Earlier today, the first meeting of the special committee on Covid-19 took place at the European Parliament. The Committee will be taking into account lessons learnt from the pandemic and working upon recommendations in relation to the health sector, respect for democracy and fundamental rights, the social aspect and the economic impact.
MEP Josianne Cutajar is the only Maltese member in this special Committee, which is composed of 38 MEPs in total.
Commenting on this first meeting, Cutajar explained that this Committee will be analysing the pandemic’s impact on the work sector, including telework, poverty and the important role of digitalisation. Additionally, it will also look at the effects on education and gender equality, including due to the several restrictions imposed.
MEP Cutajar said that she is committed to keep the social aspect at the centre of the work of this Committee, as well as assisting those sectors mostly affected by the pandemic, such as the culture, hospitality and tourism sectors.
In her concluding remarks, MEP Cutajar stressed that it is very important that Europe, including its remote regions and islands, draw a key lesson from the pandemic: During good times, we should keep in mind the challenging times. “The pandemic is a lesson because it reminded us of the importance of building resilience to any eventuality that may arise, including in terms of health, transport, tourism and supply chains. A reminder which was further strengthened following the invasion on Ukraine”.