C 342/224
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
6.9.2022
Thursday 17 February 2022
77.
Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to certain restrictions between and within the Member States, in addition to a decline in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector, with a devastating impact on food production; 78.
Takes the view that sustainable development, fair transition, social inclusion and the creation of quality jobs must pave the way to recovery; 79.
Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to present a Single Market Emergency Instrument; calls on the Commission to develop it as a legally binding structural tool to ensure the free movement of persons, goods and services in case of future crises; 80.
Calls on the Commission and Member States to proactively use the lessons learned and to develop a response plan for emergencies, which should aim to assure a joint response and safeguard as far as possible the free movement of services, goods and persons, especially cross-border workers; recalls the need for prompt notification by Member States of national measures which limit the free movement of goods and services; 81.
Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on serious cross-border threats to health and repealing Decision No 1082/2013/EU (COM(2020)0727), in particular its proposal for the creation of a mechanism for control of restrictions on exports of medical equipment in the internal market; 82.
Stresses the urgent need to widen access to digital services and technologies which are essential during emergencies for the smooth functioning of the single market and for access to public services by citizens and businesses through eGovernment solutions; recognises digital exclusion and lack of internet access as some of the most significant non-tariff barriers to the digital transformation of the EU single market; o o 83.
o
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.