Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.
Overview of measures
Eurofound has identified 44 measures in the European Union in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the digital transformation, the green transition, and companies undergoing restructuring. Most cases fall into the category Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery with 15 cases (34%). The data collection to date started in March 2020, and data are updated at regular intervals.
This overview was prepared by Barbara Surdykowska and Eurofound.
Non-binding recommendations or other texts |
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15 September 2020 |
Free movement of people in the EU: more clarity and predictability of restricting measures
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
17 September 2020 |
Ensuring business continuity and protection of workers in private security service during COVID-19 pandemic
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
02 February 2021 |
EU sectoral social partners call for the safety of seafarers
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
02 February 2021 |
Road freight: call for keeping borders and supply chains open
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
19 May 2022 |
EU: Faster and simpler recognition of refugees' professional qualifications
Smoothing frictions or reallocation of workers |
Other initiatives or policies |
20 December 2021 |
Social partners expect European Care Strategy to address workforce needs
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
22 December 2021 |
Plan to boost social economy after COVID-19
Remuneration and rewards for workers in essential services |
Other initiatives or policies |
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20 May 2022 |
European universities show solidarity with Ukrainian partners
Deferral of payments or liabilities |
Legislations or other statutory regulations |
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05 September 2020 |
Creation of a new instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE)
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
29 October 2020 |
Commission issues first emission of EU SURE social bonds
Income support for people in employment (e.g., short-time work) |
Non-binding recommendations or other texts |
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02 February 2021 |
Trade unions' opinion on the EU Chemical Strategy
Change of production/innovation |
Non-binding recommendations or other texts |
|
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10 September 2020 |
European Commission unveils vaccine strategy
Access to healthcare |
28 October 2020 |
Need to strengthen minimum income protection in the EU during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support) |
17 June 2021 |
Post-COVID Cultural Recovery in the
EU: Policy Recommendations
Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support) |
19 May 2022 |
The EU stands in solidarity with refugees from Ukraine
Other humanitarian measures |
17 September 2022 |
To protect Ukrainian refugees from human trafficking
Protection of vulnerable groups (beyond employment support) |
17 September 2022 |
EU Commission: The transition to climate neutrality must be fair to people
Other |
17 September 2022 |
Guidance on "Safe Homes" for Ukrainian refugees
Keeping or obtaining a safe home |
Other initiatives or policies |
19 May 2022 |
European trade unions' reaction on Russian invasion of Ukraine
Other humanitarian measures |
20 May 2022 |
Mental health support for refugees from Ukraine
Access to healthcare |
Legislations or other statutory regulations |
|
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02 February 2021 |
The new annual programme of Public Employment Services Network
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
20 December 2021 |
European Commission relaunches Economic Governance Review
Support for spending, stimulus packages |
23 December 2021 |
Unifying the validity period of vaccination certificates
Other |
Non-binding recommendations or other texts |
10 September 2020 |
European social partners call for strategy for retail and wholesale sector
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
28 October 2020 |
Trade unions call for aerospace recovery plan
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
29 October 2020 |
EU social partners for the live performance sector issue joint statement
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
08 December 2020 |
Need for recovery of European aviation
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
10 December 2020 |
Commission presents “Staying safe from COVID-19 during winter” strategy
Other |
04 March 2021 |
Restoring the European tourism sector and air connectivity: Call for a coordinated approach
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
04 March 2021 |
Commission's Recommendation on Effective Active Support to Employment
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
16 June 2021 |
New EU business tax agenda welcomed by social partners
Other |
17 June 2021 |
Social partners: the need to continue support for European hospitality sector
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
17 June 2021 |
7 million European jobs in danger due to COVID-19
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
10 September 2021 |
Need for strategy the EU textile sector to survive following the pandemic
Measures to support a gradual relaunch of work |
17 September 2022 |
EU guidance: Need to help war refugees access jobs and training
Active labour market policies (enhancing employability, training, subsidised job creation, etc.) |
Other initiatives or policies |
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17 September 2022 |
European rail transport threatened by soaring electricity prices
Support for energy bills |
30 January 2023
Governments across the EU continue to implement policies to support citizens and businesses in the face of rising food and energy prices caused by the COVID-19 crisis and intensified by the war in Ukraine. This article summarises the policy responses as reported in Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch database from January to September 2022.
Article12 September 2022
Although the worldwide pandemic situation had already disrupted supply chains and triggered increases in energy and food prices in 2021, the situation deteriorated in 2022 with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Article12 September 2022
This article summarises the first policy responses that governments across the EU have started to implement to support companies affected by the rising prices, and those with commercial ties to Ukraine, Russia or Belarus.
Article5 July 2022
This article summarises the first policy responses of EU Member States, including those of the social partners and other civil society actors, enabling refugees to exercise their rights under the Temporary Protection Directive.
ArticleDisclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.