope well with the many stresses of life , can realise their own potential , can function productively and fruitfully , and are able to contribute to their communities’10 ; ### a. whereas the right to physical and mental health is a fundamental human right and also links to other fundamental rights such as the right to human dignity in article 1 of the charter of fundamental rights of the eu and the right to the integrity of the person , including mental integrity in its article 3; whereas the who defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being in which people cope well with the many stresses of life , can realise their own potential , can function productively and fruitfully , and are able to contribute to their communities’10 ;


### b. whereas the pandemic has changed working conditions for many workers in europe , highlighting new and current issues related to well-being in the workplace; ### b. whereas eurofound research shows that the covid-19 pandemic has shaped organisational and managerial practices1a; whereas the pandemic has also changed working conditions for many workers in europe , highlighting new and current issues related to psychological well-being in the workplace and aggravating pre-existing ones;


### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental well-being of those facing financial uncertainty , as well as of vulnerable populations , including ethnic minorities , the lgbti+ community , the elderly , persons with disabilities and young people; ### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental well-being of healthcare and long-term care workers -the majority of whom are women- , young people (particularly lgbtq youth)2a and people with lower socio-economic status , as well as of persons with disabilities and pre-existing mental health issues , and the unemployed;


### e. whereas workplace issues that affect mental health include job burnout , harassment , violence , stigma and discrimination; whereas one in four european workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ; ### e. whereas workplace issues that affect non-clinical mental health aspects include job burnout and stress , harassment , violence , stigma and discrimination; whereas one in four european workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ;


### f. whereas the costs of mental ill health are estimated at more than 4 % of gdp across all eu member states; whereas the cost of work-related depression has been estimated at eur 620 billion a year , resulting in eur 240 billion lost economic output13 ; ### f. whereas the costs of mental ill health are estimated at more than 4 % of gdp across all eu member states;6a whereas the cost of work-related depression has been estimated at eur 620 billion a year , resulting in eur 240 billion lost economic output13 ; whereas the calculated costs of all headache in the eu are over eur 110 billion annually , of which , about eur 50 billion correspond to the costs of migraine;7a


### 1. regrets that during the covid-19 pandemic mental health has been affected by many factors including education , health , economic , employment and social inclusion policies and poverty; calls for mental health to urgently be tackled by cross-sectional policies; ### 1. regrets that during the covid-19 pandemic mental health has been affected by many factors including education , health , economic , employment and social inclusion policies , poverty , social support and more limited access to treatment; calls for mental health to urgently be tackled by cross-sectional and integrated policies , as part of a comprehensive eu mental health strategy that is supplemented by national action plans;


### 2. stresses that the covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have caused a huge strain on the well-being of eu citizens , with higher rates of stress , anxiety and depression; ### 2. stresses that the covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have caused a huge strain on the mental health of eu citizens , with higher rates of stress , anxiety and depression;


### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of an eu mental health strategy; ### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of a comprehensive eu mental health strategy , in line with the council conclusions of october 2019 on the economy of well-being;


### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of an eu mental health strategy; ### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of an eu mental health strategy with adequate funding and relevant legislative proposals; stresses the essential role of stakeholders’ participation , such as civil society and social partners , in the definition and implementation of such initiative;


### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of an eu mental health strategy; ### 4. regrets the fact that the teu allows for more eu action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be a health crisis and that the commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this , including the urgent creation of an eu mental health strategy;


### 5. recalls that the pandemic demonstrated the need for coordinated eu-level action to respond to health emergencies , revealing shortcomings in foresight , including in preparedness and response tools; ### 5. recalls that the pandemic demonstrated the need for coordinated eu-level action to respond to health emergencies , revealing shortcomings in foresight , including in preparedness and response tools; believes that the current mental health crisis should be considered a health emergency;


### 6. applauds the frontline staff who sacrificed their own well-being to perform life-saving work during the pandemic; calls for member states to ensure that they have immediate access to adequate mental health resources; ### 6. is concerned about the greater work-related mental health risk among health and long-term care workers , sectors suffering from growing staff shortages; applauds the frontline staff who sacrificed their own well-being to perform life-saving work during the pandemic; calls for member states to ensure that they have immediate access to adequate mental health resources , preventing mental ill health and supporting their mental health;


### 7. recognises that employment can provide individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health and work productivity;14 ### 7. recognises that employment can be one of the elements that provides individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; notes , however , that the purpose and sense of identity can be challenged in a context of increasing digitalisation of work; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health , well-being at work productivity14 and adequate working conditions;


### 8. recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation , such as flexible work hours and establishing employee assistance programmes , can help to mitigate work-related stress; notes that artificial intelligence systems may provide further options for this; ### 8. recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation , such as flexible work hours negotiated between employers and employees , a human-centric design and use of technologies; and establishing employee assistance programmes , can help to mitigate work-related stress; notes that more research is needed on whether and how artificial intelligence systems or digital applications can provide further options for this;


### 9. welcomes directive (eu) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers as it provides flexibility and alleviates work-related issues; stresses however , that women continue to be disproportionately affected; ### 9. welcomes directive (eu) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers as it provides flexibility and alleviates work-related issues; stresses however , that women continue to take up the bulk of family-related leave , which continues to negatively impact career progression , pay and pension entitlements;7a


### 10. notes that the shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the flexibility it provided to employees could improve work-life balance; encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements; ### 10. notes that the shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the flexibility it provided to employees can impact work-life balance; calls on the commission to present a legislative framework establishing a set of minimum standards and conditions for remote work across the union ensuring decent working conditions; in the meanwhile , encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements to avoid risks such as longer working hours ,8a social and professional isolation , or the blurring of work and home time;


### 13. is concerned about the disconnect between current policy on mental health and attitudes in the workplace creating stigma; emphasises that due to stigma and discrimination , employees often feel unable to discuss mental health issues; recognises that employees who return after mental health leave are often poorly accommodated; calls for workplaces to provide clear information about their in-house mental health support services;15 ### 13. is concerned about the disconnect between current policy on mental health and attitudes in the workplace creating stigma; emphasises that due to stigma and discrimination , employees often feel unable to discuss mental health issues; recognises that employees who return after mental health leave are not always well accommodated; calls for workplaces to set up in-house mental health support services to facilitate early recognition and access to treatment , increase their tools to identify employees who may suffer from depression and direct them towards treatment , support reintegration , help to prevent relapses , be prepared to deal with suicidal events with a view to avoiding cluster suicides;


### 14. believes that the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers are not effective for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; calls on the commission to recognise anxiety , depression and burnout as occupational diseases , to establish mechanisms for their prevention and the reintegration into the workplace of those affected and to move from individual-level actions to a work organisation approach16 ; ### 14. believes that the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers are not effective for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; regrets that the data currently available from population-based surveys is often limited to a few specific mental health disorders , or specific age groups10a; calls on the member states to collect data in a harmonised way on the self-reported work-related anxiety , depression and burnout in their labour force surveys; asks the commission to assess , together with the eu-osha and the relevant scientific authorities , whether and how work-related anxiety , depression and burnout can be recognised as occupational diseases (i.e. where a direct link is established between the exposure to risk factors arising from work activities and the mental health issue contracted by the worker) , to establish mechanisms for their prevention , treatment , and the reintegration into the workplace of those affected and to move from individual-level actions to a whole organisational approach16 ;


### 15. calls on the commission to propose , in consultation with the social partners , a directive on psychosocial risks and well-being at work aiming to effectively prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace; considers that occupational safety and health prevention policies should also involve employees in the identification and prevention of psychosocial risks; ### 15. calls on the commission to propose , in consultation with the social partners , a directive on the management of psychosocial risks and well-being at work aiming to effectively prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace (also online) , train management and workers , periodically assess progress and improve the work environment; considers that occupational safety and health prevention policies should also involve employees in the identification and prevention of psychosocial risks; notes that employee-attitude surveys can provide useful information on stress levels and sources , making it easier for the management to identify issues and make adjustments needed;


### 16. considers that it is essential for managers to be provided with the psychosocial training required to adapt to work organisation practices and foster a deep understanding of negative mental health and the workplace; ### 16. considers that it is essential for managers to be provided with the mental health training to be able to take appropriate and timely action to support employees experiencing mental health issues and foster a deep understanding of the interlinkages between mental health and the workplace; believes that enterprises should explore the designation and training of a mental health reference employee or the creation of an informative section on the workplace’s internal communication platform to signpost employees to mental health services;


### 17. underlines that given the lack of sufficient mental health support and policies in the workplace , employees often have to rely on services provided by non-governmental organisations (ngos); calls for workplaces to ensure employees have access to in-house mental health support and remedies; ### 17. underlines that given the lack of sufficient mental health support and policies in the workplace , employees often have to rely on services provided by non-governmental organisations (ngos) who often lack support and resources themselves; calls for workplaces to ensure employees have access to in-house mental health support and remedies and information to steer the employees to healthcare professionals able to provide evidence-based treatment; calls on the member states to ensure that public healthcare includes easy access to remote counselling;


### 18. encourages the commission to launch education and awareness initiatives on mental health in the workplace; urges the commission to make 2023 the eu year of good mental health to achieve this; ### 18. encourages the commission to launch education and awareness initiatives on mental health in the workplace; urges the commission to designate 2023 the eu year of good mental health to achieve this;


### 19. recognises that the lack of statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace undermines the need for urgent intervention; calls for eurostat to gather statistics which include mental ill health and its negative impacts; ### 19. recognises that the lack of statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace especially within smes and among sme owners and the self-employed , undermines the need for urgent intervention; calls for eurostat to gather statistics which include mental ill health and data on the effectiveness of the different types of interventions to promote a better mental health in the workplace;