Filenews 4 January 2021 - by Andri Daniel
The rapid changes brought to civil society by the pandemic led to a collective crisis in 2020, with which the EU was confronted and had to take decisive decisions, reflecting in strengthening programmes included in the EU's seven-year budget (2021-2027). The aim is to protect citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide opportunities for the next generation. The European Parliament tripled the allocation for the EU4Health programme, secured the equivalent of an additional year of funding for Erasmus+ and ensured that research funding would continue to increase.
During 2020, the European Parliament discussed and adopted a wide range of important issues concerning both Cyprus and the european family as a whole.
€37 billion the EU's response to COVID-19
Last March, the EP approved €37bn (£37bn) in aid from the European Investment Bank (EIB). to treat COVID-19. MEPs voted to make the €37 billion from the EU's Structural Funds available to Member States to tackle the crown. Indicative was the statement by EP President David Maria Sassoli that "The humanity of our fellow citizens is the greatest advantage". The Republic said, among other things, it cannot be suspended in the midst of such a dramatic crisis and expressed determination to contribute to the fight against the pandemic by serving communities and health workers throughout Europe.
MEPs adopted, under the urgency procedure, additional measures to provide European funding directly and in an extremely flexible manner to combat the effects of the pandemic.
Targeted measures for the flexible use of EU funds.
Targeted measures to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on fisheries and aquaculture
Targeted measures to ensure the functioning of the Fund for European Aid to the Most Needy
Medical equipment and monitoring of the spread of the pandemic
In April 2020, the EP lit the "green light" for €3 billion. health. €3.08 billion funds to strengthen health systems in the EU Member States.
This initiative has enabled the EU to buy medical equipment, masks and respirators, to finance the cross-border transport of equipment and patients, to hire more doctors and nurses to cover areas they need across the EU, and to help Member States build mobile hospital units.
Empty flights terminated
Many airlines have been forced to fly empty planes since the end of January so as not to miss their take-off and landing slots for the next period. MEPs voted to temporarily suspend the 'use it or lose it' rule less than two weeks after the Commission's proposal was submitted
Extension of the Solidarity Fund
During the same period, the scope of the EU Solidarity Fund for public health emergencies was extended (March)
The EP has made €800m available for the period 2007-2013. for the countries of Europe for public health, including the provision of medical coverage, as well as measures to prevent, monitor and control the spread of diseases.
Historic Decision on Package of Measures in the context of the EU's long-term budget
The Multiannual Financial Framework will judge the future of the EU, President Sasoli said, noting that adequate funding is crucial to achieving common objectives such as combating climate change, digital and green economy policies as well as a fair transition, as well as continuing to support regions, farmers, young people, researchers and entrepreneurship.
It also appeared that the introduction of new 'own resources', i.e. the introduction of 'own resources', would be a good thing. new forms of direct financing of the EU budget, as well as linking the money received by Member States with respect for the principles of the rule of law, are key points for MEPs.
€1.8 trillion adopted by the European Parliament, for the period 2021-2027
The aim is for EU support to reach citizens immediately and at the beginning of 2021. In conjunction with the Next Generation EU Recovery Plan, the total amount of the EU budget for 2021-2027 is €1.8 trillion.
An additional €16 billion will be used to fund the project. will be promoted in aid for key EU programmes. This translates into a tripling of the EU4Health envelope, ensures the equivalent of an additional year of funding for Erasmus+ and ensures that research funding continues to increase.
Other decisions that breathed new life into professional groups, households and youth
Last June the EP approved temporary emergency changes to make it easier for banks to in turn increase lending flows to businesses and households and absorb losses.
Support to farmers from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development has also increased. This measure allowed Member States to provide, in one-off form, financial support to farmers and small businesses in the countryside adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a resolution, the European Parliament called on the Member States to ensure that 'good quality, diverse and adapted jobs, training or traineeships' are offered to young people enrolled in the Youth Guarantee programmes.
In July 2020, the European Commission proposed to extend their coverage to young people under the age of 30 and the EP approved a total of €145m in funds. on the Youth Employment Initiative, supporting those living in areas where the youth unemployment rate exceeds 25%.
The REACT-EU initiative
The REACT-EU initiative, a package of measures with a budget of €47.5 billion, will be implemented in the next five years. which aims to help address the immediate consequences of the crown crisis in EU regions. A total of €37.5 billion is projected to be used to fund the project. for 2021 and another €10 billion for 2021. for 2022.
