### 6. welcomes the commission’s scheduled mid-term review of the plan and its intention to ramp up data collection; reiterates the need for a clear implementation timetable; remains convinced that the plan needs a clearer governance and coordination structure , in which parliament should be involved , to monitor developments and performance on an ongoing basis; calls on the commission , therefore , to establish a forum bringing together the member states , parliament and other relevant stakeholders and experts; urges the commission to better integrate digital education into the european semester exercise; ### 6. welcomes the commission’s scheduled mid-term review of the plan and its intention to ramp up data collection; reiterates the need for a clear implementation timetable; remains convinced that the plan needs a clearer governance and coordination structure , in which parliament should be involved , to monitor developments and performance on an ongoing basis; calls on the commission , therefore , to establish a forum bringing together the member states , parliament and other relevant stakeholders , including education providers and civil society organisations , and experts; urges the commission to better integrate digital education into the european semester exercise;


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


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


### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; calls for a new initiative on ai and robotics for education; ### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; notes the potential that the deployment of 5g could have in europe and invites the commission to study the possible contributions of 5g to e-learning;


### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; calls for a new initiative on ai and robotics for education; ### 9. insists that broadband should be considered a public good and be universally accessible as a critical step in closing the digital divide; calls for specific measures to enhance access for all schools , especially those in remote , rural and mountain areas with low connectivity and limited access to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (ai) , robotics , blockchain , new educational devices or gamification , in the light of their growing importance and potential; calls for a new initiative on ai and robotics for education;


### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at other educational establishments besides schools; ### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at all formal and non-formal educational establishments;


### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at other educational establishments besides schools; ### 10. welcomes the plan’s focus on supporting school and university connectivity through the connecting europe facility and efforts to publicise eu funding opportunities; calls on the commission to work closely with member states , local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that eu support dovetails with national schemes , in particular to support disadvantaged groups; calls on the commission to target support at other educational establishments besides schools; highlights that educational establishments should be given considerable autonomy in achieving innovation and in developing teaching methods for education in the digital era , as they are closest to the learner;


### 11. insists that greater attention be devoted to teacher training as the plan is rolled out so as to ensure that teachers not only possess digital skills , but can also teach them; calls for a pan-union initiative to develop new pedagogical methods for the digital environment; underlines the increasingly important role played by parents and tutors in distance learning and calls for them to be given special training and support mechanisms; ### 11. insists that greater attention be devoted to teacher training as the plan is rolled out so as to ensure that teachers not only possess digital skills , but can also teach them , freely and within the framework of the pedagogical exception provided for in directive (eu) 2019/790; calls for a pan-union initiative to develop new pedagogical methods for the digital environment; underlines the increasingly important role played by parents and tutors in distance learning and calls for them to be given special training and support mechanisms; stresses the essential role of erasmus+ and teacher mobility for the acquisition of skills; notes with interest the potential of the future teacher academy;


### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns; ### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment , including in terms of mental health and wellbeing; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital and media literacy campaigns; stresses that while digital skills have to be promoted they should not overshadow traditional and humanistic skills;


### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns; ### 12. underlines the challenge of cyberthreats including online child pornography and grooming , cyberbullying , data and privacy protection , dangerous online games and disinformation in the digital environment; warmly welcomes , therefore , the increased focus on digital and information literacy in the revised plan; looks forward to the swift adoption of the media action plan and the guidelines for teachers and educational staff; calls on the commission to be more ambitious and to launch large-scale digital literacy campaigns; notes the importance of widely promoting events such as the eu code week and the safer internet day;


### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials; calls on the commission to create an online european university with distance and online education content available across europe; ### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials sourced , verified and validated by the competent administrations;


### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials; calls on the commission to create an online european university with distance and online education content available across europe; ### 13. underlines the need to enhance tools and mechanisms at union level to open up lifelong learning opportunities for all and to enable full and quality access to university and post-university courses and materials; calls on the commission to create an online european university with distance and online education content available across europe;


### 14. recalls that special attention should be paid to digital proficiency for lower-skilled adults , persons with disabilities , persons from vulnerable groups and older people; points out that in 2018 , just 4.3 % of low-skilled adults used any form of adult learning; ### 14. recalls that special attention should be paid to digital proficiency for lower-skilled adults , persons with disabilities , persons from vulnerable groups and older people; points out that in 2018 , just 4.3 % of low-skilled adults used any form of adult learning; notes the potential of the esf+ programme for lifelong learning;


### 15. deplores , therefore , the continued absence of measures targeting lower-skilled adult learners and older people; stresses that this omission undermines the essential lifelong learning dimension of digital education and hampers efforts to ensure that everyone has essential life skills; calls on the commission , therefore , to work with regional and local authorities to put further measures in place to ensure that these population groups can truly benefit from the digital transition; ### 15. deplores , therefore , the continued absence of measures targeting lower-skilled adult learners and older people; stresses that this omission undermines the essential lifelong learning dimension of digital education and hampers efforts to ensure that everyone has essential life skills; calls on the commission , therefore , to work with regional and local authorities to put further measures in place , to incentivise adult education by making it available and accessible , so as to ensure that these population groups can truly benefit from the digital transition;


### 15. deplores , therefore , the continued absence of measures targeting lower-skilled adult learners and older people; stresses that this omission undermines the essential lifelong learning dimension of digital education and hampers efforts to ensure that everyone has essential life skills; calls on the commission , therefore , to work with regional and local authorities to put further measures in place to ensure that these population groups can truly benefit from the digital transition; ### 15. deplores , therefore , the absence of measures targeting lower-skilled adult learners and older people in the digital education action plan; stresses that this omission undermines the essential lifelong learning dimension of digital education and hampers efforts to ensure that everyone has essential life skills; calls on the commission , therefore , to work with regional and local authorities to put further measures in place to ensure that these population groups can truly benefit from the digital transition;


### 3. regrets that the strategy remains vague on the issue of timelines for several , highly welcomed , measures; calls , therefore , on the commission to establish concrete timeframes and additional targeted actions , as well as guidelines on how to implement the intersectional approach effectively; ### 3. regrets that the strategy remains vague on the issue of timelines for several , highly welcomed measures; calls , therefore , on the commission to establish concrete timeframes and additional targeted actions , as well as guidelines on how to implement the intersectional and gender mainstreaming approaches effectively as well as adequate resources to do so; calls on the commission to establish monitoring mechanisms to track the strategy’s progress so as to ensure the full realisation of its commitments;


### 4. supports the commission’s plan to continue pushing for the eu-wide ratification of the istanbul convention; underlines , in this context , the need for specific measures to address the existing disparities between member states; draws attention , however , to the fact that several attempts to convince reluctant member states have already failed; warmly welcomes , therefore , the commission’s intention to propose measures in 2021 to achieve the objectives of the istanbul convention if the eu’s accession remains blocked; calls for preparatory actions for the launch of additional legally binding measures to eliminate violence against women; very much welcomes the planned extension of definitions of areas of particularly serious crime under article 83(1) of the tfeu , but calls for the inclusion of all forms of gender-based violence , in order to take a proactive approach and lay the groundwork for an eu directive on this issue; ### 4. supports the commission’s commitment to combating gender-based violence , supporting and protecting the victims of these crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their crimes; supports the commission’s plan to continue pushing for the eu-wide ratification of the istanbul convention; underlines , in this context , the need for specific measures to address the existing disparities between member states; draws attention , however , to the fact that several attempts to convince reluctant member states have already failed; warmly welcomes , therefore , the commission’s intention to propose measures in 2021 to achieve the objectives of the istanbul convention if the eu’s accession remains blocked; calls for preparatory actions for the launch of additional legally binding measures to eliminate violence against women; very much welcomes the planned extension of definitions of areas of particularly serious crime under article 83(1) of the tfeu , but calls for the inclusion of all forms of gender-based violence , in order to take a proactive approach and lay the groundwork for an eu directive on this issue; considers it particularly important in this regard to provide for - and punish as crimes - specific forms of gender-based violence , such as female genital mutilation (fgm) , forced abortion , forced sterilisation , forced marriages and the publication of revenge porn , as well as gender-based violence perpetrated online;


### 4. supports the commission’s plan to continue pushing for the eu-wide ratification of the istanbul convention; underlines , in this context , the need for specific measures to address the existing disparities between member states; draws attention , however , to the fact that several attempts to convince reluctant member states have already failed; warmly welcomes , therefore , the commission’s intention to propose measures in 2021 to achieve the objectives of the istanbul convention if the eu’s accession remains blocked; calls for preparatory actions for the launch of additional legally binding measures to eliminate violence against women; very much welcomes the planned extension of definitions of areas of particularly serious crime under article 83(1) of the tfeu , but calls for the inclusion of all forms of gender-based violence , in order to take a proactive approach and lay the groundwork for an eu directive on this issue; ### 4. supports the commission’s plan to continue pushing for the eu-wide ratification of the istanbul convention; underlines , in this context , the need for specific measures to address the existing disparities between member states particularly during the current covid-19 public health crisis to address the increased cases of male violence against women and girls; draws attention , however , to the fact that several attempts to convince reluctant member states have already failed; warmly welcomes , therefore , the commission’s intention to propose measures in 2021 to achieve the objectives of the istanbul convention if the eu’s accession remains blocked; calls for preparatory actions for the launch of a framework directive on preventing and combatting violence against women based on article 84 tfeu to fight against all forms of violence through a strong intersectional approach; very much welcomes the planned extension of definitions of areas of particularly serious crime under article 83(1) of the tfeu , but calls for the inclusion of all forms of gender-based violence , in order to take a proactive approach and lay the groundwork for an eu directive on this issue , to build on provisions as set out in the istanbul convention and also meeting needs to combat sexual exploitation , trafficking and cyber violence;


### 5. welcomes the plan to table an additional recommendation on the prevention of harmful practices , and to launch an eu network on the prevention of both gender-based and domestic violence; requests that the definitions and goals of the istanbul convention be applied and that women’s rights and civil society organisations be involved on a continuous basis; ### 5. welcomes the plan to table an additional recommendation , as well as possible legislation , on the prevention of harmful practices , and to launch an eu network on the prevention of both gender-based and domestic violence; requests that the definitions and goals of the istanbul convention be applied and that women’s rights and civil society organisations be involved on a continuous basis; urges that appropriate follow-up measures are put forward , all respecting the principle of non-discrimination;


### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy; ### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace and the need for concrete measures at the eu level to fight against psychological and sexual harassment to address these issues; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy;


### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence; calls for binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector; ### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence; calls for binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence in the framework of a directive on preventing and combatting all forms of violence against women and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector , while also safeguarding fundamental rights online;


### b. whereas structures and stereotypes throughout the world perpetuate inequality , and whereas overcoming these structures and stereotypes will advance gender equality; whereas a strong women’s rights movement is needed to uphold democratic values , fundamental rights and women’s rights in particular , and whereas threats to women’s rights also represent threats to democracy; ### b. whereas harmful gender structures and stereotypes throughout the world perpetuate inequality , and whereas dismantling these structures and stereotypes will advance gender equality; whereas a strong women’s rights movement is needed to uphold democratic values , fundamental rights and women’s rights in particular , and whereas threats to women’s rights also represent threats to democracy;


### — having regard to articles 2 and 3(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) , and articles 6 and 8 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , ### — having regard to articles 2 and 3(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) , and articles 6 , 8 , 10 , 83 , 153 , 157 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) ,


### — having regard to article 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , ### — having regard to articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union ,


### — having regard to the european pillar of social rights and , in particular , its principles 2 and 9 , ### — having regard to the european pillar of social rights and , in particular , its principles 2 , 3 , 9 and 15 ,


### — having regard to the beijing declaration and platform for action , as well as the declarations adopted in the framework of the un summits beijing +5 , beijing +10 , beijing +15 and beijing +20 , ### — having regard to the beijing declaration and platform for action and the outcomes of its review conferences ,


### c. whereas the eu has adopted important legislation and provided key impulses to achieving gender equality; whereas , however , these efforts have slowed down in recent years , while movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished; whereas these movements are attempting to influence national and european policies; ### c. whereas the eu has adopted important legislation and provided crucial progress to achieving gender equality; whereas , however , these efforts have slowed down in recent years , while movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished; whereas these movements are attempting to influence national and european policies in order to block continued progress towards gender equality and worryingly to roll back already established fundamental rights;


### d. whereas violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; whereas a life free from violence is a prerequisite for equality; whereas disinformation campaigns on gender equality also focus on the issue of violence against women , as has been seen in relation to the istanbul convention; ### d. whereas violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; whereas a life free from violence is a prerequisite for equality; whereas disinformation campaigns to undermine the gender equality movement also block progress on the issue of eliminating violence against women , as has been seen in relation to the istanbul convention;


### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model; ### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care and domestic work , is mostly carried out by women , resulting in gaps in employment and career progression and contributing to the gender pay and pension gap;


### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model; ### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care and domestic work , is mostly carried out by women , resulting in gaps in employment and career progression and contributing to the gender pay and pension gaps; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model;


### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model; ### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work , stressing its equal value when compared to professional work , to foster the equal earner – equal carer model;


### g. whereas poverty in europe disproportionately affects women , in particular single mothers , women with disabilities , and elderly , migrant and ethnic minority women; ### g. whereas poverty in europe disproportionately affects women , in particular single mothers and mothers of large families , women with disabilities , and elderly , migrant and ethnic minority women;


### i. whereas access to comprehensive and age-appropriate information , and to sex and relationship education , as well as access to sexual and reproductive healthcare , are essential to achieving gender equality; ### i. whereas access to comprehensive and age-appropriate information , and to sexuality and relationship education , as well as access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights , including contraception and abortion care , are essential to achieving gender equality and prevent gender-based and intimate partner violence; whereas violations of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights , including denial of safe and legal abortion care , are a form of violence against women;


### j. whereas the gender equality index for 2019 reveals persistent inequalities between men and women in the digital sector; whereas closing the digital gender gap and guaranteeing women’s digital rights is of paramount importance , given the occurrence of discrimination resulting from biased data sets , models and algorithms in artificial intelligence (ai); whereas programmers in ai need to be aware of unconscious biases and stereotypes in order to avoid reproducing and reinforcing them; whereas the transformation and digitalisation of the labour market and the economy can deepen existing economic gaps and labour market segregation; ### j. whereas the gender equality index for 2019 reveals persistent inequalities between men and women in the digital sector and highlights the need for a gender perspective in and gender impact assessment of all policies addressing the digital transformation; whereas closing the digital gender gap and guaranteeing women’s digital rights is of paramount importance , given the potential for discrimination resulting from biased data sets , models and algorithms in artificial intelligence (ai); whereas programmers in ai need to be trained to recognise unconscious biases and stereotypes in order to avoid reproducing and reinforcing them; whereas investing in capacity building and skills in gathering adequate gender data is of paramount importance in achieving this objective; whereas the transformation and digitalisation of the labour market and the economy has the potential to create new opportunities for employment , including for groups normally excluded from the labour market but may also exacerbate existing economic gaps and labour market segregation if not harnessed correctly; whereas in this regard it is essential that women’s participation in digital entrepreneurship , stem and ict education and employment is encouraged;


### k. whereas gender mainstreaming , gender budgeting and gender impact assessments are essential tools for achieving gender equality in all eu policy areas; ### k. whereas gender mainstreaming , gender budgeting and gender impact assessments are essential tools for achieving gender equality in all eu policy areas , including within the eu recovery plan to respond to the covid-19 health crisis;


### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand; ### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear recognition of the gendered nature of human trafficking and sexual exploitation , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand , tackle the rise of sexual trafficking both within and between member states as well as third countries and emerging uses of the internet for the purposes of exploitation and to combat all types of gender-based violence , including fgm and early/forced marriage;


### 9. welcomes the announcement of a new eu-wide survey on the prevalence and dynamics of violence against women; ### 9. welcomes the announcement of a new eu-wide survey on the prevalence and dynamics of all forms of violence against women; stresses the need for comprehensive and comparable gender-disaggregated data at eu level and for harmonisation of data collection systems among member states;


### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets; calls for financial support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies; ### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets and the call on member states to ensure adequate investments in early childhood education , care services and long-term care services including from available eu funding; calls for financial support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies;


### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets; calls for financial support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies; ### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets; calls for support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies;


### 11. welcomes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020; points out , however , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed; strongly recommends the inclusion of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men , which could be defined as follows: ‘work shall be deemed of equal value if , based on a comparison of two groups of workers which have not been formed in an arbitrary manner , the work performed is comparable , taking into account factors such as the working conditions , the degree of responsibility conferred on the workers , and the physical or mental requirements of the work’; points out that gender-neutral job evaluation tools and classification criteria need to be developed for this purpose; ### 11. notes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020; calls on the commission to respect the principle of subsidiarity as enshrined in the treaties when proposing labour market and social policies; points out , however , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed;


### 11. welcomes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020; points out , however , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed; strongly recommends the inclusion of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men , which could be defined as follows: ‘work shall be deemed of equal value if , based on a comparison of two groups of workers which have not been formed in an arbitrary manner , the work performed is comparable , taking into account factors such as the working conditions , the degree of responsibility conferred on the workers , and the physical or mental requirements of the work’; points out that gender-neutral job evaluation tools and classification criteria need to be developed for this purpose; ### 11. welcomes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020; considers it necessary , however , to introduce eu-wide binding measures to bridge the gender pay gap; points out , moreover , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed; strongly recommends the inclusion of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men , which could be defined as follows: ‘work shall be deemed of equal value if , based on a comparison of two groups of workers which have not been formed in an arbitrary manner , the work performed is comparable , taking into account factors such as the working conditions , the degree of responsibility conferred on the workers , and the physical or mental requirements of the work’; points out that gender-neutral job evaluation tools and classification criteria need to be developed for this purpose;


### 12. urges the commission to campaign for more women in economic decision-making positions by highlighting the economic and societal advantages thereof , and sharing best practices , in order to break the deadlock on the women on boards directive; ### 12. urges the commission to campaign for more women in economic decision-making positions by highlighting the economic and societal advantages thereof , and sharing best practices such as public indexes on companies’ equality performance , in order to break the deadlock on the women on boards directive;


### 12. urges the commission to campaign for more women in economic decision-making positions by highlighting the economic and societal advantages thereof , and sharing best practices , in order to break the deadlock on the women on boards directive; ### 12. urges the commission to campaign for more women in economic decision-making positions by highlighting the economic and societal advantages thereof , and sharing best practices;


### 13. welcomes the support for gender parity in elected bodies such as the european parliament and stresses that it must serve as a role model in this regard; ### 13. welcomes the support for gender parity in elected bodies such as the european parliament and stresses that it must serve as a role model in this regard; calls on the member states to introduce binding quotas in their electoral systems to ensure equal representation of women and men in both the european and the national parliaments;


### 14. regrets the underrepresentation of women in the ict sector , and points out the risk of this reinforcing and reproducing stereotypes and gender bias through the programming of ai and other programs; calls for technologies and ai to be transformed into tools in the fight to eradicate gender stereotypes and to empower girls and women to enter science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) and ict fields of study and to stay on these career paths; ### 14. regrets the underrepresentation of women in the digital economy , ai , ict and stem sectors in terms of education , training and employment , and points out the risk of this reinforcing and reproducing stereotypes and gender bias through the programming of ai and other programs; calls on the commission to propose concrete measures for technologies and ai to be transformed into tools in the fight to eradicate gender stereotypes and to empower girls and women to enter science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) and ict fields of study and to stay on these career paths;


### 17. notes that tax policies have varying impacts on different types of households; stresses that individual taxation is instrumental in terms of achieving tax fairness for women; ### 17. notes that tax policies should be optimised to strengthen incentives for labour market participation amongst women; stresses that individual taxation is instrumental in terms of achieving tax fairness;


### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange between member states and the commission on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sex and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); calls on the commission to include srhr in its next eu health strategy , and to support member states in providing high-quality and low-threshold access to healthcare services; ### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange of best practices between member states , the commission and civil society organisations on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sexuality and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); calls on the commission to include srhr in its next eu health strategy , and to support member states in providing barrier-free access to high-quality and affordable healthcare services;


### 19. demands support for women’s rights defenders and women’s rights organisations in the eu and worldwide; calls for continuous monitoring of the state of play in relation to women’s rights and disinformation on gender equality policies in all member states and for an alarm system to highlight regression; calls on the commission to support studies analysing the impact of attacks and disinformation campaigns on women’s rights and gender equality , and calls on the commission to analyse their root causes , developing fact checks and counter-narratives; ### 19. demands support for women’s rights defenders and women’s rights organisations in the eu and worldwide; calls for continuous monitoring of the state of play in relation to women’s rights and disinformation on gender equality policies in all member states and for an alarm system to highlight regression; calls on the commission to support studies analysing the impact of attacks and disinformation campaigns on women’s rights and gender equality , and calls on the commission to analyse their root causes , developing fact checks , counter-narratives and awareness-raising campaigns;


### e. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the european social model; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across europe , with huge disparities between member states; ### e. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the european social model; whereas there is a clear positive correlation between social dialogue and industrial competitiveness and efficiency; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across europe , with huge disparities between member states;


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


### i. whereas adequate minimum wages are essential to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and generate demand; ### i. whereas adequate minimum wages and other instruments such as refundable tax credits are essential to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and generate demand;


### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model; reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline; ### 1. notes that the annual growth survey (ags) has now been renamed the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs); reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , without weakening the current framework , by complementing the european semester´s current approach , based on fiscal and budgetary discipline , with climate and environmental discipline through the introduction of new climate indicators;


### 1. calls for a genuine revision of the eu’s and the member states’ education , training and skills policies to deliver education and lifelong learning , addressing , in particular , the digital skills gap and the need for adaptation to the realities of the digitalised economy , and of preparing for the future impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market; stresses that these policies should promote personal and societal development while respecting the goals of the energy transition towards the low-carbon economy; ### 1. calls for a genuine revision of the eu’s and the member states’ education , training and skills policies to deliver education and lifelong learning that is accessible to all , addressing , in particular , the digital skills gap and the need for adaptation to the realities of the digitalised economy , and of preparing for the future impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market; stresses that these policies should promote personal and societal development as well as new future job opportunities , while respecting the goals of the energy transition towards the low-carbon economy; quality education , access for all and inclusiveness; calls on the mss to accelerate the implementation of country specific recommendations.


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


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


### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage is frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning; ### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage is frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities , particularity gender equality; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education , including disadvantaged groups , people with a migrant background and people with disabilities; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning , and to foster the exchange of best practices within the erasmus+ programme;


### 3. welcomes the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020; emphasises the central role of the social scoreboard in the european semester; calls on the commission to reinforce the scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the epsr; ### 3. welcomes the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020; emphasises the central role of the social scoreboard in the european semester; calls on the commission to reinforce the scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the epsr such as inclusive access to education , health , nutrition , employment , housing , and preserving social rights and to ensure such indicators are analysed on a disaggregated basis e.g. children , youth , seniors , gender , migrants and persons with disabilities;


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


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


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment , especially regions that suffer demographic disadvantages , such as depopulated or sparsely populated regions as well as rural areas;


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls on the commission to increase the funds at adequate level and on the member states to fully use all the eu instruments to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment;


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment , youth and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for dynamic measures to tackle youth and long-term unemployment as well as the issues faced by the neets by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average youth and long-term unemployment;


### 4. believes that investing in human capital , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business; ### 4. believes that investing in human capital , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , including people with a migrant background , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education from an early age on , in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business and of promoting environmental , digital and financial literacy among young generations;


### 5. is concerned about the limited intergenerational social mobility and increased income inequality compared to pre-crisis levels; calls on the commission and the member states to tackle income inequalities; stresses that tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way to reduce inequalities and promote fairness; ### 5. is concerned about the limited social mobility that hinder labour mobility and the realisation of a well-functioning single market; stresses the need to improve opportunities for mobility responding to labour market shortages in member states;


### 5. is of the opinion that the european structural and investment funds can provide options for better access to information and the active inclusion of young people , especially those living in rural and remote areas; ### 5. is of the opinion that the european structural and investment funds can provide options for better access to information and the active inclusion of young people , especially those living in rural and remote areas and people with a migrant background;


### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester; ### 6. takes note of the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls on the commission to respect the principle of subsidiarity as enshrined in the treaties when proposing labour market and social policies; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester;


### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester; ### 6. welcomes the commission consultation of social partners on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , with due respect to all the different national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to avoid labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester;


### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services; ### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and to propose legislation with adequate funding under the european social fund plus for the implementation of a european child guarantee as no child should be left behind as well as well-designed support services in order to ensure children’s equal access to free healthcare , free education , free childcare , decent housing and adequate nutrition;


### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services; ### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy , notably by increasing the financing to the most deprived persons under the new esf+ , and also to establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services;


### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses with a view to addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning; ### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses with a view to addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical , entrepreneurial and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the mutual recognition and validation of skills , diplomas and qualifications as well as non-formal and informal learning in order to facilitate mobility; stresses the need to effectively implement the european universities initiative with a view to ensuring that european universities become a pole of excellence and innovation;


### 8. calls on the commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemes in order to provide a social protection floor; ### 8. calls on the commission to assess and make a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes existing in the eu; asks the commission to draft a report , draw conclusions and highlight the best practices on this matter in order to provide a social protection floor;


### 8. calls for an increase in the quality and efficiency of education and training systems , the strengthening of comprehensive lifelong learning and the upgrading of skills , notably of disadvantaged groups , including people with a migrant background; reiterates its support to citizenship education in schools as a key pillar of developing european democracy; ### 8. calls for an increase in the quality and efficiency of education and training systems , the strengthening of comprehensive lifelong learning and the upgrading of skills , notably of disadvantaged groups , including people , especially young adults , with a migrant background; stresses the need for educational systems to promote healthy habits , particularly sport practice which significantly contributes to social inclusion and integration and reiterates its support to citizenship education in schools as a key pillar of developing european democracy;


### 9. calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; ### 9. calls for an integrated response to prevent the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and to eradicate homelessness; calls on the commission to propose a european framework for social and affordable housing for the efficient coordination of member state policies action in line with recommendation 19 of the epsr; notes that the commission should explore the implementation of existing successful models namely housing first through adequate funds such as the european social fund plus and the european regional development fund; stresses , moreover , the need for the commission and the member states to collect better and more harmonised data on the number of homeless people in europe as this constitutes the basis of any effective public policy;


### 9. calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; ### 9. calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; calls also , in line with the green deal , for adequate measures to address the issue of energy poverty;


### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed; ### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers , especially amongst marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities or with a migrant background , and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems and to invest in upskilling through the european structural and investment funds to ensure that education and training match employment needs; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed;


### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources and teaching , motivated and competent teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession. ### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources , tools and teaching , motivated , competent , more rewarded , teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession.


### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources and teaching , motivated and competent teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession. ### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources and teaching , motivated and competent teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession; calls for the need to ensure continuous quality training for teachers and trainers;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place;in this regard , welcomes the commission's commitment to propose a directive on pay transparency in the first 100 days in order to quickly close the gender pay gap and calls on member state to swiftly and fully implement the eu directive on work-life balance; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for policies that support entrepreneurship among women , giving them access to financing and business opportunities; calls also for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance by quickly implementing the directive on work-life balance for parents and carers and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; welcomes the recent commission consultation on the directive on pay transparency in order to close the gender pay and consequent pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work by providing adequate flexibility that can promote higher employment rates among women; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly;


### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; ### 12. calls on the commission for a coordinated eu initiative to ensure that workers who experience new forms of work , in particular platform workers , have access to a social protection system and are guaranteed all their social rights , regardless of their employment status , and to extend collective agreement coverage to platform workers;


### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; ### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and ensure fair working conditions , rights and social protection for platform workers;


### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment; ### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers , ensuring them access to education and training , and creating incentives for their employment and employability; recalls that the guiding principles which underlie the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) , such as full and effective participation and inclusion in society , equality of opportunity and accessibility , must be fully implemented at both eu and national levels;


### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment; ### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers with the opportunities that digital work offers for their inclusion and creating incentives for their employment in line with the principle 17 of the epsr on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. in this regard , the european disability strategy post 2020 should be aimed at facilitating employment of persons with disabilities in the labour market;


### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; ### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; welcomes the announcement of commission president1a that the commission will present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances;


### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health; ### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , and to allow more investment in human capital , health , education , training , up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning schemes to fully benefit from the opportunities brought by the transition to a climate-neutral economy and to ensure that no one is left behind;


### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health; ### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition‘; stresses that this can be achieved by using appropriate flexibility within the stability and growth pact and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health;


### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health; ### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs; calls on member states to use the existing flexibility in the euro area fiscal rules in order to invest more in human capital , skills and health;


### a. whereas the common fisheries policy (cfp) aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable in the long term and that this sustainability is based on three pillars – environmental , social and economic; ### a. whereas the common fisheries policy (cfp) aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are socially , economically and environmentally sustainable and must continue to be carried out in the long term in order to maintain the sector's attractiveness for the labour force; considering that when a fisheries sector is economically viable , the activity becomes more attractive for young people;


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


### c. whereas , according to information gathered by the fao , women account for more than 20% of jobs related to aquaculture production , but only around 3% of those in productive fishing; ### c. whereas , according to information gathered by the fao , women account for more than 20% of jobs related to aquaculture production , but only around 12% of those in productive fishing; whereas much of the work carried out by women to maintain the activity , such as that of packers , net-makers and neskatillas (women who help to unload and clean fish) , goes unrecorded; whereas the data gathered are inaccurate , ignoring as they do a significant proportion of women's work in the sector;


### 3. highlights the considerable economic impact of the covid-19 pandemic , and the necessity for the member states to allocate european funds to support the preservation and creation of jobs in the fisheries sector; ### 3. highlights the considerable economic impact of the covid-19 pandemic , as well as the uncertain economic forecasts after the ending of the transition period on 1 january 2021 following the departure of the united kingdom from the eu , and the necessity for the member states to allocate european funds to support the preservation and creation of jobs in the fisheries sector;


### 3. highlights the considerable economic impact of the covid-19 pandemic , and the necessity for the member states to allocate european funds to support the preservation and creation of jobs in the fisheries sector; ### 3. highlights the considerable economic and social impact of the covid-19 pandemic , and the necessity for the member states to allocate european funds to support the preservation and creation of jobs in the fisheries sector;


### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; ### 4. welcomes the benefits brought by strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; stresses in this regard the need to be consistent with the objectives of the european green deal , sustainable development goal 14 and the paris agreement;


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


### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector and people interested in such work access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education enabling them to adapt to new market trends (e.g. organic food , specialised tourism , sale and promotion of local products by means of new technologies); ### 5. underlines the importance of providing workers in the fisheries sector , in particular young people and people interested in such work , access to training courses , counselling , internships and vocational education enabling them to adapt to new market trends (e.g. organic food , specialised tourism , sale and promotion of local products by means of new technologies); stresses the need to provide young people with all relevant information so that they can be fully involved in the fisheries sector by highlighting possible career developments , in particular by creating bridges between small-scale and industrial fishing;


### 5. urges the commission , particularly eurostat , and the member states , to take account of employment trends , not only in relation to the total number of jobs , but also with regard to the level of training and age structure of the working population in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and , if possible , also in the fisheries and aquaculture value chain , producing data in this respect in similar detail to those that exist for monitoring economic activity and the performance of the sector in a specific way; ### 5. urges the commission , particularly eurostat , and the member states , to take account of employment trends , not only in relation to the total number of jobs , but also with regard to the level of training , gender and age structure of the working population in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and , if possible , also in the fisheries and aquaculture value chain , producing data in this respect in similar detail to those that exist for monitoring economic activity and the performance of the sector in a specific way;


### 6. recalls that mutual recognition of qualifications and maritime safety certificates within the eu will increase staff mobility , and make the maritime professions more attractive to the young generation; is of the opinion that recognition of certificates should not require excessive financial and bureaucratic burdens; ### 6. encourages member states to develop nautical-fisheries dual vocational training programmes and a common standard on the training and certification of fishers of the eu fishing fleet and to link safety training and certification with sustainability training in order to improve the attractiveness of the industry for young people and to facilitate the free movement of fishers; urges member states to allocate funding to help meet the cost of certification and training;


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


### 8. recalls that eu cohesion policy is the eu’s main investment policy for reducing economic , social and territorial disparities; calls , further , on the member states and the commission to also use emergency support instrument (esi) funds and especially the emff as a tool for involving citizens at local level in developing responses to the challenges faced by the fisheries sector; ### 8. recalls that eu cohesion policy is the eu’s main investment policy for reducing economic , social and territorial disparities;calls , further , on the member states and the commission to also use emergency support instrument (esi) funds and especially the emfaf as a tool for involving citizens at local level in developing responses to the challenges faced by the fisheries sector; urges the emfaf to further strengthen the eu’s support to fishers for the collection of lost fishing gear and marine litter , thus contributing to the protection and restoration of marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystems and the implementation of the european strategy for plastics in a circular economy;


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


### 9. stresses that , despite international and eu efforts to improve safety conditions on board vessels , particularly fishing vessels , the international conventions setting out the rules and systems for the protection of ships and persons on board apply only to larger and newly built vessels; ### 9. stresses that , despite international and eu efforts to improve safety conditions on board vessels , particularly fishing vessels , the international conventions setting out the rules and systems for the protection of ships and persons on board apply above all to larger and newly built vessels;


### 10. underlines therefore the importance of supporting new markets for the sale of fish and other sea products , and of simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of local markets for fresh fish; encourages further digitalisation of the sector , which should allow for better cooperation between fishermen and customers , as well as better management of the fish and other sea products caught , and the prevention of waste; highlights the value of access to training on this supported by eu funds; ### 10. underlines therefore the importance of supporting new markets for the sale of fish and other sea products , such as fishery by-products that can be extracted and supplied to the non-food market (e.g. animal feed , pharmaceuticals , etc.) , thus optimising the use of resources; calls for the simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of local markets for fresh fish to boost direct fish marketing and home delivery services , especially for msmes , as it can result in the local community retaining a higher proportion of the value of its harvest; encourages further digitalisation of the sector , which should allow for better cooperation between fishers and customers; calls on member states to support the commission’s eu fisheries control system proposal to strengthen current traceability provisions with a view to helping to better understand stocks and secure certification of sustainability and origin , as they can contribute to a better management of resources and open up higher-value markets; highlights the value of access to training on this supported by eu funds;


### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; ### 11. is highly concerned about fishers’ health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on member states to ratify ilo working fishing convention no.188 to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector and a level playing field and fair competition among fishing companies across the world;


### 11. points out that maritime workers , including fishers , are often excluded from the scope of european and member states’ national legal frameworks on labour , taking into account that many rules do not apply to the reality of these workers’ activities; points out that , as it is not possible to apply general labour schemes , it is necessary to ensure that a number of basic premises related to employment regulations are provided , in a tailored manner , for seafarers and , in particular , for fishers; ### 11. points out that maritime workers , including fishers , are often excluded from the scope of european and member states’ national legal frameworks on labour , taking into account that many rules do not apply to the reality of these workers’ activities; points out that – as it is not possible to apply general labour schemes since fishers' income depends on what they catch under the available quotas allocated to them – it is necessary to ensure that a number of basic premises related to employment regulations are provided , in a tailored manner and with due account for the above-mentioned circumstances and the specific characteristics of the inshore and small-scale sector , for seafarers and , in particular , fishers , who are often also owners of their vessels;


### 12. expresses its concern about the aging workforce in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation; calls on member states to undertake actions to remove obstacles to starting a career in the sector , such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3 ; ### 12. expresses its concern about the aging workforce and the lack of gender equality and equity in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation and women; encourages member states to ensure that municipal childcare services that operate during fishing working hours are available in all fishing communities; calls on member states to undertake actions to remove obstacles to starting a career in the sector , such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3;


### 13. considers that reintegration of former fishermen with disabilities into the labour market by guaranteeing an accessible working environment leads to social inclusion , and creates incentives for income creation in the fisheries sector and fishing communities. ### 13. considers that reintegration of former fishers with disabilities into the labour market by guaranteeing an accessible working environment leads to social inclusion , and creates incentives for income creation in the fisheries sector and fishing communities; calls on the competent authorities to support access to adaptive fishing and outdoors equipment for persons with disabilities;


### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a fact which was first acknowledged at least two decades ago , and which creates additional difficulties in the industry as a whole and exacerbates social problems in coastal communities; ### g. whereas , even so , the majority of member states and the eu’s economic partners in the fishing industry refer often to the income insecurity of fishing activity in some sectors , which is a factor in young people’s lack of interest in fishing , a trend that has been increasing in recent years , and which creates additional difficulties in maintaining activities troubled by job losses in coastal communities;


### j. whereas safety issues – fishing activity is universally considered a risky profession – and the arduous nature of work on fishing boats are significant factors in younger people’s lack of interest in fishing; ### j. whereas safety issues – fishing activity is universally considered a risky profession – the arduous nature of work on fishing boats and the lack of guarantees on remuneration , which cannot be ensured owing to dependence on possible quota allocations , are significant factors in younger people’s lack of interest in fishing;


### k. whereas the lack of standardisation in certification and basic training for fishers , as well as in their recognition among member states , was identified as a constraint two decades ago , and whereas few developments have been made; ### k. whereas the lack of standardisation in certification and basic training for fishers , as well as in their recognition among member states , was identified as a constraint that must be addressed and resolved;


### l. whereas the results of the economic performance of the eu fleet generally indicate improvements in income and an annual increase in profits and average earnings for fishers , but when analysed in detail by member state , sea basin and fishing fleet , these trends are not universal and , in particular , are not reflected in trends among the eu’s small-scale coastal fleet; ### l. whereas the results of the economic performance of the eu fleet generally indicate improvements in income and an annual increase in profits and average earnings for fishers , depending on the types of fleet and quotas available; whereas when analysed in detail by member state , sea basin and fishing fleet , these trends are not universal and , in particular , are not reflected in trends among the eu’s small-scale coastal fleet;


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


### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size; proposes that steps be taken to establish basic legal rules applicable in a uniform and cross-cutting manner to the entire eu fishing fleet , taking into account specific characteristics concerning vessel size and the types of fishing operation for which vessels are intended; ### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size; reminds member states of the importance of transposing directive (eu) 2017/159 – which incorporates ilo convention no 188 into eu law – into their national law;


### 17. insists on the need to ensure that the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) makes a significant contribution to improving the working , living and safety conditions on eu vessels , finding ways to improve those conditions without increasing fishing capacity , with particular attention paid to small-scale coastal fishing vessels; ### 17. insists on the need to ensure that the european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) makes a significant contribution to improving the working , living and safety conditions on eu vessels , finding ways to improve those conditions without increasing fishing capacity , with particular attention paid to inshore and small-scale coastal fishing vessels;


### 25. notes that , under the 1995 international convention on standards of training , certification and watchkeeping for fishing vessel personnel (stcw-f) , the ilo establishes a number of fundamental standards regarding working conditions , including minimum safety training requirements for all types and sizes of fishing vessel; points out that , while this convention has been in force since september 2012 , it applies only in those countries that have ratified it; ### 25. notes that , under the 1995 international convention on standards of training , certification and watchkeeping for fishing vessel personnel (stcw-f) , the ilo establishes a number of fundamental standards regarding training and safety conditions , including minimum safety training requirements for all types and sizes of fishing vessel; points out that , while this convention has been in force since september 2012 , it applies only in those countries that have ratified it;


### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishermen must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of existing and incoming eu fishermen; ### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishermen must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of existing and incoming eu fishermen; emphasises that the administrative burden required by the current emfaf in some countries has led to the rejection of training applications , including from small-scale fishers , and that the new emfaf will have to overcome these difficulties in order to make an effective contribution to crew training;