Documents European Parliamentary Research Service, Brussels 23 results

"This paper provides a preliminary assessment of the contribution of the national RRPs to the 'Green Transition' pillar, focusing on the ‘sustainable mobility' theme. Based on an analysis of five measures, it finds that while the measures are generally coherent and balanced, their 'lasting impact' is not adequately assured. Moreover, the milestones and targets of the measures provide insufficient guarantees that the RRF objectives will be met. Finally, several sustainable transport policy areas were identified that deserve more attention in EU policy."'

"As the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic spreads, technological applications and initiatives are multiplying in an attempt to control the situation, treat patients in an effective way and facilitate the efforts of overworked healthcare workers, while developing new, effective vaccines. This analysis examines in detail how ten different technological domains are helping the fight against this pandemic disease by means of innovative applications. It also sheds light on the main legal and regulatory challenges, but also on the key socio-ethical dilemmas that the various uses of these technologies pose when applied in a public-health emergency context such as the current one. A scan of the technological horizon in the context of Covid-19 indicates that technology in itself cannot replace or make up for other public policy measures but that it does have an increasingly critical role to play in emergency responses. Covid-19, as the first major epidemic of our century, represents an excellent opportunity for policy-makers and regulators to reflect on the legal plausibility, ethical soundness and effectiveness of the deployment of emerging technologies under time pressure. Striking the right balance will be crucial for maintaining the public's trust in evidence-based public health interventions."

"The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated not only that the European Union faces a variety of risks, and that those disparate risks are inter-linked, but that the response to such challenges to the Union - even in areas in which the EU does not have explicit competence - is stronger with the Union and its Member States acting together. Russia's war on Ukraine, which was launched while this study was being drafted, shows us not just the added value of concerted action by the Union but also the ability of EU institutions and Member States to find new and effective solutions to deal with major shocks. This paper, the first in an annual series, seeks to assess the risks to, and capabilities and resilience of, the EU system. Building on a review of global risks, it considers in detail specific risks with the potential to harm Europe and its people. It then sets out options for policy responses which can ensure Europe is more able to address the dangers of such risks and minimise the potential damage. Among the options set out are those previously included in European Parliament resolutions, in positions from other EU institutions, and in policy papers from think tanks and stakeholders."

"Climate change adaptation has been gathering momentum. At COP26 in 2021, the parties to the UNFCCC agreed to develop a work programme to deliver on the global goal on adaptation; at COP28, two years later, they adopted the framework for achieving that goal. Adaptation efforts should be led locally, by those most at risk, those who know the territory. The EU has been introducing tools, initiatives and strategies to enhance all aspects of climate change adaptation. While there are still barriers to the proper up-take of practical adaptation actions at a local level, in many cases solutions for overcoming them are already available."

"This study analyses the impacts of extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, storms, droughts and cold spells) on occupational health and safety (OSH) across the European Union. It explores regional and sectoral vulnerabilities, examines effects on different worker groups, and elaborates on potential economic costs. The study reviews EU and national policy frameworks, identifies implementation gaps, and offers evidence-based recommendations to strengthen OSH systems in a changing climate. This document was prepared at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL)."

"This report reviews the existing scientific evidence regarding the mental health of different population groups amid the Covid 19 pandemic in the European Union (EU) and its influential factors. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been extensive research on the psychosocial and mental health consequences, showing negative effects especially in the general population compared to before. On the other hand, there is also evidence of resilient responses as the pandemic progressed – that is, the maintenance or recovery of mental health. However, these findings are limited to the first wave or shortly thereafter. No reliable conclusions regarding the mental health impact of Covid 19 policy responses – containment and support measures – are possible. Several risk factors were identified, with a need for more research on protective factors. Finally, the study outlines a set of relevant policy options to address the mental health challenges during the Covid 19 pandemic and similar future situations."

"This study focuses on options for regulating the use of AI enabled and algorithmic management systems in the world of work under EU law. The first part describes how these technologies are already being deployed, particularly in recruitment, staff appraisal, task distribution and disciplinary procedures. It discusses some near-term potential development prospects and presents an impact assessment, highlighting some of these technologies' most significant implications. The second part addresses the regulatory field. It examines the different EU regulations and directives that are already relevant to regulating the use of AI in employment. Subsequently, it analyses the potential labour and employment implications of the European Commission's proposal for a regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (AI act). Finally, it summarises the other ongoing EU policy debates relevant to the regulation of AI at work. The third and final part of this study reflects in detail upon the AI act and its potential impact on the existing EU social acquis. On this basis, it advances potential policy options across different EU legislative files, including but not limited to the AI act, to ensure that regulation keeps pace with technological development. It also argues that the AI act should 'serve' and complement – rather than over-ride – other regulatory standards that can already govern the introduction and use of AI-enabled and algorithmic-management systems at work."

"This study examines how contemporary welfare state policies address the issues of inequality and poverty both between and within EU Member States. It combines quantitative and qualitative analysis to show the strong links between inequality and poverty, not only in statistical terms, but also in terms of wealth distribution, intergenerational mobility and labour market dynamics. Welfare states are discussed in a multidimensional way, covering traditional welfare state policies on social protection, labour markets and health as well as policies on education and on culture. These last two are also public policies that have the potential to mitigate social risk and marginalisation – a key aim of welfare state policies. The study points to the links between welfare state policies and economic strategies, and investigates the direct and indirect impact of EU policies. It shows convergence in some areas, such as decreasing poverty levels and more pre-distributive policies across Member States, but it also shows persisting inequalities and a great deal of path-dependency – the continuing impact of historical traditions and institutions. The study concludes with four scenarios for the future of EU welfare states, casting light on the wide range of possible policy options both at national and at EU level."

"This report examines youth-oriented active labour market policies under Pillar 6 of the Resilience and Recovery Facility instrument. The report focuses on school to work transition trends for the past 10 years and in the aftermath of COVID-19. It examines the Recovery and Resilience Plans' main features in this domain, and the Southern EU countries' approach to active labour market policies for young people. We draw policy recommendations aiming at horizontal and vertical collaboration in the implementation of these policies or youth participation in the implementation of active labour market policies. We also specify recommendations for Southern EU countries aiming at greater coverage of vulnerable groups of young people or more thoughtful consideration of subnational disparities when implementing this type of policy measure."