Managing the risks of the Covid-19 pandemic remains a challenge. While EU vaccination rates have reached three quarters of the population, new SARS-CoV-2 variants keep emerging in the EU. Although these variants appear to be generally less severe, they still pose challenges to health systems. The implementation of a globally effective vaccine strategy remains key to enhancing Europe's resilience. If measures are successful, it is expected that SARS-CoV-19 – while still present – will enter a stage of seasonality, characterised by higher case numbers in the winter months, similarly to the flu. To achieve this, rethinking present surveillance and monitoring schemes, ensuring the distribution of vaccines worldwide and implementing an action plan against disinformation and misinformation could be crucial.

EPRS STOA podcast - Responding better to future pandemics

The growing importance of global supply chains has fundamentally changed the way the global economy and goods manufacturing are organised. While trade conducted through global supply chains has fallen somewhat as a share of total trade since the 2008-2010 global financial and economic crisis, more than two-thirds of international trade still involves transactions made possible by such chains. In this podcast, we’ll focus on global supply chains. We’ll analyse how dependent we are on them, the impact of the pandemic and what can be done –at the European and the global level- to make these chains more resilient in the future.

EPRS policy podcast - Resilience of global supply chains: Challenges and solutions

The arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines marks a turning point in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. According to estimates, coverage of at least 60 % to 75 % is needed to establish population immunity through vaccination. But, as regards Covid-19 vaccination, surveys suggest that Europeans are among the most sceptical in the world.

EPRS policy podcast - Covid-19 vaccination campaigns: The public dimension

The pandemic has highlighted the risk involved, including for the EU, in relying heavily on external suppliers. The EU's 30 critical raw materials (CRMs) combine two characteristics: they are strategically important for its industry and economy, and there are high risks associated with securing their supply. The twin transition to a green and digital future relies particularly on the safe and diverse supply of CRMs.

EPRS policy podcast - Critical raw materials for the EU: Enablers of the green and digital recovery

With its recent European Green Deal framework, the EU is striving to achieve climate neutrality in its economy by 2050 and, simultaneously, bring itself on the path of recovery from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology will inevitably play a significant part in this process. However, historical experience tells us that culture and aesthetic have too had significant roles in recovery from a crises, be it war, economic recession, or an epidemic.

EPRS STOA podcast - What If Technology And Culture Combined To Boost A Green Recovery?

The marked political shift towards greater technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy within the EU has been given further impetus with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which disrupted global value chains and highlighted the case for a more self-sufficient EU model. Important projects of common European interest may be useful tools for creating complex new value chains that have the potential to ensure the EU's long-term competitiveness and economic growth.

EPRS policy podcast - Important projects of common European interest: Boosting EU strategic value chains

As schools re-open, employees return to work and airports get busier, thermal imaging cameras powered by artificial intelligence are proving a quick and effective way to survey large groups of people and detect high temperatures… But are they the magic bullet for COVID-19 fever detection? And what are the legal and ethical implications of such mass surveillance technology?

EPRS STOA podcast - What if AI could assist thermal imaging in fighting coronavirus?

As governments scramble to protect their populations from COVID-19 many of the personal freedoms and rights we take for granted are being –temporarily- taken away… Although certain rights enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights can be suspended in situations of emergency, an extra effort is needed to prevent abuse and protect the most vulnerable.

EPRS policy podcast - Upholding human rights in Europe during the pandemic

The coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on our lives, our economies, our societies but also on electoral processes around the world, with many elections being postponed in order to protect citizens’ health. But this involves a delicate balancing act between ensuring the democratic right to vote and a government’s responsibility to protect public health. So, what can we learn from experience?

EPRS policy podcast - Impact of the pandemic on elections around the world: From safety concerns to political crises

As more and more European countries went into lockdown, trade within the EU and the foundations of its single market were hit hard! The EU was quick to respond, but the effects of the pandemic on both European and world economies will be deep and long-lasting…

EPRS policy podcast - Single market and the pandemic: Impacts, EU action and recovery

The coronavirus crisis has made life even more difficult for the most deprived people in our society… To protect them, as well the workers and volunteers delivering aid to them, and ensure no one falls through the net, the EU has had to take some exceptional measures…

EPRS policy podcast - Impact of coronavirus on EU aid to the most deprived

The coronavirus pandemic forced most of the world’s population into lockdown… But thanks to digital technologies, we were mostly able to keep on working, studying, shopping and chatting with our loved ones without leaving our homes! But the crisis has also highlighted some painful truths about our digital world…

EPRS policy podcast - How digital technology is easing the burden of confinement

Apart from taking thousands of lives… COVID-19 has revealed one hard truth: the EU’s dependency on other countries for essential medical equipment such as protective masks and gloves, but also respiratory ventilators. The EU and its Member States have acted swiftly to counter these shortages… but Europe may need to re-think its production and trade priorities if it doesn’t want to find itself in the same situation when the next pandemic strikes!

EPRS policy podcast - EU imports and exports of medical equipment

Despite the Commission’s assurances that the long-term work on the European Green Deal will continue in parallel to the coronavirus firefighting… the COVID-19 emergency and the need to deal with its socio-economic consequences is raising concerns that decarbonisation strategies could be derailed… But is this a real threat or could it also be an opportunity? There’s no lack of voices arguing that green investments need to play a central role in any economic recovery plan.

EPRS policy podcast - European Green Deal Investment Plan: Main elements and possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the EU’s dependency on countries outside its borders for the production of many active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines. It is not a new problem… but it has become painfully exposed in the past weeks. So, why is that? And what can the EU do about it? Never a debate has been timelier!

EPRS policy podcast - Addressing shortages of medicines

As COVID-19 has proved once again, diseases do not recognise borders… So, with labs around the world on the race to find a vaccine, it is time to ask ourselves the question: What can the EU do to help? Is there a European added value concerning vaccination?

EPRS policy podcast - Towards a joint European approach on vaccination

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

On 28 May 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation on the establishment of a programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the 2021-2027 period (EU4Health programme). It was announced as part of the Next Generation EU recovery instrument, aimed at countering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Parliament is expected to vote on the report during the November I plenary session. This would open the way for trilogue negotiations.

EU4Health (2020)

All across Europ​e, people are ​showing unprecedented solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 Coronavirus both in words and actions since the continent became ​the epicentre ​of the pandemic.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tributes to healthcare workers are pouring in, as Europe gives medical heroes a standing ovation from windows and balconies, singing from balcony to balcony; neighbours helping one another by doing groceries, babysitting or taking dogs for a walk; prisoners sewing masks to meet the shortage of supply; restaurants delivering free food to hospitals; concerts, DJ sets, theatre and ballet shows are being live-streamed. 
​​​​​​​ 
All these are just a few examples of Europeans showing their solidarity.

Covid 19 - Europeans show solidarity

The EU Digital COVID Certificate aims to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.The certificate should&nbsp;be available in either digital or paper format. It attests that a person has been vaccinated against coronavirus or has a recent negative test result or has recovered from the infection.

&nbsp;A common EU framework is&nbsp;allowing member states to issue certificates that will then be accepted in other EU countries. The EU Digital Covid Certificate regulation should be&nbsp;in place for 12 months. The certificate should&nbsp;not be a precondition to exercise the right to free movement and is&nbsp;not&nbsp;considered a travel document.

Member states should not impose additional travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as quarantine, self-isolation or testing, “unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health”. Member states must accept vaccination certificates issued in other member states for persons inoculated with a vaccine authorised for use in the EU by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

It is&nbsp;up to the member states to decide whether they also accept vaccination certificates that have been authorised by other Member States following national authorisation procedures or for vaccines listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for emergency use. The Regulation entered&nbsp;into force on&nbsp;1 July 2021.
 Parliament and EU member states’ negotiators have agreed to keep the EU Digital COVID Certificate framework in place for another year, until June 2023

EU Digital COVID certificate

Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future

LIBE Committee - Vote on extension of the EU Digital COVID Certificate

COVI - Special Committee on COVID-19 pandemic : lessons learned and recommendations for the future

EP Plenary Session - The EU's Role in combatting the Covid-19 Pandemic: How to Vaccinate the World - Topical debate

LIBE Committee - Implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificate

PECH committee meeting - Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on EU fisheries and aquaculture

EP Plenary session  - EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

EP Plenary session - Reversing the negative social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic

EP Plenary session Joint debate - Impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the aviation

EP Plenary session - State of play of the implementation of the EU Digital Covid Certificate regulations

ENVI Committee - Drawing the early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

Press conference - EU Digital COVID certificate

EP Plenary session - Joint debate EU Digital COVID Certificate 44-45

EU Digital Covid Certificate - Freedom of movement, safely.

Press conference - EU COVID-19 certificate

EP Plenary session - The importance of civil justice for the economic recovery post COVID-19

The national recovery and resilience plans, through which the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is implemented, have a strong focus on energy, investing €88.49 billion (17.9 % of their resources) in the policy area. The European Commission proposed new REPowerEU chapters to the national recovery and resilience plans, using sums still available for RRF loans, some fresh resources and voluntary transfers from other EU instruments. The REPowerEU plan is designed to end the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition. In this third and last episode of the chronicle, Alessandro D'Alfonso, the Head of the Next Generation EU Monitoring Service at the EPRS, will delve into the relevance of the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument in the face of the ongoing energy crisis in Europe. #NextGenerationEU

EPRS - EU Recovery Instrument: Looking to the future

A major innovation in EU finances to counter the socio-economic impact of the pandemic, the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument is already delivering concrete results and implementation is in full swing. Citizens and businesses in the EU are already experiencing tangible benefits as EU countries' GDP is also positively impacted. In this second episode of the chronicle, Alessandro D'Alfonso, the Head of the Next Generation EU Monitoring Service at the EPRS, will delve into the practical details of the implementation of the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely. #NextGenerationEU

EPRS - EU Recovery Instrument: What to expect?

The Covid-19 pandemic left an indelible mark on Europe. While we may no longer live in lockdown or see masks everywhere, the pandemic’s impact is still being felt. Because of the far-reaching effects on our economy and society at large, the European Union's response went far beyond securing enough vaccines. The European Commission rolled out €800 billion in financial relief through the Next Generation EU Recovery Instrument. In this first episode of the chronicle, Alessandro D'Alfonso, the Head of the Next Generation EU Monitoring Service at the EPRS, will delve into the details of this historic package and what it means for the EU. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely. #NextGenerationEU

EPRS - EU Recovery Instrument: What is it?

These past years, we have become more aware of the factors affecting our ability to feed the world. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the unsustainability and unfairness of our global food system. Russia's unprovoked invasion of #Ukraine, a country known as the 'breadbasket of Europe', is raising fears of a global food crisis, further exacerbating existing food security challenges worldwide. Much depends on the response of the international community, including the EU, to rapidly evolving scenarios. Russia and Ukraine are key agricultural players, together exporting nearly 12 % of food calories traded globally. They are major providers of basic agro-commodities, including wheat, maize and sunflower oil, and Russia is the world's top exporter of fertilisers. The two countries combined account for one third of wheat exports. ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Food security in times of crisis

Travel restrictions and border shutdowns generated by the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted our economic and social life. Much work has been done at European level to improve reporting of data on Covid-19, and to better understand when travel restrictions become a necessary part of protecting public health. In the event of a future health emergency, the routines established and the experience gained recently will help improve the management of travel restrictions. Reform of the Schengen Treaty can make it easier to meet future challenges while at the same time making sure that those living in Europe can continue to benefit from free movement. Broader global cooperation and coordination is also important.

EPRS - The future of EU borders in times of pandemic

Members discuss on a common European status for artists, a common framework for working conditions and pan-European minimum social standards for artists and cultural workers. Statement by Monica SEMEDO (Renew, LU), author of the report on the situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU and the vote results (Wednesday 20 October).

The situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU: statement by Monica SEMEDO (Renew, LU), rapporteur and extract from the final vote

Parliament debates on proposals for improving the social and economic situation of artists and cultural workers, who are among those hardest-hit by the pandemic. Closing statement by the rapporteur, Monica SEMEDO (Renew, LU) and by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. MEPs are set to call for a common European status for artists, a common framework for working conditions and pan-European minimum social standards for artists and cultural workers. The draft text MEPs will vote on lists further actions to support the sector, like facilitating cross-border mobility with dedicated programmes for young creators and innovators, possibly revised requirements on visas, taxation, and social security, and the cross-border recognition of arts-based education degrees.

The situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU: closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights

Parliament debates on proposals for improving the social and economic situation of artists and cultural workers, who are among those hardest-hit by the pandemic. MEPs are set to call for a common European status for artists, a common framework for working conditions and pan-European minimum social standards for artists and cultural workers. The draft text MEPs will vote on lists further actions to support the sector, like facilitating cross-border mobility with dedicated programmes for young creators and innovators, possibly revised requirements on visas, taxation, and social security, and the cross-border recognition of arts-based education degrees.

The situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU: MEPs debate

Parliament debates on proposals for improving the social and economic situation of artists and cultural workers, who are among those hardest-hit by the pandemic. Opening statement by the rapporteur, Monica SEMEDO (Renew, LU) and by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. MEPs are set to call for a common European status for artists, a common framework for working conditions and pan-European minimum social standards for artists and cultural workers. The draft text MEPs will vote on lists further actions to support the sector, like facilitating cross-border mobility with dedicated programmes for young creators and innovators, possibly revised requirements on visas, taxation, and social security, and the cross-border recognition of arts-based education degrees.

The situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU: opening statement by Monica SEMEDO (Renew, LU), rapporteur and by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority to ensure a coordinated EU approach for future health crisis and the role of the European Parliament. Second part of the debate.

EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority: MEPs debate (part 2/2)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), As the pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism, MEPs look into lessons learned from the 2021 season and the effectiveness of the EU digital COVID certificate. Closing statement by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the Summer season nears: closing statement by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), As the pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism, MEPs look into lessons learned from the 2021 season and the effectiveness of the EU digital COVID certificate.

Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the Summer season nears: MEPs debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority to ensure a coordinated EU approach for future health crisis and the role of the European Parliament. Closing statements by Gašper DOVŽAN, Slovenian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs and by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority: closing statement by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety and by by Gašper DOVŽAN, Slovenian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), As the pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism, MEPs look into lessons learned from the 2021 season and the effectiveness of the EU digital COVID certificate. Opening statement by Karima DELLI (Greens/EFA, FR), Author and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Assessing the Union’s measures for the EU tourism sector as the end of the Summer season nears: opening statement by Karima DELLI (Greens/EFA, FR), Author and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority to ensure a coordinated EU approach for future health crisis and the role of the European Parliament.

EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority: MEPs debate (part 1/2)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate on the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority to ensure a coordinated EU approach for future health crisis and the role of the European Parliament. Opening statements by Gašper DOVŽAN, Slovenian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs and by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority: opening statements by Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and by Gašper DOVŽAN, Slovenian State Secretary of Foreign Affairs

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate in the debate on the EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Opening statements by Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES), Author and by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs on behalf of Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines - O.Q. to Commission: opening statements by Dolors MONTSERRAT (EPP, ES), Author and by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate in the debate on the EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Closing statement by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs on behalf of Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

EU transparency in the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines - O.Q. to Commission: closing statement by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

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