Answer given by Mr Gentiloni on behalf of the European Commission
21.12.2021
The second bi-annual report on the Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) showed that around 31 million people and 2½ million firms were supported by national measures financed by SURE in 2020.
This includes 22½ million employees and 8½ million self-employed, over one quarter of total employment in beneficiary Member States. The firms covered are primarily in the services sector, in particular in wholesale and retail trade and accommodation and food services. Small, medium and large firms all benefitted, though the vast majority covered were small firms.
The participation of women and youth in short-time work increased during the pandemic. Additional breakdowns are not available within the reporting obligations provided by the SURE regulation.
The ‘Afghan Support Package’ includes at least EUR 300 million for humanitarian purposes, including basic needs and food security, and at least EUR 250 million of ‘humanitarian plus’ support, notably in the field of health.
This funding will be in direct support of the local population and channelled to international partners, while respecting the principles of engagement established by the Council Conclusions[1]. Humanitarian assistance will be delivered in line with the humanitarian principles[2] as enshrined in the Consensus on Humanitarian Aid.
Audits on legality and regularity of the EU funds are regularly performed, including risk, as established in the Commission audit strategy.