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


### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy; ### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and visibility and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy; and to ensure that complaint mechanisms are independent , confidential and accessible for all women without discrimination and specific measures are provided to protect complainants from employer retaliation and repeated victimisation; welcomes the commission’s commitment to adopt , as employer , a new comprehensive legal framework with a set of preventive and reactive measures against harassment in the workplace;


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


### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy; ### 6. stresses the scope and impact of violence and harassment in the workplace; points out that informal carers , domestic workers and farm workers in particular lack protection and therefore calls on the member states to adopt international labour organisation (ilo) conventions 190 and 189 , in order to strengthen the rights of workers , especially women , in the informal economy; urges the commission to present a metoo-directive addressing sexual harassment at the workplace;


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


### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence; calls for binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector; ### 7. welcomes the proposed specific measures to tackle cyber violence often directed at women daring to speak out , like activists , women politicians and other public figures being used in order to silence women and shut them out of male dominated public life; calls for binding legislative measures to combat these forms of violence and to support member states in the development of training tools for the police force , the justice system and the information and communication technology sector;


### a. whereas the right to equal treatment is a defining fundamental right recognised in the european union treaties and in the charter of fundamental rights; ### a. whereas the right to equal treatment is a defining fundamental right recognised in the european union treaties and in the charter of fundamental rights and essential for its further development;


### b. whereas structures and stereotypes throughout the world perpetuate inequality , and whereas overcoming these structures and stereotypes will advance gender equality; whereas a strong women’s rights movement is needed to uphold democratic values , fundamental rights and women’s rights in particular , and whereas threats to women’s rights also represent threats to democracy; ### b. whereas structures and stereotypes throughout the world perpetuate inequality , and whereas overcoming these structures and stereotypes will advance gender equality; whereas women face intersecting inequalities and discrimination , including those linked to their race , ethnic or social origin , sexual orientation , gender identities and expression , religion or belief and residence status; whereas advancing gender equality and investing in women and girls not only benefits the whole society but is a goal in itself; whereas a strong women’s rights movement is needed to uphold democratic values , fundamental rights and women’s rights in particular , and whereas threats to women’s rights also represent threats to democracy;


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


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


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


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


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


### c. whereas the eu has adopted important legislation and provided key impulses to achieving gender equality; whereas , however , these efforts have slowed down in recent years , while movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished; whereas these movements are attempting to influence national and european policies; ### c. whereas the eu has adopted important legislation and provided key impulses to achieving gender equality; whereas , however , these efforts have slowed down in recent years , while movements opposing gender equality policies and women’s rights have flourished trying to re-establish traditional gender roles as the norm , questioning the status quo and blocking further progress; whereas these movements opposing gender equality policies , family diversity , same-sex marriage , sexual and reproductive health and rights as well as gender mainstreaming , try to influence national and european policy-making and whereas threats to women’s rights mean always also threats to democracy and social and economic progress;


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


### d. whereas violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; whereas a life free from violence is a prerequisite for equality; whereas disinformation campaigns on gender equality also focus on the issue of violence against women , as has been seen in relation to the istanbul convention; ### d. whereas violence against women in all its forms is a violation of human rights and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; whereas a life free from violence is a prerequisite for equality; whereas gender-based violence in health like e.g. obstetric and gynaecological violence are forms of violence that only came to light in recent years and whereas violence against older women still remains largely under-recognized; whereas disinformation campaigns on gender equality also focus on the issue of violence against women , as has been seen in relation to the istanbul convention leading to public opposition and harmful political decisions in some member states;


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


### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model; ### e. whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the division of labour at home , in education , at the workplace and in society; whereas unpaid care work , mostly carried out by women , contributes to the gender pay and pension gap; whereas work-life balance measures , such as the work-life balance directive , are important first steps , but need to be complemented by further measures in order to involve more men in unpaid work and to foster the equal earner – equal carer model; whereas traditional structures , unpaid care work and disincentives in national taxation systems contribute to push or keep women in second earner status which has negative consequences for women and their economic independence as well as for the society as a whole;


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


### f. whereas the participation of women in the labour market does not secure their equal participation in decision-making and therefore limits women’s potential to change economic , political , social and cultural structures; ### f. whereas the participation of women in the labour market does not secure their equal participation in decision-making and therefore limits women’s potential to change economic , political , social and cultural structures; whereas gender quotas , zipper list systems and sanctions have proven to be efficient measures to secure parity and to work against unequal power relations;


### h. whereas the impact of climate change is experienced differently by women , as they are more vulnerable and face higher risks and burdens for various reasons; whereas gender equality and the inclusion of women in decision-making is a prerequisite for sustainable development and the efficient management of climate challenges; whereas all climate action must include a gender and an intersectional perspective; ### h. whereas the impact of climate change is experienced differently by women , as they are more vulnerable and face higher risks and burdens for various reasons ranging from unequal access to resources , education , job opportunities and land rights to social and cultural norms and their diverse intersectional experiences; whereas gender equality and the inclusion of women in decision-making is a prerequisite for sustainable development and the efficient management of climate challenges in order to achieve a fair and just transition that leaves no one behind; whereas all climate action must include a gender and an intersectional perspective; whereas opportunities must be created to facilitate women playing stronger roles in the climate change discussions and decisions as leaders , professionals and technical agents for change;


### i. whereas access to comprehensive and age-appropriate information , and to sex and relationship education , as well as access to sexual and reproductive healthcare , are essential to achieving gender equality; ### i. whereas access to comprehensive and age-appropriate information , and to sexuality and relationship education , as well as access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights , including family planning , contraceptive methods and safe and legal abortion , are essential to achieving gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence; whereas girls’ and women’s autonomy and ability to free and independent decisions about their body’s and lives is a precondition for their economic independence and thus for gender equality and elimination of gender-based violence;


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


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


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


### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand; ### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; thus requests that the strategy looks closely at the situation of women in prostitution and the impact of cross-border prostitution; highlights the important role and work of the eu-anti-trafficking coordinator and underlines the importance to continue this work in the future; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand like for example the so-called nordic model;


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


### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand; ### 8. urges the commission to present the long-awaited eu strategy on the eradication of trafficking in human beings and underlines the need for a clear gender focus , as women and girls are the most affected and are trafficked for purposes of sexual and reproductive exploitation; reiterate its call to put an end to the practice of surrogacy and reproductive tourism; insists on the importance of including measures and strategies to reduce demand;


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


### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets; calls for financial support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies; ### 10. supports the revision of the barcelona targets to ensure free , accessible and high- quality childcare; calls for financial support for and the sharing of best practices among member states which have not yet achieved the targets; welcomes , furthermore , the development of guidance for member states on tackling financial disincentives in relation to social , economic and taxation policies; underlines the goal of equal carers and equal earners which needs to be at the heart of these efforts and welcomes , in this context , as a first step the work-life-balance directive;


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


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


### 11. welcomes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020; points out , however , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed; strongly recommends the inclusion of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men , which could be defined as follows: ‘work shall be deemed of equal value if , based on a comparison of two groups of workers which have not been formed in an arbitrary manner , the work performed is comparable , taking into account factors such as the working conditions , the degree of responsibility conferred on the workers , and the physical or mental requirements of the work’; points out that gender-neutral job evaluation tools and classification criteria need to be developed for this purpose; ### 11. welcomes the commission’s commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020 which can be a useful tool to detect gaps and discrimination in the same sector; points out , however , that the issue of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value across different occupational sectors still needs to be addressed to cover differences in pay for work which may not seem comparable at first sight and is performed in sectors that are highly gendered , which often results in lower wages being attributed to sectors which mostly employ women , such as nursing , care , retail , sales and the education sector , compared to , e.g. , the manufacturing sector or technical professions highly dominated by men; strongly recommends the inclusion of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value between women and men , which could be defined as follows: ‘work shall be deemed of equal value if , based on a comparison of two groups of workers which have not been formed in an arbitrary manner , the work performed is comparable , taking into account factors such as the working conditions , the degree of responsibility conferred on the workers , and the physical or mental requirements of the work’; points out that gender-neutral job evaluation tools and classification criteria need to be developed for this purpose in close cooperation with the social partners;


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


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


### 13. welcomes the support for gender parity in elected bodies such as the european parliament and stresses that it must serve as a role model in this regard; ### 13. welcomes the support for gender parity in elected bodies such as the european parliament and calls for the introduction of a binding quota and stresses that it must serve as a role model in this regard; welcomes furthermore the european commission’s announcement to lead by example with regards to management positions and calls for strategies to guarantee a meaningful representation of women from diverse backgrounds in decision-making roles in the european commission;


### 14. regrets the underrepresentation of women in the ict sector , and points out the risk of this reinforcing and reproducing stereotypes and gender bias through the programming of ai and other programs; calls for technologies and ai to be transformed into tools in the fight to eradicate gender stereotypes and to empower girls and women to enter science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) and ict fields of study and to stay on these career paths; ### 14. regrets the underrepresentation of women in the ict sector , and points out the risk of this reinforcing and reproducing stereotypes and gender bias through the programming of ai and other programs; highlights the possible negative impacts of digitalisation on women and girls and calls for gender mainstreaming in all of europe’s digital policies; calls for technologies and ai to be transformed into tools in the fight to eradicate gender stereotypes and to empower girls and women to enter science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) and ict fields of study and to stay on these career paths;


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


### 15. reiterates the importance of gender mainstreaming as a systematic approach to achieving gender equality; welcomes , therefore , the commission’s newly established task force on equality; underlines the importance of transparency and the involvement of women’s rights and civil society organisations; urges the commission to incorporate provisions making the consideration of inputs from the task force compulsory for directorates-general; ### 15. reiterates the importance of gender mainstreaming as a systematic approach to achieving gender equality underlines therefore its importance to be part of any solution to any challenge the eu and its member states are confronted with like the current covid-19 pandemic and its impact; welcomes , therefore , the commission’s newly established task force on equality; underlines the importance of transparency and the involvement of women’s rights and civil society organisations from diverse backgrounds; urges the commission to incorporate provisions making the consideration of inputs from the task force compulsory for directorates-general;


### 16. urges that gender mainstreaming be incorporated into eu environmental and climate policies , such as the green deal , that financial and institutional support , gender expertise and strong policy measures to encourage the equal participation of women in decision-making bodies and national- and local-level climate policy be guaranteed , and that recognition and support be given to women and girls as agents for change; ### 16. urges that gender mainstreaming be incorporated into eu environmental and climate policies , such as the green deal , that financial and institutional support , gender expertise and strong policy measures to encourage the equal participation of women in decision-making bodies and national- and local-level climate policy action is vital for achieving long-term climate justice , and that recognition and support be given to women and girls as agents for change;


### 17. notes that tax policies have varying impacts on different types of households; stresses that individual taxation is instrumental in terms of achieving tax fairness for women; ### 17. notes that tax policies have varying impacts on different types of households; stresses that individual taxation is instrumental in terms of achieving tax fairness for women; underlines the negative consequences of failing to incentivise women’s employment and their economic independence and draws attention to the high gender pension gap resulting from joint taxation; stresses that tax systems should no longer be based on the assumption that households pool and share their funds equally; underlines the impact of period poverty on many european women due to expensive menstrual hygiene products and high levels of taxation of these in many member states and thus urges the european commission and the member states to take action against this indirective tax discrimination and period poverty;


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


### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange between member states and the commission on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sex and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); calls on the commission to include srhr in its next eu health strategy , and to support member states in providing high-quality and low-threshold access to healthcare services; ### 18. reiterates the need for a regular exchange between member states and the commission on gender aspects in health , including guidelines for comprehensive sex and relationship education , gender-sensitive responses to epidemics and sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr); calls on the commission to include srhr in its next eu health strategy , and to support member states in providing high-quality and low-threshold access to healthcare services; calls on the member states to effectively guarantee safe , timely and full access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr) and the necessary healthcare services for all women and girls during the covid-19 pandemic and possible other crisis situations in the future;


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


### 19. demands support for women’s rights defenders and women’s rights organisations in the eu and worldwide; calls for continuous monitoring of the state of play in relation to women’s rights and disinformation on gender equality policies in all member states and for an alarm system to highlight regression; calls on the commission to support studies analysing the impact of attacks and disinformation campaigns on women’s rights and gender equality , and calls on the commission to analyse their root causes , developing fact checks and counter-narratives; ### 19. demands support for women’s rights defenders and women’s rights organisations in the eu and worldwide; underlines as well their financial difficulties resulting from the current crisis and calls for increased funding in order to sufficiently fund their continuous work; calls for continuous monitoring of the state of play in relation to women’s rights and disinformation on gender equality policies in all member states and for an alarm system to highlight regression informing the commissioner for equality , the commissioner for demography and democracy and the president of the commission; calls on the commission to support studies analysing the impact of attacks and disinformation campaigns on women’s rights , gender equality as well as on democracy , and calls on the commission to analyse their root causes , developing fact checks and counter-narratives;


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


### 20. calls for coherence between and the mutual reinforcement of the eu’s internal and external policies on the principles of gender mainstreaming and gender equality , countering gender stereotypes and norms , as well as harmful practices and discriminatory laws , through external relations; ### 20. calls for coherence between and the mutual reinforcement of the eu’s internal and external policies on the principles of gender mainstreaming and gender equality , countering gender stereotypes and norms , as well as harmful practices and discriminatory laws , through external relations; highlights in this regard in particular the eu’s trade policies , development cooperation and human rights policies;


### 21. welcomes the commission’s commitment to ensuring the inclusion of a specific chapter on trade and gender equality in the modernised association agreement with chile , and to promoting and supporting the inclusion of such chapters in all further eu trade and investment agreements; ### 21. welcomes the commission’s commitment to ensuring the inclusion of a specific chapter on trade and gender equality in the modernised association agreement with chile , and to promoting and supporting the inclusion of such chapters in all further eu trade and investment agreements building on existing international examples;


### a. whereas the employment rate of people aged 20-64 reached 73.9 % in the eu in the second quarter of 2019 , and 72.7 % in the euro area; ### a. whereas the employment rate of people aged 20-64 reached 73.9 % in the eu in the second quarter of 2019 , and 72.7 % in the euro area; whereas the employment rate may come close to the europe 2020 target but is unlikely to reach it; whereas the total hours worked have reached the 2008 level;


### c. whereas early school leaving and poor educational outcomes are obstacles to employment and economic growth; ### c. whereas early school leaving and poor educational outcomes are obstacles to employment and economic growth and they are closely related to poverty , social exclusion and segregation; whereas education systems do not provide sufficient support for social mobility;


### e. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the european social model; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across europe , with huge disparities between member states; ### e. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the european social model that requires strong and representative social partners; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across europe , with huge disparities between member states; whereas the share of employees in member states covered by any form of collective wage agreement ranged from 98% to 7.1% in 2016;


### f. whereas income inequalities remain at a high level; whereas wage austerity as well as tax and labour cost competition are harmful for the single market and increase inequalities and the vulnerability of low wage earners; whereas intergenerational social mobility is limited in most member states; ### f. whereas income inequalities remain at a high level; whereas wage austerity as well as tax and labour cost competition are harmful for the single market and increase inequalities and the vulnerability of low wage earners; whereas intergenerational social mobility is limited in most member states; whereas the oecd estimates that even in the best performing countries it would take from 2 to 3 generations for those born in low-income families to approach the mean income in their society;


### g. whereas more than one european in five is at risk of poverty and social exclusion; ### g. whereas more than one european in five is at risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the europe 2020 headline target to reduce the number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion (arope) by 20 million remains out of reach; whereas children continue to face a high risk of poverty or social exclusion and their average arope rate in 2018 was at 24.3% with several member states registering an alarming rate above 30%; whereas in-work poverty and the risk of having a household income below the poverty threshold while working remains high;


### i. whereas adequate minimum wages are essential to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and generate demand; ### i. whereas adequate minimum wages , strong collective bargaining systems , democracy at work , wage transparency and predictable working hours are essential elements to reduce in-work poverty , decrease inequalities and generate demand;


### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model; reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline; ### 1. welcomes the inclusion of the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model outlined in the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 , thus refocusing the european semester; reiterates the need to put sustainable development and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring the adoption of a holistic and consistent approach aimed at achieving full employment , full enjoyment of social rights for all citizens and the rapid transition towards a circular and carbon-neutral economy;


### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european growth model; reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline; ### 1. welcomes the annual sustainable growth strategy (asgs) 2020 and the refocusing of the european semester by including the sdgs and the european green deal as the basis of the new european model for sustainable prosperity; reiterates the need to put sustainability , social inclusion and people’s wellbeing at the heart of the union’s economic policy-making , ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal discipline;


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


### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage is frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning; ### 2. points out that socio-economic disadvantage is frequently a predictor of poor educational outcomes and vice versa; insists that a properly funded , quality education and lifelong learning system can help break this vicious circle and promote social inclusion and equal opportunities; recalls in this respect principles one , three four , and eleven of the european pillar of social rights and the sustainable development goals and recognises the contribution of education and culture to the wellbeing of individuals and societies; supports the plans to make the european education area a reality in the foreseeable future with the aim of allowing everyone access to a quality education; calls on the commission to assist the member states in reforming and modernising their education systems , including digital learning;


### 3. welcomes the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020; emphasises the central role of the social scoreboard in the european semester; calls on the commission to reinforce the scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the epsr; ### 3. welcomes the inclusion of the epsr in the asgs 2020; calls for fairness and social rights to have equal importance in the new economic model as environmental sustainability and macro-economic stability; emphasises the central role of the social scoreboard in the european semester; calls on the commission to reinforce the scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the epsr; calls on the commission to come forward with a social action plan to turn the epsr into binding rules that strengthen welfare systems , respect labour market models and improve living standards;


### 3. asserts that quality early childhood education and care (ecec) has a positive impact on all children , boys and girls , and even more so on children belonging to less privileged socio-economic backgrounds , thereby contributing to reducing social inequalities; stresses that ecec has an impact on children’s development , learning and well-being in the short-term , and creates the building blocks for improving later long-term life outcomes; ### 3. asserts that quality early childhood education and care (ecec) has a positive impact on all children , boys and girls , and even more so on children belonging to less privileged socio-economic backgrounds and to those with special needs , thereby contributing to reducing social inequalities; stresses that ecec has an impact on children’s development , learning and well-being in the short-term , and creates the building blocks for improving later long-term life outcomes; therefore calls on the commission to establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services;


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; calls on member states to adequately invest in effective active labour market policies , in particular including measures to enhance the assistance of unemployed persons in order to prevent long-term unemployment and efforts to increase the amount and the quality of further education and training opportunities;


### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment; ### 4. is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some member states with strong regional disparities; stresses therefore the need for individually tailored measures to integrate the unemployed into the labour market and fight poverty and social exclusion; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment;


### 4. believes that investing in human capital , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business; ### 4. believes that structural investment into human capital and national education systems , with a particular focus on young people and people with fewer opportunities , is key to boosting knowledge-intensive , sustainable and inclusive growth , in a context of increasing skills shortages and mismatches in a rapidly changing world of work , particularly in the era of digitalisation; underlines the importance of entrepreneurship education in order to motivate young people to opt to set up in business and believes more needs to be done to attract girls into stem; underlines also the important contribution vocational education can make towards achieving the objectives of the european green deal;


### 5. is concerned about the limited intergenerational social mobility and increased income inequality compared to pre-crisis levels; calls on the commission and the member states to tackle income inequalities; stresses that tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way to reduce inequalities and promote fairness; ### 5. is concerned about the limited intergenerational social mobility and increased income inequality compared to pre-crisis levels; calls on the commission and the member states to tackle income inequalities including by promoting adequate minimum wages , a high collective bargaining coverage , equal opportunities in education and training , gender equality and universal access to quality services; stresses that tax and benefit systems must be designed in a way to reduce inequalities and promote fairness;


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


### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester; ### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; considers that wages in some member states are being maintained at artificially low levels with a detrimental effect on the union economy and the single market; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions and without undermining the autonomy of national social partners and well-functioning collective bargaining models; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen social dialogue , collective bargaining rights and coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester;


### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester; ### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; underlines that any eu-initiative on minimum wage must not undermine the autonomy of national social partners and well-functioning collective bargaining models; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen social dialogue , collective bargaining rights and coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester;


### 6. welcomes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester; ### 6. notes the commission consultation on a european framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law , in line with national traditions; underlines that any eu-initiative on minimum wage must not undermine the autonomy of national social partners and well-functioning collective bargaining models; calls for a coordinated approach at eu level in order to achieve real wage growth , avoid the downward spiral of unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the commission and the member states to strengthen social rights , collective bargaining rights and coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making , including for the european semester;


### 6.points out that in 2018 , in the eu , 16.5 % of 20-34-year-olds – one in six young people – were neither in employment nor in education and training (neets)1 , and that the share of early school leavers was 10.6 %2; recognises that these figures are as low as they were in the first quarter of 2008 , and the lowest since this data began to be compiled in the first quarter of 2006; calls , nevertheless , on the commission and the member states to step up their efforts to reduce early school leaving and the percentage of neets , and to improve educational outcomes , taking into account regional disparities , as well as to implement comprehensive preventive strategies and to engage early school leavers in education and training; ### 6. points out that in 2018 , in the eu , 16.5 % of 20-34-year-olds – one in six young people – were neither in employment nor in education and training (neets)1 , and that the share of early school leavers was 10.6 %2 , and that young people with disadvantaged backgrounds remain at higher risk of being neets or in low-skilled , unstable and low-paid employment; recognises that these figures are as low as they were in the first quarter of 2008 , and the lowest since this data began to be compiled in the first quarter of 2006; calls , nevertheless , on the commission and the member states to step up their efforts to reduce early school leaving and the percentage of neets , and to improve educational outcomes , taking into account regional and demographic disparities , as well as to implement comprehensive preventive strategies and to engage early school leavers in education and training; supports turning the existing youth guarantee into a permanent instrument provided the instrument is properly funded;


### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services; ### 7. reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in-work poverty; calls on the commission to present a comprehensive european anti-poverty strategy and establish a european child guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services to ensure that every child has the right to free quality healthcare , free quality education , free quality childcare as well as decent housing and adequate nutrition; points out that high levels of inequality diminish the output of the economy and the potential for sustainable growth;


### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses with a view to addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning; ### 7. urges the member states to foster cooperation between education and businesses , with a view to fostering low-carbon local and regional economies as well as addressing skills mismatches , including by fostering technical and digital skills , as well as vocational training and dual studies , and to put in place effective and comprehensive methodologies for the recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning;


### 8. calls on the commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemes in order to provide a social protection floor; ### 8. calls on the commission to present a comprehensive and ambitious european working-poor strategy followed by concrete proposals which aims to tackle the root causes of in-work poverty in europe;


### 9. calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , housing exclusion and homelessness; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing , poor housing conditions , energy poverty and housing exclusion; calls on the commission to propose an eu framework for national homelessness strategies , and calls on the member states to prepare their homelessness strategies adopting the housing first principle , prioritising the provision of permanent housing to homeless people , and stopping the criminalisation of homelessness;


### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed; ### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed; calls on the commission to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the driving factors behind early school leaving including social aspects , and present a proposal to tackle the problem;


### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed; ### 10. is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the member states to improve their education systems and support life-long learning; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion , poverty and segregation , which equally must be addressed;


### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources and teaching , motivated and competent teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession; ### 10. considers that effective governance and adequate funding for all educational settings , modern quality educational resources and teaching , motivated and competent teachers and lifelong learning are crucial for achieving equity , diversity and excellence in education; stresses , in this context , the need to attract greater numbers of motivated candidates with sound academic or professional backgrounds and pedagogical skills into the teaching profession; stresses this can only be realised by increasing the attractiveness of the teaching profession and of a career in education via , inter alia , adequate salaries and support systems for teachers;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps , and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services , as well as care services for those reliant on care , including the elderly to facilitate women’s participation in the labour market; calls on the commission to propose a directive on pay transparency;


### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; ### 12. calls on the commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions of platform workers; stresses that people with atypical working arrangements , including involuntary part-time or temporary contracts , are especially vulnerable; is of the opinion that such practices can have negative consequences on innovation and productivity;


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


### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment; ### 13. calls on the commission and the member states to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment; underlines the importance of conducting a cross-cutting and comprehensive review of the union legislation in order to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the un crpd , actively involving representative organizations of persons with disabilities in this process;


### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union; ### 14. is of the opinion that cohesion policy , as the main investment policy of the union , has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing inequalities; rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; calls on member states to make full use of funding available; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union;


### 14. rejects any reduction in the level of cohesion policy funding; opposes , in this context , the proposal to reduce funding for the european social fund plus despite its enlarged scope; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union; ### 14. emphasises the importance of social and territorial cohesion policy and funding; calls to secure adequate funding for the european social fund plus and acknowledge its enlarged scope; stresses the need for greater alignment of the european semester with social and cohesion funding and the policy objectives of the union;


### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; ### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in asymmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances and to present a proposal for binding minimum standards for member states’ unemployment insurance systems in order to better protect workers;


### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; ### 15. stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls on the commission to present a european unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme for emu countries , with the possibility for other member states to join voluntary , in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances;


### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital , skills and health; ### 16. stresses that decisive support is needed for society , workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change in order to speed up the transition towards a circular and carbon-neutral economy; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’ , the implementation of the epsr and the achievement of the sdgs , by exempting environmental and social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in the green economy , in social policies needed to face successfully poverty and social exclusion and in human capital , skills and health;


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


### 17. calls on the member states to shift taxation away from labour towards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth; calls for new own resources for the eu budget in order to give the union the tools to better tackle current and future challenges; ### deleted


### 17. calls on the member states to shift taxation away from labour towards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth; calls for new own resources for the eu budget in order to give the union the tools to better tackle current and future challenges; ### 17. calls on the member states to shift taxation away from labour towards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth , such as the taxation of wealth; calls for new own resources for the eu budget in order to give the union the tools to better tackle current and future challenges;


### a. whereas the common fisheries policy (cfp) aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable in the long term and that this sustainability is based on three pillars – environmental , social and economic; ### a. whereas the common fisheries policy (cfp) aims to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable in the long term and that this sustainability is based on three pillars – environmental , social and economic; whereas in order to reach social sustainability fisheries policies should integrate and improve labour conditions , health and safety , job creation , training , social inclusion and a fair standard of living; whereas in many fishing communities and regions of the eu , the social importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors outweighs its direct economic contribution;


### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2 ; ### b. whereas there were about 152 000 fishers in the eu in 2017 , of whom a significant number were estimated to be unpaid;


### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2; ### b. whereas 151 981 fishermen were directly employed in fishing in the eu in 2017 , of whom at least 43 747 were estimated as being unpaid labour2; whereas few women are employed in fishing on vessels , but a significant number are employed , often informally , in support of land-based activities , mainly in small-scale fishing;


### c. whereas since 2008 total employment in the eu fleet has decreased on average by 1.3 % per year , partly on account of reductions in fleet capacity; ### c. whereas since 2008 total employment in the eu fleet has decreased on average by 1.3 % per year and the average age of fishermen in a number of regions is over 50 , and in some areas over 60 , revealing a serious problem of generational turnover that is jeopardising the continuation of fishing activities in europe in the near future;


### 1. acknowledges that coastal regions historically dependent on fisheries should benefit from financial support in order to develop new sectors and create new jobs , and calls on member states to put in place targeted policies for creating diverse jobs and using digital solutions; further supports the combined use of the european regional development fund (erdf) , european social fund (esf) , european maritime and fisheries fund (emff) and new recovery fund in coastal areas; ### 1. acknowledges that coastal regions historically dependent on fisheries should benefit from financial support in order to develop new sectors and create new jobs , and calls on member states to put in place targeted policies for creating diverse jobs and promoting digitalisation; supports further the combined use of the european regional development fund (erdf) , the european social fund (esf) , the new european maritime , fisheries and aquaculture fund (emfaf) and new the recovery fund in coastal areas;


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


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


### 4. welcomes the added value of strategic changes in the eu , especially the green and digital transitions , that are expected to create new jobs in coastal regions and further boost their economic development; ### 4. welcomes the added value of the green and digital transitions; recalls in this context , however , that no one should be left behind and that these transitions must not be at the expense of vulnerable groups or regions; stresses therefore the need to create new quality jobs and further boost economic development , including in coastal areas;


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


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


### 8. recalls that eu cohesion policy is the eu’s main investment policy for reducing economic , social and territorial disparities; calls , further , on the member states and the commission to also use emergency support instrument (esi) funds and especially the emff as a tool for involving citizens at local level in developing responses to the challenges faced by the fisheries sector; ### 8. recalls that cohesion policy is the union’s main investment policy for reducing economic , social and territorial disparities; calls on the member states to use the emergency support instrument (esi) and the emfaf as a tool for involving citizens at local level in developing responses to the challenges faced by the fisheries sector;


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


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


### 10. underlines therefore the importance of supporting new markets for the sale of fish and other sea products , and of simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of local markets for fresh fish; encourages further digitalisation of the sector , which should allow for better cooperation between fishermen and customers , as well as better management of the fish and other sea products caught , and the prevention of waste; highlights the value of access to training on this supported by eu funds; ### 10. underlines the importance of supporting new places for the sale of fish and other sea products , through simplification of administrative and technical requirements for the development of small local markets for fresh fishing products , which ensure decent working conditions , including occupational health and safety provisions , as well as a high level of consumer protection;


### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; ### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health , which is often put at risk not only by the inherent danger of working on the open seas , but also by old and unsafe vessels that increase their exposure to work-related injuries , including serious ones; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for all workers in the sector and calls on the commission to provide adequate support for fleet renewal in full compliance with environmental sustainability requirements and with a particular focus on small-scale fishing , where the average age of vessels is significantly higher than in industrial fisheries;


### 11. is highly concerned about fishermen’s health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; ### 11. is highly concerned about fishers health given their difficult and stressful working conditions , as well as their exposure to work-related injuries; calls , therefore , on the competent authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for workers in the sector; call on member states to involve social partners in this regard and to provide labour inspectorates with sufficient resources to fulfil their task;


### 12. expresses its concern about the aging workforce in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation; calls on member states to undertake actions to remove obstacles to starting a career in the sector , such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3 ; ### 12. is concerned about the aging workforce in the fisheries sector , and calls for incentives to attract the younger generation; calls on member states to undertake actions support people who want to start a career in the sector and address issues such as the high initial cost of starting a business , income instability , gender equality , and uncertainty about career duration; welcomes eu-funded projects to engage with young people through specially designed programmes and by inspiring them to take up careers in the fishery sector3;


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


### 13. recalls the steps taken internationally , particularly under the torremolinos protocol (1993) and the cape town agreement (2012) , to amend and improve the torremolinos convention (1977) , which was established as a means to address fishing vessel safety , and points out that , even with the 2012 reduction in requirements , this convention is still not in force; ### 13. recalls the steps taken internationally , particularly under the torremolinos protocol (1993) and the cape town agreement (2012) , to amend and improve the torremolinos convention (1977) , which was established as a means to address fishing vessel safety , and points out that , even with the 2012 reduction in requirements , this convention is still not in force; recalls that this convention has been transposed into eu legislation through the council directive 97/70/ec setting up a harmonised safety regime for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over;


### — having regard to the 2019 annual economic report on the eu fishing fleet (stecf 19-06)3 , ### — having regard to "the 2019 annual economic report on the eu fishing fleet (stecf 19-06)"3 and to “the 2020 annual economic report on the eu fishing fleet (stecf 20-06)"3a ,


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


### i. whereas , despite the increase in the number of incidents , the number of fatalities arising from accidents and incidents on fishing vessels has shown a downward trend , with the vast majority of incidents being the result of human factors (62.4%) and system/equipment failures being the second most common cause (23.2% of incidents); ### i. whereas , despite the increase in the number of incidents , the number of fatalities arising from accidents and incidents on fishing vessels has shown a downward trend , with the vast majority of incidents being the result of human factors (62.4%) and system/equipment failures being the second most common cause (23.2% of incidents); whereas the three mostly reported factors contributing to accidents on board fishing vessels related to human action are lack of safety awareness , as well as lack of knowledge and also inadequate work methods among onboard personnel;


### m. whereas , a significant proportion of fishermen have low and irregular incomes , which do not provide them with enough social protection , and these facts are a further factor that lessens fishing’s attractiveness among young people; ### m. whereas , a significant proportion of fishers have low and irregular incomes , which do not provide them with enough social protection , and these facts are a further factor that lessens fishing’s attractiveness among young people;


### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size; proposes that steps be taken to establish basic legal rules applicable in a uniform and cross-cutting manner to the entire eu fishing fleet , taking into account specific characteristics concerning vessel size and the types of fishing operation for which vessels are intended; ### 16. urges the commission and the member states to ensure that the best safety , work and living standards are in place on fishing vessels , regardless of their size; reminds member states that the deadline set for transposition directive (eu) 2017/159 which incorporates ilo convention no 188 (ilo c 188) into the union’s legal framework , was 15 november 2019; recalls that given the large number of self-employed fishers in the eu , and the fact that the directive does not cover them , it is necessary for the member states to ratify ilo c 188 , to ensure a level playing field and fair competition among all fishers and fishing activities; urges the commission to present , as quickly as possible , a proposal for an accompanying directive on control and enforcement provisions , as was done for the maritime transport sector , in order to establish a harmonised inspections system;


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


### 26. points out that , while the acquisition of practical knowledge and hands-on work experience provides a solid basis that remains valid for the training of fishermen in a number of member states , formal certification provides the only guarantee that the necessary knowledge has been properly assimilated; notes that formal certification not only enhances the personal status of fishermen but also provides a form of social recognition for this profession; ### 26. points out that , while the acquisition of practical knowledge and hands-on work experience provides a solid basis that remains valid for the training of fishers in a number of member states , formal certification provides the only guarantee that the necessary knowledge has been properly assimilated; notes that formal certification not only enhances the personal status of fisher but also provides a form of social recognition for this profession;


### 28. calls on the european commission and the member states to establish common bases for a standard training and certification system for the various categories of fishermen , allowing rapid recognition at european level of the certification obtained in a given member state; considers that this should include a procedure for the recognition of certificates obtained outside the union compatible with the european training recognition system , facilitating the movement of fishermen within the eu; ### 28. calls on the european commission and the member states to establish common bases for a standard training and certification system for the various categories of fishers , allowing rapid recognition at european level of the certification obtained in a given member state; considers that this should include a procedure for the recognition of certificates obtained outside the union compatible with the european training recognition system , facilitating the movement of fishers within the eu;


### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishermen must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of existing and incoming eu fishermen; ### 29. points out that , while the aim of the emfaf is to contribute to the full implementation of the cfp , in order to achieve this objective , fishers must be properly trained and certified , requiring a portion of the funding to be earmarked for the training and certification of existing and incoming eu fishers;


### 32. points out that , despite the dangers of fishing activity , there is no reason to exclude or hamper access for women to this profession , as demonstrated by the increasing number of female crew members and skippers on working fishing vessels; observes that there are fortunately a number of particularly active associations representing women employed in the fisheries sector , especially in the regional advisory councils; ### 32. points out that , despite the dangers of fishing activity , there is no reason to exclude or hamper access for women to this profession , as demonstrated by the increasing number of female crew members and skippers on working fishing vessels; observes that there are fortunately a number of particularly active associations representing women employed in the fisheries sector , especially in the eu fisheries advisory councils;


### 36. points out that cfp standards are among the most stringent and make an important contribution to environmental , economic and social sustainability and that , although there is still much room for improvement , progress made in recent decades shows what can be done in this direction , contributing , on the one hand , to the sustainability of fish stocks and habitats and , on the other , to increasing the earnings of fishermen and shipowners; ### 36. points out that cfp standards are among the most stringent and make an important contribution to environmental , economic and social sustainability and that , although there is still much room for improvement , progress made in recent decades shows what can be done in this direction , contributing , on the one hand , to the sustainability of fish stocks and habitats and , on the other , to increasing the earnings of fishers and ship owners;