Documents Brady, Danielle 5 results

"After enduring decades of neoliberal policymaking that advocated for a small state and promoted the market as the primary instrument for efficiently allocating jobs and resources, the welfare state must undergo significant revitalisation, facilitated by the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).

Understanding the EPSR's impact on equal opportunities, working conditions, and social protection and inclusion is central to addressing the critical socio-economic challenges and the ‘new social risks'.

Given the redesign of the EU economic governance, the start of a new legislature in Brussels in 2024, the upcoming EPSR Action Plan review of 2025, the context of the war in Ukraine, the ‘cost-of-living' crisis, the green and digital transitions, and the splintering of the political landscape, the EPSR and its role as a compass and counter-crisis narrative has never been more important. However, the emphasis on the EPSR and the implementation of its 20 thematic principles is not guaranteed to remain in place.

Additionally, addressing the diverse needs of Member States and ensuring effective coordination between national and EU-level initiatives is essential for successfully implementing the Pillar's objectives, which requires further measures, continuous monitoring, robust enforcement mechanisms, and adequate financial resources.

This policy study offers an analysis of the EU's progress in advancing equal opportunities, improving working conditions and strengthening social protection and inclusion as envisioned by the EPSR, both at the national and European levels. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of social partners and civil society organisations' insights in shaping effective policies and decisions through a “Shadow Social Agenda” for the next legislature. The authors identify key areas requiring intervention, such as education, employment, health and care along the life cycle, and social protection, and highlight new ones where reflection is necessary."

While difficult, aligning the European Union's response to current and future crises with the long-term objectives of the Green Deal is not a matter of choice, but a necessity.

Ahead of the EU elections in June, the European Green Deal has arrived at a critical juncture. Faced with an increasingly contested international environment and a seemingly never-ending series of interconnected and intertwined crises, the EU must work to keep the Green Deal on track. This is not optional – achieving climate neutrality is the only pathway towards future European prosperity within planetary boundaries.

This Discussion Paper explores how this should be done by studying the impact of Europe's responses to past and ongoing crises on the green and just transitions. Specifically, the Paper comprises four case studies:

The 2008 global financial crisis and the ensuing European sovereign debt crisis.
COVID-19 pandemic.
European energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
European and global food crisis.

These case studies are analysed to understand the reasoning, tools, and methods for short-term EU crisis solutions that keep Europe on track to carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, the paper has recommendations for the next Commission to improve European crisis preparedness and transform crises into moments and catalysts for positive change following Green Deal objectives.

"The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare national health systems' unpreparedness and structural weaknesses. It also emphasised the disparities in national capabilities among European countries and the lack of a common European approach against cross-border health threats.

As we enter a post-pandemic era, this Discussion Paper assesses the proposals under the European Health Union and sets out recommendations to address the identified shortcomings. These include:

Adopting a more holistic approach by appointing a Vice President for Well-being.
Strengthening crisis preparedness by elevating HERA to an agency.
Promoting access and affordability by extending joint procurement.
Strengthening the European health workforce by tackling shortages and addressing skills gaps.
Mitigating the cost of inaction by increasing investment in health.
Ensuring planetary health by promoting a Green European Health Union.
Promoting Europe's status as a global leader in health data by harmonising health data regulations with the European Health Data Space.
Safeguarding the EU's strategic autonomy by implementing the Versailles Declaration and strengthening supply chain resilience.
Building on the EU's Global Health Strategy by exploring global partnerships."

"Despite significant progress, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues to pose a public health threat in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges by disrupting healthcare services and diverting attention and resources away from HIV prevention and treatment. Stigma and discrimination against those affected by HIV persist and are additional obstacles, slowing down progress to end the HIV epidemic.

This Discussion Paper explores the current HIV prevalence in Europe, identifies barriers and challenges, and offers policy recommendations to overcome these obstacles and meet the sustainable development goals targets in Europe. The Paper emphasises the need for renewed political commitment and cooperation among the EU and its member states to prioritise HIV as well as for strong partnership and collaboration between authorities and stakeholders concerned, ultimately striving for success in ending the epidemic."

"COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of a well-functioning intensive care medicine (ICM) workforce and exposed staff shortages across Europe. It has also placed a spotlight on the barriers to the free movement of ICM specialists between EU member states due to a lack of mutual recognition under the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.

The European Commission and its member states must remove the roadblocks to the freedom of movement of ICM specialists and include the profession in the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications. This would better prepare the EU and its member states for future crises and ensure quality ICM for all citizens.

Minimum EU training requirements and competences should be established and incorporated into the existing ICM training programmes across the member states – many of which already require at least two years. A common framework could establish minimum requirements for intensivists to practice in ICUs across the EU. A common minimum training period and the core competencies required as an ICM specialist should be defined.

The continuing stress on ICUs across Europe exposes the need for the EU to tackle these barriers. Building a stronger European Health Union with freely moving ICM specialists will help prevent the return of the darkest days of the pandemic and improve the resilience of Europe's healthcare systems."