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There is growing interest in the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the agri-food sector, to extract or exploit the information in datasets resulting from the monitoring of products and processes. Artificial intelligence algorithms, and the models derived from them, are used as support systems for better decision making or, in some cases, are implemented in automatic control processes and robotics, to alleviate drudgery. In this study, sensing and data collection in different agri-food ...

This infographic aims to present the current maternity and paternity leave situation in EU Member States. Most EU countries also grant an additional period of parental leave, but parental leave is not covered in this infographic.

Protecting children online is becoming increasingly vital. For over two decades, there has been a limited range of online age verification methods available to protect children from accessing online content unsuitable for their age. A number of countries are introducing legislation and/or codes of practice to address this situation. At EU level too, there are increasing efforts in this regard, with a code of practice in the pipeline. Challenges abound, however, in the areas of privacy, monitoring ...

Governments seek to protect low-income households from the risk of poverty by regulating minimum wages and setting up support programmes that include both social insurance and social assistance transfers. At their centre are guaranteed minimum income schemes as last-resort income support. While minimum income schemes exist in all EU Member States, they are not always adequate; they do not reach all those in need, nor do they motivate people to return to the labour market. In many EU countries, the ...

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee, assesses whether a gender dimension has been incorporated into the initiatives proposed under the Fit for 55 package and whether a gender-sensitive approach was used in its formulation. Examples are given of good practice for gender mainstreaming in energy and climate policy. Recommendations are made to close identified gender gaps in policies ...

This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI), examines the progress made on mutual recognition of disability status, and the challenges this presents. There are different definitions and practices of disability assessment, among the Member States and in different policy fields. Citizens’ petitions raise concerns about this, and about the need for mutual recognition. Harmonising ...

The Monthly Highlights publication provides an overview, at a glance, of the on-going work of the policy departments, including a selection of the latest and forthcoming publications, and a list of future events.

This At a glance note summarises the study on The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on EU cohesion Part II: Overview and outlook. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and a range of mega-trends affect Europe’s pathway and exacerbate vulnerabilities for many places and societal groups. They risk accelerating disparities between places and people. Cohesion Policy proved to be a highly flexible instrument, reacting quickly and effectively against the effects ...

The European Child Guarantee, adopted on 14 June 2021, aims to ensure that every child in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion has access to the following key services: 1) early childhood education and care, 2) education (including school-based activities), 3) healthcare, 4) nutrition, 5) housing. Member States were required to submit national action plans for the implementation of the Child Guarantee by 15 March 2022. By mid-October 2022, 15 plans had been submitted. The European Pillar ...

Wage policy in the EU is a patchwork of different national traditions and legal frameworks. As a result, minimum wage levels diverge considerably, and leave many workers unprotected. While setting minimum wages is the competence of EU Member States, the EU has a supporting and complementary role. In October 2020, the European Commission proposed a directive seeking to improve the adequacy and increase the coverage of minimum wages, while also strengthening collective bargaining as the main instrument ...