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


### 137. notes that the shock of the pandemic to labour markets in 2020 was short and sharp , and that the recovery has been swift , aided by policy interventions and significant public support at national and eu level; underlines that overall , eu employment recovered to pre-crisis levels within two years , compared to nearly eight years following the global financial crisis; ### 137. notes that the shock of the pandemic to labour markets in 2020 was sharp , and that the recovery has not been swift , inadequately aided by policy decisions at national and eu level; underlines that overall , eu employment did not recover to pre-crisis levels within two years;


### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; ### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs , statistically affecting more women than men , but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; notes that the surge in youth unemployment is due to the overrepresentation of young people in precarious employment , such as part-time , fixed term , or temporary agency work; highlights that while they have economically been disproportionately impacted by the crisis , many young people have not had access to minimum income schemes in eu countries due to criteria discriminating on the basis of age;


### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; ### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , especially those in atypical employment relationships or working conditions; including but not limited to self-employed and freelance workers , contractual workers , especially in the field of sub-contracting , seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected;


### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were concentrated in low-paid jobs but that the recovery in employment during 2021 was driven by growth in well-paid jobs and occupations; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected; ### 138. notes that job losses during the pandemic were not just low-paid jobs; underlines that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on certain categories of workers , including self-employed workers and contractual workers , such as seasonal and temporary workers , who were strongly affected;


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


### 139. stresses that on average , about 90 % of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) reported suffering an economic impact in the first months of the pandemic , with the worst affected sectors being services , with a drop in turnover of between 60 % and 70 %; notes that the food sector followed with an impact of between 10 % and 15 %; points out that 30 % of all smes reported that their turnover suffered at least an 80 % loss and that the eu hospitality sector was the worst affected , with over 1.6 million jobs being lost in this sector between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2020; ### 139. stresses that on average , about 90 % of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) reported suffering an economic impact in the first months of the pandemic , with the worst affected sectors being services , with a drop in turnover of between 60 % and 70 %; notes that the food sector followed with an impact of between 10 % and 15 %; points out that 30 % of all smes reported that their turnover suffered at least an 80 % loss and that the eu hospitality sector was the worst affected , with over 1.6 million jobs being lost in this sector between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2020; notes that the loss of jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector has aggravated a pre-existing lack of qualified or adequate workforce , making the retention of talent even more difficult;


### 139. stresses that on average , about 90 % of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) reported suffering an economic impact in the first months of the pandemic , with the worst affected sectors being services , with a drop in turnover of between 60 % and 70 %; notes that the food sector followed with an impact of between 10 % and 15 %; points out that 30 % of all smes reported that their turnover suffered at least an 80 % loss and that the eu hospitality sector was the worst affected , with over 1.6 million jobs being lost in this sector between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2020; ### 139. stresses that about 90 % of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) reported suffering an economic impact in the first months of the pandemic , with the worst affected sectors being services , with a drop in turnover of between 60 % and 70 %; notes that the food sector followed with an impact of between 10 % and 15 %; points out that 30 % of all smes reported that their turnover suffered at least an 80 % loss and that the eu hospitality sector was the worst affected , with over 1.6 million jobs being lost in this sector between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2020;


### 140. welcomes member states’ efforts to help smes with schemes such as loan guarantees or subsidies; notes that smes in all european countries used the short-term unemployment scheme to protect their workers and businesses and that member states also implemented income subsidies to cover self-employed workers’ loss of income; ### 140. welcomes member states’ efforts to help smes with schemes such as loan guarantees or subsidies , as exceptional measures in times of crisis; notes that smes in all european countries used the short-term unemployment scheme to protect their workers and businesses and that member states also implemented income subsidies to cover self-employed workers’ loss of income;


### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; ### 37. notes that , at the beginning of the pandemic , many member states’ health systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of such a crisis; points out that policy cuts in member states since the 2008 financial crisis have resulted in cuts in healthcare materials , personnel and facilities , which prevented them from being adequately prepared for the covid19 pandemic; highlights the need to promote resilience and sustainability in national health systems by investing in public health;


### 38. points out that the member states faced obstacles concerning national coordination , cooperation with experts , research funding , the exchange of data and cooperation and solidarity within member states; observes that some of the challenges faced by the member states were a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of icu (intensive care unit) beds available (that dropped dramatically between 2019 and 2020) , shortages of staff , a lack of preparedness plans or a clear governance structure , an insufficient strategic stock of personal protective equipment , insufficient infection prevention and control plans in healthcare settings , inadequate indoor air quality in public buildings and how to effectively communicate with the public; ### 38. underlines that although the impact of the pandemic was different in each member states , common challenges and obstacles occurred , arising particularly from the constant de-financing of public healthcare systems in the last few decades; recalls that under-funded healthcare systems were unprepared to cope with the magnitude of this pandemic , having to deal with a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare services , a lack of general hospitalization beds and even more of icu (intensive care unit) beds available , shortages of staff , shortage of personal protective equipment , medicines and medical devices used in icus , and a general distress in providing citizens with appropriate healthcare services; recalls furthermore that plans for surveillance , monitoring and preparedness were evidently not up to task and that their establishment and update must be a priority both at eu an national level; reminds also that a clear governance structure should be determined for emergency situations to coordinate all levels of government;


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


### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; ### 39. welcomes the commission proposal for a european health data space , especially in light of the fact the eu lacked an effective system for data collection , data exchange and epidemiological reporting , which are key tools in addressing pandemics; observes that public health surveillance before and during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance and data supervision systems needs to be established; notes that sars-cov-2 continues to pose a significant public health threat that requires continued surveillance , data collection and exchange; calls on the commission to adopt the necessary legislative and regulatory measures to ensure that plans for surveillance , monitoring and preparedness are established and regularly updated both at eu and national level;


### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; ### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; points out that sarscov2 still poses a major threat to public health which requires continued surveillance and data collection and exchange; highlights the need to develop warning systems between eu member states for future pandemics;


### 39. notes that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection and exchange and for epidemiological reporting , which was a key part of addressing the pandemic; observes that surveillance services during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and that dedicated surveillance systems had to be set up for this new pathogen; ### 39. welcomes the commission proposal for a european health data space , especially in light of the fact that the eu lacked an effective system for data collection , data exchange and epidemiological reporting , which was key in part of addressing the pandemic; observes that data supervision systems used during the pandemic were not fit for purpose and notes that dedicated data supervision had to be set up;


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### deleted


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; highlights the importance of having interoperable information systems that ensure information security and protect the rights of individuals and healthcare professionals; calls for the creation of a european common register of persistent covid cases and patients with chronic illnesses;


### 40. believes that the eu needs further regulatory simplification , the coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; ### 40. calls for further regulatory simplification , and the digitalisation of health systems; underlines the importance of data in medical research and highlights the european health data space as a key initiative in this field; calls on the eu and member states to collaborate on building infrastructures for clinical trials (e.g. to facilitate data sharing) , and on better coordination and acceleration of clinical trials at eu level;


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


### 41. supports adapting existing eu regulatory frameworks and soft law and developing and implementing new frameworks in order to allow national healthcare systems and the scientific community to benefit from artificial intelligence (ai) in the fields of clinical practice , biomedical research , public health and health administration , while ensuring the safety and respectful treatment of patients receiving ai-mediated healthcare; ### 41. stresses the importance of preparing healthcare systems to maximise the potential of artificial intelligence (ai) and information technology in the field of care , medicine and treatment; supports adapting existing eu regulatory frameworks , and developing and implementing new ones where appropriate , in order to allow national healthcare systems and the scientific community to benefit from ai and new digital opportunities in the fields of clinical practice and treatment , biomedical research , public health and health administration , while ensuring the safety and privacy of patients; underlines stresses that the application of ai and digital technologies in healthcare may severely impact fundamental rights and further deteriorate health inequalities , therefore recalls the need to ensure equal access to all in the eu;


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


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


### 43. reaffirms the need to improve the security of critical infrastructure , such as power grids and financial systems , as well as measures to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and to provide training to individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves , as these cyberattacks may also have an impact on patients and hospitals; ### 43. reaffirms the need to improve the security of critical infrastructure , such as power grids and financial systems and to guarantee their functioning , while protecting them against any emergency such as cyberattacks , as well as measures to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and to provide training to individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves , as these cyberattacks may also have an impact on patients , hospitals and healthcare services in general;


### 43. reaffirms the need to improve the security of critical infrastructure , such as power grids and financial systems , as well as measures to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and to provide training to individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves , as these cyberattacks may also have an impact on patients and hospitals; ### 43. reaffirms the need to identify critical infrastructure , such as power grids and financial systems , and guarantee their operation and service by protecting them in any emergency such as cyberattacks , as well as measures to increase awareness of cybersecurity risks and to provide training to individuals and organisations on how to protect themselves , as these cyberattacks may also have an impact on patients and hospitals;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states in the past years , which is one factor that has contributed to staff shortages and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; reiterates that the eu needs to take a stronger role in guiding , coordinating and steering the improvement of public health in member states;


### 44. is concerned that investment in public healthcare has not been prioritised in all the member states , which leads to staff shortages in this area and consequent low levels of resilience in health systems in the face of new possible emergencies; ### 44. regrets that investment in public healthcare has been regularly cut and neglected in the last decades and even more so in recent times leading to staff shortages in this area; recalls that this situation negatively and deeply affects the resilience of healthcare systems in the face of new possible emergencies;


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


### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; ### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving the working and hiring conditions of professionals , with the key aim of ending the structural focus on temporary work in the current system , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; calls for the introduction of contractual and pay formulas that will increase the attractiveness of professional practice in rural areas and other posts that are difficult to cover , and also for the establishment of the mechanisms and incentives needed to combat brain drain within europe;


### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; ### 45. calls for more investments in healthcare personnel to provide healthcare services with the necessary amount of professionals and end the structural temporality of the current system , improve their working conditions and rights , support the continuous development of skills and competences , in order to attract the next generations of healthcare workers and address shortages and the brain drain within the union; calls for the introduction of contractual and remuneration formulas aimed at making professional practice more attractive , in particular in those clinical specialities where the shortages of staff are more problematic , but also for disadvantaged and remote areas;


### 45. calls for investments in healthcare personnel to enhance their skills , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union; ### 45. calls for investments to enhance the number and skills of healthcare personnel , medical equipment and hospitals , and support member states in improving their working conditions , in order to attract the next generation of healthcare workers and address the lack of medical professionals and brain drain within the union , and for the development and implementation of uniform quality standards in all member states with regard to the provision of medical assistance;


### 47. highlights the need to upskill , reskill and out-skill workers for healthcare careers in order to be better prepared for potential emergency and crisis situations; calls for due consideration to be given to the further training and retraining of workers involved at all stages of the value chain; ### 47. highlights the need for member states to provide for continuous training , upskilling , reskill and out-skill of workers healthcare workers throughout their professional life , as provided for in relevant eu legislation , in order to be better prepared for potential emergency and crisis situations;


### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services; ### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services; in particular , recalls the vital role played by primary and territorial care in the monitoring and surveillance of communicable diseases and cross border health threats; recalls that those services must be available to all , also in remote and rural areas where often healthcare services are neglected;


### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services; ### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services and the development and implementation of uniform quality standards in all member states with regard to the provision of medical assistance at proximity;


### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services; ### 48. underlines the importance of primary care and ‘assistance at proximity’ in building resilient health systems that facilitate the continuity of health services during health emergencies and contribute to avoiding hospital congestion and collapse by sustaining the provision of essential local services , and by incorporating innovation in telemedicine , telepharmacy , self-sampling and self-diagnosis;


### 49. calls for the eu and the member states to rethink the role of primary care , focusing on its potential to relate to families on a day-to-day basis , to improve prevention and promote a greater community capacity to respond to health threats , in close coordination with hospital care; ### deleted


### 49. calls for the eu and the member states to rethink the role of primary care , focusing on its potential to relate to families on a day-to-day basis , to improve prevention and promote a greater community capacity to respond to health threats , in close coordination with hospital care; ### 49. calls for the eu and the member states to rethink the role of primary care , focusing on its potential to relate to patients on a day-to-day basis , to improve prevention and promote a greater community capacity to respond to health threats , in close coordination with hospital care; highlights the need to urgently reinforce primary care so that it can take on covid19 field epidemiology and surveillance work , and to equip it with the human and technological resources needed;


### 50. highlights the divergences in healthcare systems among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and peripheral islands; calls for the use of cohesion policy to even out these divergences; ### 50. regrets the profound discriminations suffered by citizens and patients in the access to healthcare services in the eu; highlights the divergences in healthcare systems among member states and among regions within member states , in particular remote rural areas , the outermost regions and peripheral islands; calls on the commission to include in the european health union package legislative and regulatory measures providing for binding minimum healthcare services and rights for all in the eu; call for the use of all appropriate eu funding instruments to address this situation and even out these discriminations and divergences;


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


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


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


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


### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; ### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; notes that although the eu rapidly provided funding for r&d through the eu financing instruments , a mechanism should be developed to rapidly leverage pandemic funding and to liaise eu funding with national funding;


### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; ### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced in some member states without using all development and research capacities existing in member states , such as the ‘cantacuzino’ national institute for military medical research and development in romania;


### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in research and development (r&d) made it possible for vaccines to be produced; ### 52. notes that lessons learned showed a lack of investment at eu and member state level in comprehensive , integrated surveillance systems and the collection and management of validated , comparable and interoperable data , which led to poor planning and preparedness , although previous investments in existing research and development (r&d) structures and strategies made it possible for vaccines to be produced and for covid19 to be diagnosed;


### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity; ### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries and certain island regions were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity;


### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity; ### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern and eastern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity;


### 53. notes that the eu reacted quickly by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu and investing in joint vaccine financing; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that the southern countries in the eu suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of pandemic lockdowns compared to the eu countries in the north-west and recognises that most southern countries were reliant on tourism as a principle source of economic activity; ### 53. appreciates that the eu reacted quickly to the economic recess caused by the pandemic by easing state aid rules , suspending fiscal rules , introducing the european instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) and nextgenerationeu; points out that member states were also able to spend and borrow easily thanks to the actions of the eu monetary and political authorities; recognises that some member states suffered a much larger gdp shock as a result of various factors , such as a more difficult epidemiological situation and consequently stricter pandemic lockdowns , as well as different pre-existing socio-economic situations;


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


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


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


### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in the production and distribution chain of medicinal products; ### 55. calls on the commission to reduce the eu’s dependence for key medicines , apis and starting materials for which the unions is entirely dependent on one country or a limited amount of manufacturers , by coming forward with a holistic package of measures to foster their production in europe , taking inspiration from the european chips act and the critical raw materials act; therefore calls on the commission to modify eu funds and state aid rules to better take the specific needs of the off-patent pharmaceutical sector into account; calls to adopt eu guidelines on medicines pricing and procurement practices , with a strong focus on incorporating requirements for multi-winner tenders , mainstreaming criteria such as meat and security of supply* , and rewarding companies that invest in the twin green and digital transition;


### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries and to act decisively to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside europe and ensure better sharing of data from the industry , earlier projections on where shortages may occur in the future and greater transparency in the production and distribution chain of medicinal products; ### 55. calls for the eu and the member states to reduce the eu’s dependence on third countries in the field of medicines and medical products , to take measures to prevent drug shortages , address supply chain vulnerabilities in the european system of sourcing medical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients from outside the eu and make enhanced use of joint procurement in this field; recalls the need to ensure better sharing of data from the industry , also through mandatory and regular communications between relevant stakeholders , including industry and ecdc , including supply and demand forecasts , in order to foresee where shortages may occur in the future; recalls that greater transparency is needed in the production and distribution chain of medicinal products , particularly regarding actual costs of r&;d;


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


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


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


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. recalls the role played by the ip protection system in offering the conditions for adequate investment to pharmaceutical r&d and stresses the importance to include safeguards to prevent abuses when offering incentives in medicinal research and development; stresses that the eu must promote pharmaceutical r&d as well as medicine availability and affordability; highlights the importance of promoting the sharing of ip and know-how of medical countermeasures; calls on the commission to support global initiatives that facilitate ip sharing such as the covid-19 technology access pool (c-tap) set up by who;


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. underlines the importance of fair and predictable ip protection in fostering and advancing medicinal research and development in the eu , stresses that this must not preclude the use of trips flexibility when necessary;


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research , production and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical production and r&d


### 56. underlines the importance of robust ip protection in offering incentives in medicinal research and development , and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d ### 56. underlines the importance of robust financing of r&d in the pharmaceutical sector and in making europe the leading place for pharmaceutical r&d


### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease caused by this new virus , including nothing about its genetic sequence (even if the sequence was then shared very soon) or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines; ### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and production and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease it caused;


### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that nothing was known about sars-cov-2 and the disease caused by this new virus , including nothing about its genetic sequence (even if the sequence was then shared very soon) or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines; ### 57. stresses that stepping up research on and development of responses to pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential prior to epidemics and pandemics is crucial; recognises that not much was known about the sars-cov-2 and the corresponding consequences on human beings caused by this virus , or its other characteristics and epidemiological behaviour , such as the methods of infection and transmission and infection , transmission and mutation rates; highlights that , therefore , in the beginning , research was required before a vaccine could be developed and that affected the industry production capacity to develop and deploy vaccines;


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


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


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


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


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


### 144. welcomes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans; ### 144. welcomes the measures and instruments that followed , with the development of the sure , the recovery and resilience facility (rrf) and nextgenerationeu , to which the eu committed eur 800 billion for grants and loans; underline that the rrf & sure were instrumental in mitigating the economic and social impact of pandemic in keeping our citizens at work; recognise however , the underuse of these instruments and need to move towards structural financial support measures in the long term;


### 147. notes that women’s labour-market participation in certain sectors has either stagnated or decreased and that this could have a strong impact on women’s pensions by aggravating the already wide pension gap (39 %) and increasing the risk of poverty and economic dependency; ### 147. notes that a stronger negative economic impact could be seen on women in comparison to men , that women’s labour-market participation in certain sectors has either stagnated or decreased and that this could have a strong impact on women’s pensions by aggravating the already wide pension gap and increasing the risk of poverty and economic dependency;


### 148. acknowledges that in 2020 , 3.6 % of women’s employment was lost compared to 2.9 % of men’s employment , while the greatest losses were in the americas , followed by asia-pacific , europe and central asia , and africa; notes that in 2021 , there were still 20 million fewer women in work than before the pandemic , compared to 10 million fewer men; notes that women were overrepresented in the hardest-hit sectors , such as the hospitality and food services sector , manufacturing and the health sector; takes the view that those delivering care were at centre stage of the pandemic; notes that a large percentage of workers in care are women who are subject to unequal pay; ### 148. acknowledges that in 2020 , 3.6 % of women’s employment was lost compared to 2.9 % of men’s employment , while the greatest losses were in the americas , followed by asia-pacific , europe and central asia , and africa; notes that in 2021 , there were still 20 million fewer women in work than before the pandemic , compared to 10 million fewer men; underlines that women experienced more work-life conflict during lockdowns and that the long term effects of this crisis will most likely again affect women more severely because of a gendered social mandate regarding care work; notes that women were overrepresented in the hardest-hit sectors , such as the hospitality and food services sector , manufacturing and the health sector; takes the view that those delivering care were at centre stage of the pandemic; notes that a large percentage of workers in care are women who are subject to unequal pay;


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


### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , male violence towards women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations; ### 149. acknowledges that previous research on pandemics shows that the prevalence of and severity of gender-based violence is exacerbated in times of crisis; highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , gender based violence against women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; reports that limited access to support services , like women shelters and hotlines in many cases left women with no place to go and seek help; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations;


### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , male violence towards women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations; ### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , male violence towards women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse and the member states imposed protection and support measures , particularly affecting vulnerable populations; calls on the eu and member states to establish mechanisms to prevent and combat domestic gender-based violence , as well as safe channels for reporting this type of male violence;


### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , male violence towards women increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations; ### 149. highlights that during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic , gender based violence increased significantly as the restrictive measures fostered a particularly enabling environment for abusers; notes that services helping victims of gender based violence had to shut down or be restricted; highlights in this context the especially difficult situation of women facing intersectional discrimination; notes , moreover that digitalisation drove an observable rise in online abuse particularly affecting vulnerable populations;


### 150. confirms that the restrictive measures in member states affected the mental health of teenagers and young adults; notes that there is evidence of a rise in mental health problems , anxiety , depression-related symptoms and suicidal behaviours; notes that lockdowns and the consequent lack of physical exercise also increased the prevalence of eating disorders and that all these issues were particularly manifest in vulnerable at-risk groups; ### 150. underlines that the restrictive measures in member states affected the mental health of children , teenagers and young adults , notably young women; is concerned that there is evidence of a rise in mental health problems , anxiety , depression-related symptoms and suicidal behaviours; notes that the long-term consequences of the pandemic on mental health is likely to have a stronger and compounding impact on young people with marginalised backgrounds facing greater socioeconomic inequalities; notes that lockdowns prevented young people living in vulnerable situations from accessing and affording mental health services; notes that lockdowns and the consequent lack of physical exercise also increased the prevalence of eating disorders and that all these issues were particularly manifest in vulnerable at-risk groups;


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


### 151. notes that some younger students showed a decline in reading , writing and maths skills; points out that among students from low-income households this learning deficit was found to be twice that among those from higher-income households , such that the gap between the strongest and weakest students has widened; ### 151. notes that students experienced a decline in educational quality and showed a decline in reading , writing and maths learning performance and the development of skills leading to negative long-term impact; points out that among students from low-income households this learning deficit was found to be twice that among those from higher-income households , such that the gap between children from vulnerable households and children from socio-economic resilient households widened;


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


### 151. notes that some younger students showed a decline in reading , writing and maths skills; points out that among students from low-income households this learning deficit was found to be twice that among those from higher-income households , such that the gap between the strongest and weakest students has widened; ### 151. (does not affect the english version.)


### 152. reports that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also complicated the situation of disadvantaged children making their position even more precarious; ### 152. reports that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also complicated the situation of disadvantaged children , especially those of multiply marginalised , making their position even more precarious;


### 152. reports that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also complicated the situation of disadvantaged children making their position even more precarious; ### 152. emphasises that social inequalities have always affected children’s mental well-being but that this has become a serious social issue in the wake of the pandemic; notes that the pandemic exacerbated domestic violence and abuse towards children and widened educational and digital divides , particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds; believes that school closures also worsened the situation of disadvantaged children making their position even more precarious;


### 153. is concerned that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received much less mental health support compared to older adults and this could remain an ongoing issue; ### 153. warns that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received much less mental health support compared to older adults and this could remain an ongoing issue without joint interventions at european level;


### 153. is concerned that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received much less mental health support compared to older adults and this could remain an ongoing issue; ### 153. is concerned that during the pandemic children and young people suffering from mental health issues received not enough mental and psychological support and this could remain an ongoing issue;


### 154. finds that the pandemic had a disastrous impact on people with disabilities; emphasises that people with disabilities faced discrimination in terms of access to healthcare and difficulty obtaining ppe; stresses that lockdowns resulted in feelings of loneliness , which exacerbated addiction and mental health issues , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised; ### 154. stresses that lockdowns impacted heavily those who already were marginalised or disadvantaged , by aggravating their social conditions , their chances of occupation , their rights as citizens and their participation to society; recalls that the pandemic exacerbate their feelings of isolation and loneliness , bringing a further complication for those who suffered of addictions and mental health issues already , particularly among low-income families , women , the elderly , children , migrants and refugees and people with disabilities , who were the most vulnerable group; notes that the needs of socially disadvantaged groups were not met at the beginning of the first lockdown and are still to be properly addressed; points out that social services were not considered critical infrastructure and the important role of socio-economic factors in health risks was not recognised;


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


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


### 155. states that the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; notes that it also increased signs of depression and anxiety among the elderly and their caregivers as well as increased financial difficulties for the caregivers; points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance; ### 155. states that the pandemic had a major impact on the elderly and people with dementia due to their isolation and reduced opportunities for social interaction , as well as the suspension of their daily activities; (does not affect the english version.) points out that this contributed to the progression of the dementia-related symptoms , and adults with dementia and covid-19 experienced serious difficulties in receiving appropriate medical care and assistance;


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


### 158. notes that during the pandemic the eu moved towards new forms of digitalisation and flexible working; highlights that the appropriate use of digital tools can be an asset to employers and workers in terms of allowing greater freedom , independence and flexibility to better organise working time and working tasks , reduce time spent travelling to work , and make it easier to manage personal and family obligations , thus enabling a better work-life balance; notes that workers’ needs vary widely and therefore emphasises the importance of developing a clear framework that simultaneously promotes personal flexibility and protects workers’ rights; ### 158. notes that during the pandemic the eu labour market moved towards new forms of digitalisation and flexible working; highlights that the appropriate use of digital tools can be an asset to employers and workers in terms of allowing greater freedom , independence and flexibility to better organise working time and working tasks , reduce time spent travelling to work , and make it easier to manage personal and family obligations , thus enabling a better work-life balance; underlines also that these new forms of working can also have a negative impact on the working conditions , with workers required to work longer hours or be available out of their working hours , but also by forcing them to work in non suitable environments such as their homes; notes that workers’ needs vary widely and therefore emphasises the importance of developing a clear framework that simultaneously promotes personal flexibility and protects workers’ rights , including the right to disconnect; stresses that no change in the work conditions shall be forced upon the worker , that innovation on the working modality must always be negotiated with trade unions and workers representatives and agreed with a consensual approach; stresses that no change should bring a deterioration of worker's rights and of their working conditions;


### 158. notes that during the pandemic the eu moved towards new forms of digitalisation and flexible working; highlights that the appropriate use of digital tools can be an asset to employers and workers in terms of allowing greater freedom , independence and flexibility to better organise working time and working tasks , reduce time spent travelling to work , and make it easier to manage personal and family obligations , thus enabling a better work-life balance; notes that workers’ needs vary widely and therefore emphasises the importance of developing a clear framework that simultaneously promotes personal flexibility and protects workers’ rights; ### 158. notes that during the pandemic the eu moved towards new forms of digitalisation and flexible working; highlights that the appropriate use of digital tools can be an asset to employers and workers in terms of allowing greater freedom , independence and flexibility to better organise working time and working tasks , reduce time spent travelling to work , and make it easier to manage personal and family obligations , thus enabling a better work-life balance; notes that workers’ needs vary widely and therefore emphasises the importance of developing a clear framework that simultaneously promotes personal flexibility and protects workers’ rights; with a clear focus on reconciling work and family life; calls for the implementation of telework in future pandemics to be done in a gender-sensitive manner and in accordance with the principle of co-responsibility;


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


### 159. calls on the commission and member states to take the necessary steps to make europe a truly business-friendly environment , with increased access to capital , more flexibility and less red tape for european companies so as to enable them to react quickly , continue business innovation and encourage entrepreneurship , while at the same time protecting and enforcing workers’ rights within the eu’s borders; ### 159. (does not affect the english version.)


### 160. stresses the need to strengthen support for member states’ social policies , with due respect for the principle of subsidiarity , so that no one is left behind; to achieve equal and effective access to social protection , strengthening efforts to achieve higher levels of employment while narrowing inequalities and gender gaps in relation to pay and benefits , and further reinforcing social dialogue; ### 160. stresses the need to strengthen eu and national social policies so that no one is left behind and in order to achieve equal and effective access to social protection , guaranteeing equal and fair access to high quality healthcare services , secure higher levels of employment while narrowing inequalities and gender gaps in relation to pay and benefits , and further reinforcing social dialogue while respecting social dialogue as well as bridging the digital gap;


### 160. stresses the need to strengthen support for member states’ social policies , with due respect for the principle of subsidiarity , so that no one is left behind; to achieve equal and effective access to social protection , strengthening efforts to achieve higher levels of employment while narrowing inequalities and gender gaps in relation to pay and benefits , and further reinforcing social dialogue; ### 160. stresses the need to strengthen support for member states’ social policies , with due respect for the principle of subsidiarity , so that no one is left behind; to achieve equal and effective access to social protection , strengthening efforts to achieve higher levels of employment while narrowing inequalities and gender gaps in relation to pay and benefits , and further reinforcing social dialogue , while respecting the autonomy of the social partners;


### 161. calls on the commission and member states to support , strengthen and safeguard freedom of movement (of people , goods and services) in future pandemics and minimise the burden of documentation and legislation; emphasises the need for rules and guidelines on travelling and disease detection to be harmonised between the member states to simplify procedures for smes; ### deleted


### 161. calls on the commission and member states to support , strengthen and safeguard freedom of movement (of people , goods and services) in future pandemics and minimise the burden of documentation and legislation; emphasises the need for rules and guidelines on travelling and disease detection to be harmonised between the member states to simplify procedures for smes; ### 161. calls on the commission and member states to support , strengthen and safeguard freedom of movement (of people , goods and services) in future pandemics and minimise the burden of documentation and legislation , also through specific measures to bring about the urgent elimination of the digital green certificate and romania’s immediate accession to the schengen area; emphasises the need for rules and guidelines on travelling and disease detection to be harmonised between the member states to simplify procedures for smes;


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


### 162. emphasises that the support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) instrument helps safeguard jobs , as do other similar programmes in the form of one-off economic and social solidarity measures in europe , while emphasising that such programmes should be based on loans , and only activated in the event of severe external financial or economic shocks; ### 162. emphasises that the support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (sure) instrument helped safeguard jobs and should continue to do so; underlines the potential of solidarity and support at the eu level should be further expanded and asks for sure to be made permanent , to allow member states to protect their citizens in times of crisis and economic shocks;


### 163. notes that the commission recommended that member states recognise covid-19 as an occupational disease in certain sectors during a pandemic; ### 163. notes that the commission recommended that member states recognise covid-19 as an occupational disease in certain sectors during a pandemic; recalls scientific findings related to long covid and the need for public authorities to concretely support and help people suffering from it , with adequate resources and policies;


### 164. states that while eu cooperation during the pandemic suffered some teething problems , it quickly made up for lost time with several key initiatives; notes that the free movement of goods and critical health staff was made possible through the establishment of green corridors; notes that the european agency for safety and health at work (eu-osha) played an important role in providing guidelines and information to businesses about covid-19 preventive measures , while the qr-code-based covid-19 certificate demonstrated that the eu was able to create a common digital certificate to benefit administrations , companies and the public; ### 164. states that eu cooperation during the pandemic suffered many teething problems; notes that the free movement of goods and critical health staff was also made possible through the establishment of green corridors; notes that the european agency for safety and health at work (eu-osha) played an important role in providing guidelines and information to businesses about covid-19 preventive measures , while the policy decision to introduce the qr-code-based covid-19 certificate did not demonstrate any real benefit for public health , administrations , companies and every european citizen;


### 165. recommends that lockdowns or other drastic safety measures should be taken in consultation with social partners at all the different stages of an unfolding emergency; ### 165. recommends that any lockdown or other safety measures should be taken only after consultation with social partners and in accordance with clear scientific evidence of the benefits of their implementation at all the stages of an unfolding emergency and following a comprehensive debate and a vote in the european parliament;


### 165. recommends that lockdowns or other drastic safety measures should be taken in consultation with social partners at all the different stages of an unfolding emergency; ### 165. recommends that lockdowns or other drastic safety measures should be taken in dialogue with social partners at all the different stages of an unfolding emergency , without hampering the duty of public authorities to protect people's safety and health;


### 166. concludes that measures to preserve sme jobs where possible through support schemes , income support , upskilling and reskilling of workers , reinforced support to the hardest-hit self-employed sectors should be further boosted; ### 166. concludes that measures to preserve jobs , including sme jobs , where possible through support schemes , income support , upskilling and reskilling of workers , reinforced support to the hardest-hit self-employed sectors should be further boosted;


### 167. calls on the member states to take full advantage of rrf funding , which is built on the notion of ‘build back better’ , with a view to reinforcing research and innovation and kick-starting the economy through ambitious proposals and policies , focusing particularly on the green and digital transition , in order to make the eu stronger; ### 167. (does not affect the english version.)


### 169. calls on the commission and member states to combat violence against women in all its forms and wherever it occurs , whether inside or outside the home; welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence but calls for its content to be improved to protect victims better; ### 169. calls on the commission and member states to combat violence against women in all its forms and wherever it occurs , whether inside or outside the home; welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence but calls for its content to be improved by including violence against women among particularly serious cross-border offences (“eurocrimes”). the call to the council to include this type of violence among the areas of crime listed in article 83 paragraph (1) tfeu makes this goal achievable;


### 169. calls on the commission and member states to combat violence against women in all its forms and wherever it occurs , whether inside or outside the home; welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence but calls for its content to be improved to protect victims better; ### 169. calls on the commission and member states to combat gender-based violence against women in all its forms and wherever it occurs , whether inside or outside the home or in the workplace; welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence but calls for its content to be improved to protect victims better;


### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; ### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; recommends that services helping persons victim of gender based violence are defined as essential services in the future;


### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; ### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should also be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely;


### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to allow women to reach for support more easily and safely; ### 170. suggests that the development of virtual or digital solutions should be promoted to provide them with support more easily and safely;


### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women have to be at the centre of solutions; considers that fostering innovation and digitalisation within the health service , particularly in areas where health provision is lagging is key as is relying on the expertise of civil society organisations; ### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women have to be at the centre of solutions;


### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women have to be at the centre of solutions; considers that fostering innovation and digitalisation within the health service , particularly in areas where health provision is lagging is key as is relying on the expertise of civil society organisations; ### 171. believes that cooperation between countries should be enhanced while decentralising care to better reach isolated populations; is convinced that local communities and the role of women and further enhancing gender equality have to be at the centre of solutions; considers that fostering innovation and digitalisation within the health service , particularly in areas where health provision is lagging is key as is relying on the expertise of civil society organisations;


### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of sexual exploitation in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a definition of sexual violence that is broader than the definition of rape , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives and following the standards of the istanbul convention; ### 172. calls on the commission to criminalise all forms of sexual exploitation in a harmonised way so as to provide a similar level of protection to all women in the eu no matter where they live; supports the inclusion in the directive of a definition of sexual violence that is broader than the definition of rape , and a definition of sexual harassment in line with the existing eu anti-discrimination directives and following the standards of the istanbul convention , requests that the european public prosecutor’s office acquires powers to this end through the appointment of a dedicated special prosecutor for all types of sexual violence and exploitation;


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


### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; ### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; stresses that in lockdown situations , women who suffer from gender-based violence , women victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation , as well as prostituted women , are particularly vulnerable groups; calls for the eu and member states to draw up a european plan to prevent , monitor and minimise the risks and vulnerabilities of this group in future pandemics;


### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; ### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; is of the opinion that these efforts must be supported by comprehensive policies aiming at increasing the gender balance in stem , in research and innovation; is convinced that women bring unique perspectives and experiences to these fields , which can lead to new discoveries and advancements;


### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in eu policy and national recovery plans; ### 173. calls for the eu and member states to step up their efforts to mainstream the gender perspective in all eu policies and their implementation in national recovery plans; stresses that gender mainstreaming in crisis situations is crucial to ensure that the different experiences faced by women and men are recognised and addressed;


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


### 174. calls for the eu and member states to closely monitor the use of rrf funds and their role in supporting measures for children , young people and young families; considers that investments should be made in compensatory policies , focusing on low socio-economic status individuals , programmes to prevent learning deficits , evidence-based education , adaptation of curricula , and investment in technology , school infrastructure and teachers’ professional development; is convinced that more eu funding on research is needed; ### 174. calls for the eu and member states to closely monitor the use of rrf funds and their role in supporting measures for children , young people and young families; considers that investments should be made in compensatory policies , focusing on low socio-economic status individuals , particularly for eastern european union countries , programmes to prevent learning deficits , evidence-based education , adaptation of curricula , by introducing health education , and investment in technology , school infrastructure and teachers’ professional development; is convinced that more eu funding on research and health education (creation of a new programme within horizon 2020) is needed;


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


### 175. calls on the commission to gather more information about the impact of the pandemic on children’s rights and psycho-social development , the empowerment of children regarding their rights , the inclusion of emergency measures concerning children in policy and legislation; ### 175. calls on the commission to gather more information about the impact of the pandemic on children’s rights and psycho-social development , the empowerment of children regarding their rights , the inclusion of emergency measures concerning children in policy and legislation; is concerned about the increased social isolation resulting from quarantine , and its consequences on the development of children and young people; calls for action to protect children and young people who have been cyberbullied;