Αs coronavirus spreads, international organisations and scientists are using artificial intelligence to track the epidemic in real-time, effectively predict where the virus might appear next and develop effective responses. Its multifaceted applications in the frame of this public health emergency raise questions about the legal and ethical soundness of its implementation.

What if we could fight coronavirus with artificial intelligence?

Despite significant medical progress over the last centuries, infectious diseases such as influenza or malaria still represent a considerable threat to society. While some are endemic to specific geographical regions, others can spread, becoming epidemics or pandemics. While the first and most crucial aspect of an epidemic is, and will always remain, the loss of human life, the spread of a virus can also have important repercussions for national or regional economies. The evidence reported in various studies indicates that epidemic disease impacts on a country's economy through several channels, including the health, transportation, agricultural and tourism sectors. At the same time, trade with other countries may also be impacted, while the interconnectedness of modern economies means that an epidemic can also implicate international supply chains....

Economic impact of epidemics and pandemics

While public health is a competence of the states and regional and local administrations, the EU does take a close interest. Here are three things which Europe does for patients in rural areas.

This is what Europe does for patients in rural areas

If you are vegetarian or vegan for health or ethical reasons, or you are simply concerned about animal welfare, here are three things that Europe does for you.

This is what Europe does for vegetarians

Half of all adults in Europe are overweight or obese, and obesity affects one in three children. This is a particularly alarming situation, as childhood obesity can lead to lifelong health problems

This is what Europe does for overweight and obese people

Antibiotics are a very useful drug when you are sick and the doctor tells you to take them. However, so-called antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat to public health. Let’s see what Europe is doing to find a solution.

This is what Europe does for antibiotics users

Did you know that 30 % of Europeans will be over 65 in 2060? To address the challenges posed by an ageing society, the healthcare sector is going digital. Let’s take a look at some projects that make seniors’ lives easier.

This is what Europe does for seniors using e-health services

Sport is good for your health, and that’s a fact. Europe promotes sport, and that’s also a fact. Here are three things that Europe does for sportspeople.

This is what Europe does for sportspeople

Infertility is a common and growing problem. This isn’t just a public health issue – it is also a social problem for both women and men. The EU is taking a number of steps to address this issue.

This is what Europe does for people struggling with infertility

Are you lonely? 6% of Europeans report having no one to ask for help and nobody to discuss personal matters with. Although it may seem a personal misfortune, the EU tries to help lonely people through its social, health and regional policies. Here are some examples.

This is what Europe does for people suffering from loneliness

Did you know that a simple test can diagnose diabetes and spare you a lot of health problems, or even save your life? The EU supports prevention and research into diabetes. Here are some examples.

This is what Europe does for diabetes sufferers

Are you concerned that you or someone you know may be depressed? The EU wants to promote mental health and here is how

This is what Europe does for people living with depression

In March 2015, the co-legislators adopted new EU rules allowing Member States to prohibit or restrict the cultivation of crops containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on their territory, even if they are allowed at EU level.

Under the old rules (Directive 2001/18/EC), Member States could provisionally ban or restrict the use of a GMO on their territory only if they had new evidence that the organism concerned constituted a risk to human health or the environment, or in the case of an emergency.

Genetically modified organism - 8th parliamentary term

COVID-19 originated in Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China. It has since spread beyond Asia and there is a rising number of people infected with COVID-19 in EU Member States.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus (Corona) has led WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern.

Coronavirus outbreak

Maroš Šefčovič, currently a Commission Vice-President in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, was&nbsp;questioned by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on 3 October after he was also assigned the role of Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, following Frans Timmermans’ resignation.

In his introductory speech, Mr Šefčovič underlined the need to finalise the work on the&nbsp;European Green Deal&nbsp;“with urgency and courage”, while at the same time ensuring the proper implementation of already-agreed measures. He would focus on three main tasks in the remaining months of his mandate: seek the support of citizens for the Green Deal, bring all pending proposals to fruition and ensure the roll out of the files where agreement has already been reached.

On improving engagement with citizens, Mr Šefčovič committed to organising green social dialogues and strengthening cooperation with industry, agriculture and forestry stakeholders. He also underlined his full support for the conclusion of outstanding climate action files, such as those dealing with&nbsp;nature restoration,&nbsp;ecodesign for sustainable products,&nbsp;critical raw materials,&nbsp;electricity market design,&nbsp;methane emissions&nbsp;and&nbsp;energy performance of buildings. Mr Šefčovič also mentioned a number of new proposals to be announced in the coming months, including the 2040 climate target in early 2024, measures for wind power and grids, and an initiative on relieving water stress.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and the assessment by Parliament’s Conference of Committee Chairs, the Conference of Presidents will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearing process and hold a plenary vote.

Hearing of Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ 2023

European food safety policy aims are twofold: to protect human health and consumers’ interests, and to foster the smooth operation of the single European market.

The EU ensures that control standards are established and adhered to in the areas of feed and food-product hygiene, animal health, plant health and the prevention of food contamination from external substances. The Union also regulates labelling for food and feed products.

Food safety - 8th parliamentary term

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Eighty million people in the EU (one-sixth of the population) have disabilities ranging from mild to severe.&nbsp;These people, who are often prevented by their disability from taking part in society and the economy, have a rate of poverty 70 % higher than the EU average.
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<div style="padding-top: 10px;">The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (EDS) constitutes a comprehensive multiannual framework for implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at EU level. The EU adopted the EDS in November 2010, shortly before the UN CRPD entered into force for the EU. The strategy’s declared aim was to empower people with disabilities, so that they can enjoy their full rights as EU citizens and participate in society on an equal basis to others, in a barrier-free Europe. The strategy is based on eight priority areas (“areas for action”): accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training (including access to quality education and lifelong learning), social protection, health and external action.</div>

European Disability Strategy 2010-2020

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the EU, after cardiovascular diseases. Each year there are 3.5 million new diagnoses; and every year 1.3 million people die from cancer, accounting for 25% of all deaths. If the current trend continues, the projection is that by 2035 cancer cases will have doubled in number, and cancer will have become the leading cause of death in the EU.

Though public health is the primary responsibility of the Member States, the EU has a strong role in supporting, coordinating and complementing Member States’ efforts. On 4 February 2020 – World Cancer Day – the European Commission started its outreach on Europe’s Cancer Plan at an event in the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients and families, and health care systems. The Plan is ambitious in addressing cancer-related inequalities between and in the Member States. The European Parliament, as law-maker and policy-maker, plays an active role in shaping the new Cancer Plan and related legislative proposals and policy initiatives.

Fight against cancer

The aim of the proposed regulation on veterinary medicinal products (2014/0257(COD) is to ensure a high level of public health protection, high quality and safety standards and increased availability of veterinary medicinal products, as well as the optimal functioning of the internal market.

The proposal seeks to put in place an up-to-date body of legislation, tailored to the specificities of the veterinary sector; to simplify procedures for obtaining a marketing authorisation, and to review incentives for breakthrough medicines.

Veterinary medicinal products

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU) address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered&nbsp;her speech for 2021&nbsp;on 15 of September. It&nbsp;was&nbsp;followed by a plenary debate with members of the European Parliament.

The&nbsp; 2021 SOTEU addressed the most pressing questions in challenging times for Europe. The EU reached its goal to have 70% of the population fully vaccinated, but the coronavirus pandemic still continues to impact all aspects of European society. “We have 1.8 billion additional doses secured. This is enough for us and our neighbourhood when booster shots are needed. Let’s do everything possible to ensure that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated”, said the President of the European Commission and added:" I am proposing a new health preparedness and resilience mission for the whole of the EU. And it should be backed up by Team Europe investment of EUR 50 billion by 2027. “

She focused also on the economic recovery after the pandemics.&nbsp;She highlighted that, with the Green Deal, the EU was the first major economy to present comprehensive legislation in this area and promised to support developing countries&nbsp;by doubling&nbsp;funding for biodiversity, pledging an additional €4 billion for climate finance until 2027 to support their green transition.

The President of the EC addressed also the situation in Afghanistan and promised to increase&nbsp;" again humanitarian aid for Afghanistan by 100 million euro.” Speaking about foreign and security policy, she called for a European Cyber Defence Policy and a new European Cyber Resilience Act and announced a summit on European defence to be held under the French Presidency. In her speech she&nbsp;touched as well&nbsp;upon rule of law, migration, protection of journalists or young people in the EU.

In their responses the leaders of political groups in the EP and other MEPs challenged the President of the EC on vaccination&nbsp;policy, more ambitious climate legislation, social measures, rule of law, defence plans and other important topics.

The State of the European Union debate is always a key moment to demonstrate the European Commission’s accountability towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives.&nbsp;

State of the European Union 2021

The&nbsp;Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)&nbsp;is an intergovernmental institution bringing together all EU countries and 15 countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean to promote dialogue and cooperation. Relations centre on six main areas and include research.

The EU established its privileged partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood in 1995 with the launch of the&nbsp;Euro-Mediterranean Partnership&nbsp;at the Barcelona Conference, aiming to establish an area of peace, stability, economic prosperity, upholding democratic values and human rights.

As a continuation of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership,&nbsp;the Union for the Mediterranean&nbsp;was launched In 2008. This inter-governmental partnership promotes cooperation and dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region and brings together all 27 EU Member States and 15 countries of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine*, Syria – suspended, Tunisia and Turkey; Libya is an observer

&nbsp;Climate change, renewable energies and health are the priorities for stronger regional collaboration in research and innovation for the coming years.

EU - Mediterranean

In 2017, the Parliament adopted a Resolution on options for improving access to medicines. The Treaty of Lisbon has enhanced the importance of health policy, stipulating that ‘a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities’.

Primary responsibility for health protection and, in particular, the healthcare systems continues to lie with the Member States. However, the EU has an important role to play in improving public health, preventing and managing diseases, mitigating sources of danger to human health, and harmonising health strategies between Member States. The EU has successfully implemented a comprehensive policy, through the Health Strategy ‘Health for Growth’ and its action programme (2014-2020) and a body of secondary legislation.

Healthcare safety (2019-2020)

The shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic affects everyone. However, there are big differences in the extent of the harm caused, and the long-term development of the pandemic and associated crises are highly uncertain.

Inequalities have been on the rise, particularly in case of certain vulnerable groups, those who remained all the time at work, but often had low income: health workers, grocery store workers, delivery workers, Amazon factory workers, or street cleaners, among others. Lower income individuals run greater health risks, and many of them are women.

Not all work is suited to transition to teleworking. This is particularly the case for precarious workers. Other factors have also contributed to the increase of social divides across generations and regions. Beside the closure of businesses, school closures have put enormous pressure on families. Aspects of this situation may cause lifelong harm, such in the case of the youngest children who might never recuperate the benefits for their personal development and social integration, school children who miss the opportunity to learn foundational lifelong skills, and those secondary school students who were about to take their exams.

The pandemic has also deeply affected quality of life, including mental wellbeing, trust and employment prospects. Finally, many households have been facing the prospect of falling into poverty due to a drop in their income linked to the coronavirus crisis and their limited resources to cope with the financial shocks.

Concrete measures the EU took to support the economic recovery are: the EU's recovery plan, Next Generation EU, SURE: temporary support for workers, amendments to the EU budget to address urgent issues,re-direction of EU funds to help member states most in need, support to most affected sectors

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on social life (2020)

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has put European health systems under enormous strain, revealing gaps in the way public health emergencies are addressed however Parliament has consistently promoted a coherent EU public health policy.

The European Commission's proposal for a new EU Health programme, EU4Health, aims to fill these gaps. EU4Health's three main priorities are: tackling cross-border health threats; making medicines available and affordable; and strengthening health systems.

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on health (2020)

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has put European health systems under enormous strain, revealing gaps in the way public health emergencies are addressed. The European Parliament has consistently promoted a coherent EU public health policy.

The pandemic shows the importance of coordination among European countries to protect people’s health, both during a crisis and in normal times when we can tackle underlying health conditions, invest in strong health systems and train healthcare workers.

The European Commission's proposal for a new EU Health programme, EU4Health, aims to fill these gaps. EU4Health's three main priorities are: tackling cross-border health threats; making medicines available and affordable; and strengthening health systems.

With EU4Health, the EU will invest €5.3 billion in current prices in actions with an EU added value.

EU4Health will pave the way to a European Health Union by investing in urgent health priorities: the response to the COVID-19 crisis and reinforcing the EU’s resilience to cross-border health threats, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe.

The European Health Union will improve EU-level protection, prevention, preparedness and response to human health hazards.

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on health

The special committee AIDA on artificial intelligence will study the impact and challenges of rolling out AI, and propose a roadmap with objectives for the EU in the field of AI - and the steps that need to be taken to achieve them.

Its mandate is to analyse the future impact of artificial intelligence in the digital age on the EU economy, in particular on skills, employment, fintech, education, health, transport, tourism, agriculture, environment, defence, industry, energy and e-government.

The Constitutive meeting will take place on 23 September 2020.

AIDA - Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age

The coronavirus crisis is a major shock for the European and global economies. Member States have already adopted budgetary, liquidity and policy measures to increase the capacity of their health systems and provide relief to those citizens and sectors that are particularly impacted.

Among the measures the EU is taking to support the economic recovery are the EU's recovery plan, Next Generation EU, SURE: temporary support for workers, amendments to the EU budget to address urgent issues, re-direction of EU funds to help member states most in need, support to most affected sectors.

On 21 July 2020, EU leaders agreed on a €750 billion recovery effort, Next Generation EU, to help the EU tackle the crisis caused by the pandemic. Alongside the recovery package, EU leaders agreed on a €1 074.3 billion long-term EU budget for 2021-2027. Among others, the budget will support investment in the digital and green transitions and resilience.

Together with the €540 billion of funds already in place for the three safety nets (for workers, for businesses and for member states), the overall EU's recovery package amounts to €2 364.3 billion (source: Council).

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on economic situation

The shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic affects everyone. However, there are big differences in the extent of the harm caused, and the long-term development of the pandemic and associated crises are highly uncertain.

Inequalities have been on the rise, particularly in case of certain vulnerable groups, those who remained all the time at work, but often had low income: health workers, grocery store workers, delivery workers, Amazon factory workers, or street cleaners, among others. Lower income individuals run greater health risks, and many of them are women.

Not all work is suited to transition to teleworking. This is particularly the case for precarious workers. Other factors have also contributed to the increase of social divides across generations and regions. Beside the closure of businesses, school closures have put enormous pressure on families. Aspects of this situation may cause lifelong harm, such in the case of the youngest children who might never recuperate the benefits for their personal development and social integration, school children who miss the opportunity to learn foundational lifelong skills, and those secondary school students who were about to take their exams.

The pandemic has also deeply affected quality of life, including mental wellbeing, trust and employment prospects. Finally, many households have been facing the prospect of falling into poverty due to a drop in their income linked to the coronavirus crisis and their limited resources to cope with the financial shocks.

Concrete measures the EU took to support the economic recovery are: the EU's recovery plan, Next Generation EU, SURE: temporary support for workers, amendments to the EU budget to address urgent issues,re-direction of EU funds to help member states most in need, support to most affected sectors.

Coronavirus outbreak: impact on social life

EP Plenary session  - Commission statement - Healthy lifestyle and active ageing in the EU

ENVI TRAN - Accounting of greenhouse gas emissions of transport services

ENVI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Wopke HOEKSTRA

Subcommittee on Public Health

SANT

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ENVI

ERC & the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology - Science-driven solutions for sustainable food - Thematic session 3: The impact of food systems on health, society and the planet

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Frans Timmermans

ENVI -  Meeting between the Committee Chair Pascal CANFIN and the Spanish Presidency Ambassador Raúl Fuentes Milani

ENVI Committee on packaging waste and pesticides

ENVI - Vote on sustainable textile

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, as part of the structured dialogue.

ENVI - Presentation of the Pharmaceutical Package

ENVI Committee - Hearing of the candidate for the function of the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency

AGRI ENVI Joint Public hearing on ' Sustainable management of water resources in agriculture '

SANT Subcommittee

EP Plenary session - EU Global Health Strategy

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Keeping people healthy, water drinkable and soil liveable: getting rid of forever pollutants and strengthening EU chemical legislation now

Time to screen! - Implementing new EU cancer screening recommendations

ENVI committee - Exchange of views with Ms Stella KYRIAKIDES, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, as part of the structured dialogue

Policy dialogue ' Energy Poverty, Gendre and Health in the Mediterranean

PECH ENVI PETI Public Hearing - European Citizens’ Initiative ' Stop Finning – Stop the trade '

COVI Special Committee - Exchange of views with Stella KYRIAKIDES, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

New Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) - constitutive meeting

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Commissioner Virginijus SINKEVICIUS

How does Europe affect our everyday lives? How does it impact on our jobs, our families, our health care, our journeys and our consumer choices? And how is Europe present in our towns, cities and regions? As European citizens, no matter where we live, how we make our living, or how we spend our time, the EU has an impact on our daily lives. The website 'What Europe does for me' presents a wide range of short, easy-to-read texts drawn up by the European Parliamentary Research Service, focusing on what the European Union does and the impact it has on us all. It explores EU actions from the individual’s point of view, with many examples of projects and support.

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Greek (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - English (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Slovenian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Czech (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Romanian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Gaelic (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - French (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - French (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Maltese (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Bulgarian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Latvian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Gaelic (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Hungarian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Czech (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting women in the workplace - Slovakian (subtitles)

EPRS - What Europe does for me: Supporting people with disabilities - Slovakian (subtitles)

Reaching gender equality, protecting victims of gender-based violence and fighting for a fairer society… Across the EU, organisations are working to defend and promote women’s rights.
     
Stella at Women on Top, in Athens, proposes workshops for female entrepreneurs to feel empowered at work and in life. She and her team ensure women are properly skilled, independent and confident.
 
Linda at MARTA Centre, in Riga, is working towards the eradication of gender-based violence and human trafficking. They offer psychological and legal consultations for victims.
    
The European Parliament is acting to defend women’s rights, from ending unequal pay to eliminating gender-based discrimination. EU funds, like Erasmus+, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and European Women on Boards support projects that empower women across the EU.

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