C 140/18
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
21.4.2023
3.11.
Although the pandemic crisis in the Mediterranean region has affected all social groups, the worst hit have particularly been: young people, due to the worsening of the labour market and the lockdown measures for schools and universities; women employed, in some areas such as the Southern Neighbourhood, primarily in the informal economy, agriculture and in a tourism sector severely affected by lockdown measures; vulnerable groups such as informal workers and refugees, who are often not beneficiaries of social protection measures, and people with disabilities, due to the often poor services.
3.12.
In some parts of the Southern Neighbourhood, factors such as water scarcity and poor access to sanitation have exacerbated the impact of the pandemic, especially in the most socially isolated strata, conflict areas and refugee camps.
4.
Challenges and opportunities 4.1.
As highlighted by the secretary general of the Union for the Mediterranean (5), the current health crisis is jeopardising the area’s socioeconomic progress of recent years.
Nevertheless, the crisis is an opportunity to strengthen integration and make economies more resilient.
4.2.
The role of civil society in the Euro-Mediterranean region is of paramount importance in building a fairer and more inclusive society after the pandemic; similarly, as highlighted at the Porto Social (6) Summit, the active involvement of the social partners and civil society organisations is crucial in making sure no-one is left behind and for the effective implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
4.3.
COVID-19 and related measures put civil society sustainability at risk.
Governments and many donors have suspended grants and have frozen funding, redirecting funds to COVID-19 relief efforts.
The result is threatening CSO’s already fragile sustainability, the possibility to continue serving communities, and the jobs of many civil society workers, although there are big expectations of CSOs.
The EESC stresses that organisational sustainability grants and core support funding is crucial for CSOs to adapt to rapidly changing situations and to continue operations during crises.
4.4.
The EESC has highlighted the fact that the Mediterranean is one of the parts of the world most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the social situation and development, making the adoption of sustainable development and green economy strategies a matter of urgency.
4.5.
The adoption of recovery plans in the Mediterranean area constitutes a potential opportunity to ensure the region’s economic, social and environmental development.
It is essential to link development opportunities with adherence to principles such as solidarity, combating inequalities and safeguarding and respecting the rule of law.
Active civil society involvement is essential if all the goals are to be attained.
4.6.
Future post-COVID-19 reconstruction plans, alongside economic growth, should occupy an important place in the Southern Neighbourhood in measures to contain environmental problems associated with climate change, water scarcity, desertification and pollution.
Environmental conservation and protection measures could have a positive impact in the Mediterranean region by diversifying the economy and creating quality jobs.
In this context, the EESC draws attention to the very high potential for renewable energies (especially solar and wind energy) in the southern partner countries and calls on the EU and its member countries to push for more sustainable common investments in this field.
4.7.
The EESC has already highlighted the need to promote a just transition in the Mediterranean area, partly to bring benefits in terms of health, education and gender.
In order to ensure a recovery effectively geared to the principles of the transition and digitalisation, it will be crucial to promote awareness-raising and the development of particular entrepreneurial mindsets and digital skills.
The EESC supports the call of its southern partner countries for a stronger commitment of the EU and its Member States in the field of research and development cooperation in the Mediterranean.
(5) (6)
UfM Foreign Affairs Ministers set priority areas for stronger cooperation and integration in the Euro-Mediterranean region — Union for the Mediterranean — UfM (ufmsecretariat.org).
https://www.2021portugal.eu/en/porto-social-summit/porto-social-commitment/.