29.6.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 229/15
36.
Highlights the creation of initiatives on cultural and democratic education with a view to boosting mobility and people-to-people contacts and achieving stronger societies through sustainable social and economic development; 37.
Highlights the importance of improving capacity to forecast, address and respond to disinformation activities related to COVID-19 and of addressing societal resilience to the threats of propaganda, fake news and hate speech, without limiting the media’s freedom of speech; 38.
Stresses the importance of creating more quality jobs for young people, which is particularly challenging given the structural drivers of change such as technological innovations and globalisation, in order to prevent any socio-economic consequences of a ‘brain drain’ in EaP countries; 39.
Notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, all EaP countries’ healthcare systems were quickly overwhelmed and therefore policymakers should increase reciprocity and the financing of public healthcare in order to increase preparedness; 40.
Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transition and that the EaP countries should rethink the sustainability and efficiency of current educational models; 41.
Stresses that the EaP countries should cooperate on sharing experiences in post-pandemic recovery policies in order to reinforce preparedness and reciprocity in the face of similar challenges in the future; 42.
Underlines the need for a clear framework for jobs to drive the twin transition, to ensure a recovery from the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to strengthen sustainable competitiveness in capital cities, to ensure decent jobs and equal opportunities and to increase stability and prosperity in the region. 43.
Underlines the need to bolster strategic investment for sustainable, green and circular economy growth, while improving food security in the EaP region; 44.
Stresses the importance of boosting economic development through measures such as increased connectivity and regional development, intra-regional trade, agriculture and rural development with a strong policy emphasis on environmental protection, so as to reinforce resilience to climate change, accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon circular economy and develop the digital economy; 45.
Notes the importance of enhancing technical expertise and capacity in order to introduce domestic emissions monitoring, reporting and verification frameworks in accordance with the new Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement; 46.
Welcomes the EaP Economic and Investment Plan, which is set to mobilise EUR 2,3 billion from the EU budget in grants, blending and guarantees in order to support the post-pandemic recovery and to sustainably transform the economies of the EaP countries in order to make them more resilient and integrated; notes that the plan could leverage up to EUR 17 billion in public and private investments; 47.
Calls on all stakeholders in the EU and the EaP countries to step up efforts to implement high-profile flagship initiatives, including projects which are intended to develop connectivity in the Black Sea, such as the Black Sea underwater electricity transmission cable and fibre-optic cable and direct ferry and feeder services between Georgia and EU Member States (Romania and Bulgaria), which would decrease transit and turnover time and make these regions more accessible; 48.
Recalls that the European Union will continue to support those EaP countries wishing to build their resilience and stability in the region by providing various types of cooperation and engagement, including through cyber, hybrid and other non-military means.