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I supported this report, which stressed that as a side effect of the COVID pandemic, social inequalities are exacerbated and more people are pushed into poverty and social exclusion. In the field of education, distance learning revealed acute inequalities between and within Member States, depending on social and educational backgrounds in families, but also on mere access to digital infrastructure and equipment. People living remote places such as rural areas or mountains, and those with disadvantaged backgrounds suffered twice from the safety measures made necessary. In this context digital education has an important role to play, as it can fruitfully complement and enhance in-person education, and help address such inequalities. It allows for tailored education fit for the needs of the learner, including from disadvantaged groups, diverse languages or remote areas.

I have voted in favour of the report, which highlights the growing global problem of marine little. However, I have some reservations and notice that certain statements go beyond the current requirements established by both the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.