EU COVID-19 recovery plan must lead the way towards Sustainable, Green and Inclusive Economies and Societies

SDG Watch Statement June 2020

For the COVID-19 Recovery Plan, we call on the EU Institutions and Member States to:

Let this be a Wake-up Implement Immediate Call: Our System is Debt Cancellation the Problem! We need and Stop any Unjust a Paradigm shift Austerity Measures

Make the SDGs and the Fight all Other the Guidelines to get Crises too out of the Crisis

Strengthen the Social Protect our Protection System Democracies, Human and make it Accessible for All and Civic Rights

Ensure Transparency Lead the Way to a of Political Decisions on Socially and Ecologically COVID-19 and Beyond, as Sustainable Economic well as Full Inclusion and System with Revised, Participation of Green Budgets Civil Society

Link Economic Recovery Show Transformative to Clear Conditions and Global Action against Say No to Bail-outs for Polluters and Tax Havens Poverty and Hunger Let this be a Wake-up Strengthen the Social Call: Our System is the Protection System Problem! and make it We need a Accessible for All paradigm shift

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging our way of The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the precarity life to an unprecedented degree and has uncovered the of our social system and is exposing and exacerbating weaknesses of our globalised economic system. It has inequalities. It is having an enormous impact on gender exposed the failures of the neoliberal policies and more equality and women’s rights. On the one hand, women than three decades of public sector privatisation and have the biggest share in the provision of essential services underfunding. We now clearly see the serious implications (making up to 76% of healthcare workers in the EU), take of a privatised, profit-oriented health system, the structures on higher rates of precarious jobs, and assume the highest of dependence in the global value chains, the hardship of share of unpaid care work. On the other hand, due to the people working in precarious jobs, of women taking on lockdowns, women are now at a higher risk of intimate unpaid, invisible care work, or the missing financial safety domestic violence and other forms of violence, including net for a generation of freelancers. Many vulnerable groups discrimination and racially motivated incidents while having such as migrants, refugees, ethnic minorities, including less access to support nets. All the while, women have Roma, people with disabilities, homeless people and less visibility in terms of public discussions and decisions others have never had equal access to employment and in the crisis, especially those from vulnerable groups. Any face higher exposure to and poverty. The recovery policies that intensify or increase gender inequality International Labour Organisation estimated that the crisis is undemocratic and economically nonsensical. would wipe out the equivalent of 195 million full-time jobs in the second quarter of 2020. Our current system destroys Young people are also highly affected. They are the environment by polluting the air, water, and soil, and confronted by uncertainty in their studies, training and exploiting resources and material, leaving more than 10 professional careers. Young people unemployed before percent of the global population in extreme poverty, the pandemic outbreak are currently excluded from with many vulnerable groups disproportionately highly the benefits given to adult people who lost their job in impacted. Let this crisis be a wake-up call to recognise the crisis. Furthermore, several weeks of lockdown have the devastation our economic system brings to people, shown us that cultural and creative contents are essential societies and the planet. More than ever, we need a system to our mental and physical well-being. Creators, however, change. Building back the old economies is nothing but a are often underpaid or experience precarious working recipe for further crises. conditions due to existing national legislative frameworks lacking protection for freelance and intermittent workers. Ultimately, they are also excluded from EU benefits. Any forward-looking recovery strategy must not leave culture Make the SDGs and the and its ecosystems behind. Paris Agreement the Guidelines to get Persons with disabilities have been deeply impacted out of the Crisis by the crisis. They have been discriminated against in accessing healthcare, have seen their support systems disappear and were subject to lockdown measures that had a very negative impact on their lives, including Billions of in recovery funds are putting our lack of food and access to medicine. Also, this situation economies on pathways that will shape our societies for concerns Roma communities, who are facing significant decades. Policy-makers have to ensure these funds are an loss of livelihood, jobs and income increasing child poverty. investment in a sustainable and inclusive future. With the Lockdown of entire Roma settlements has been observed SDGs and the Paris Agreement we have two internationally in many Eastern and Central European countries depriving agreed frameworks to guide any measures in the current these communities from equal access to quality healthcare crisis. The exit strategy out of the crisis cannot be by and prevention when those are most needed and social continuing the same way as before or even as was done services can positively impact the poorest members of our in the last EU crisis. The EU must promote a deep change society. driven by public policies that provide stronger guarantees for Before hosting yet another industry summit, we need equal access to rights and services, strengthen democracy, clear support for the social foundations of our societies social justice and equity by a profound restructuring of the going much beyond any emergency recovery funds. This financial, production and consumption systems in order to includes: (i) the introduction of universal health care deliver environmental, social and economic sustainability, as well as the development of a Care Deal for Europe. social inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing. It is crucial that any measures to combat short-term struggles have mid- and long-term perspectives. 2 This should include the re-communalization of and The EU’s support should focus on civil society actors, local investments in the health and care sector in all European private sector and inclusive business models, which have a countries, with a substantial increase in pay of the nursing track record in contributing to sustainable development. staff, and the recognition of all genders as equal-earners- For example, cooperatives are jointly owned and equal-carers; (ii) budget increase for social security democratically controlled by their members (producers, systems providing equal access to services for all and the workers and/or consumers) which makes them more establishment of effective safety nets and support for the resilient to crisis, while being platforms for decent work most marginalised people in our societies (e.g. homeless and contributing to reducing inequalities. Therefore, the people, refugees, victims of gender based violence, migrants, cooperative enterprise model can be a pathway to creating Roma communities, frontline workers, older persons, a sustainable and just economic system better able to persons with disabilities, children at risk, those affected withstand future crises. by prostitution, prisoners); (iii) Europe wide adequate (minimum) wages, especially for jobs that are now considered Given the severe socio-economic effects that COVID-19 essential and of systematic importance but are chronically will bring, we need an ESF+ with increased earmarking underpaid (such as retail, cleaning sector, child-care). for social inclusion and material deprivation. Given the decrease of donations in economic crises, the economic For member states, now is the time to finally permanently and financial support in this crisis cannot be on the back introduce an adequate minimum income and guaranteed of public civil society funding. When it comes to balancing utilities. Marginalized communities and those hardest to the additional funds in the EU or member states budgets, reach have to become a top priority for financial and social the already scarce public funding for civil society has to support rather than be discriminated against with harsher be excluded from any budgetary cuts. We are concerned measures than those imposed on the general population. at the reduction of significant funds in the Commission’s current MFF proposal (a decrease in €186 million in Lead the Way to a current prices to the Justice, Rights and Values Fund) that contribute towards the advancement of women’s rights Socially and and eliminating violence against women. Investments are Ecologically Sustainable not gender neutral, this amount must be put back in the Economic System with proposal, with increased investments towards objectives Revised, Green Budgets that promote gender equality across all EU funds.

Link Economic Recovery Never before have our economies received this amount of to Clear Conditions and public financial support. This is a historic opportunity to use public funds for structural change and to implement basic Say No to Bail-outs for principles in order to create a resilient, just and sustainable Polluters and economic system. As long as our economies are dependent Tax Havens on growth, the recession will be devastating. We need a planned, sustainable and equitable downscaling of our economies with increased funding of sustainable sectors, Beyond any direct emergency relief (such as short- amongst them healthcare, education, renewable energies time compensation) there cannot be any money for the and ecological agriculture. status quo. In line with all the Rio-Principles, including the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, as Some corporations and governments are now lobbying well as the “Do No Harm” principle of the Green Deal, for the halt or withdrawal of environmental, social and emergency and recovery funds, cannot support any climate standards. We cannot accept this roll-back, and economic activity that is in contradiction to the realization neither should the EU institutions and member states. It of the SDGs or the Paris Agreement inside and outside would be irresponsible to weaken existing sustainability the EU (e.g. fossil fuel production, overfishing, industrial legislation or environmental and social requirements. Any agribusiness, or commodity production and imports which existing achievements in terms of sustainability have to be cause deforestation, biodiversity loss, land and water grabs kept and supported. The EU Green Deal must proceed as or exploitation of people). the basis of a stimulus package to relaunch the EU economy in line with sustainable development and in order to Companies bailouts must be linked to clear conditionalities support human wellbeing, guarantee a prosperous green of creating inclusive sustainable growth with maximum jobs sector and ensure a sustainable economic system. impact for local communities. These conditions should be even stronger for multinationals and unsustainable The EU must revise its current budget to facilitate companies, such as airlines. All recovery funds have to have adequate resourcing for COVID-19-related actions. The strong accountability and human rights due diligence with next Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU will play an environmental and climate screening for each recovery a central role in the economic and social recovery from the package. has suspended those companies from COVID-19 outbreak. We thus need ambitious reforms of public relief funds that are formally based in tax-havens. the MFF and to mainstream the SDGs throughout the EU budget in order to put the public interest at the heart of EU policy-making.

3 This should be a basic condition in all European countries and for the EU institutions as well. Similarly, we don’t accept special-interest policies by the EU or its member states to Fight all Other push certain sectors especially when they are economically absurd and have a negative impact on sustainability. Crises too

Recipients of recovery funds have to present their contribution to the realization of these goals in a A global pandemic does not change that fact that comprehensible and transparent way. There has to be Europe and the world are facing multiple crises such a system of sanctions in case of violations. Any erosion as climate, biodiversity and pollution crisis, growing of environmental and social standards as well as the inequalities, structural changes in many sectors and distribution of bonuses to boards or CEOS despite or regions, the outcomes of the privatization of public because of the COVID-19 crisis have to be reasons for institutions, and insufficient political action against immediate exclusion from public recovery funds. growing right-wing, right-populist and nationalist extremism, insufficient action against everyday racism and racially motivated violence. Implement Immediate Amongst many other things, the COVID-19 Debt Cancellation crisis has put the spotlight on the urgent need to and Stop any Unjust strengthen animal protection. 70% of emerging Austerity Measures infectious diseases in humans come from animals. The pressure on biodiversity, e.g. due to changes and intensification in land and sea use and loss of habitat for agricultural purposes, is one of the main causes We expect the “Next Generation EU” instrument to of the spread of zoonoses. The increasing trade in not only mitigate economic consequences of the crisis. wildlife, illegal or not, is another and the EU is a But this time, the EU needs to save people and the planet major destination for exotic pets, including primates, rather than focus on the bailouts of corporations or banks. reptiles, and amphibians. The next pandemic could Additional public expenditures caused by the pandemic also easily emerge from whatany intensive farms. need to be financed in solidarity among EU member states There, animals are kept by the billions (trillions, if we and supported by the EU institutions in order to avoid consider fish in aquaculture) and constitute reservoirs overloading national deficits and increasing risk premiums. and pathways for diseases that can be dangerous, if not devastating, for humans and wild animals. The EU and its member states need to take the lessons of the 2008 crisis seriously, in which forced austerity left Both within the economic recovery, as well as in the most vulnerable groups bearing the greatest costs. public policies the fight against those multiple crises Austerity threw greater numbers of people into poverty, has to be alive and strong. All of these crises are wealth inequality has increased significantly since 2008. interlinked and cannot be solved in isolation but have The most marginalized in our societies are hardest hit to take solutions and action against any of these by the pandemic and the least able to practice social other emergencies into account. In the medium to distancing and other protective measures, meaning they the long run, enhancing the environmental, social are more likely to become infected and die. The first clear and economic health of societies will be key to effect of the current crisis is that countries that pursued build resilience to similar shocks in the future. The austerity politics, underfunded or privatized public health postponement of many international conferences as facilities now find themselves unable to adequately deal well as of national dialogues and discourses cannot with the burden caused by the pandemic. lead to a decrease of public and parliamentary action on solving these crises. We call for solidarity and support for countries and people worldwide that are suffering from these largely unjust austerity measures and debt policies. Economic measures need to focus on the relaxation of multi-annual Protect our macroeconomic austerity measures. Given that the Democracies, Human economic recovery will be harsh, especially in countries already threatened by the looming debt crisis, and will take and Civic Rights years, we call on the immediate debt cancellation within Europe and abroad. This will free countries and societies to invest more in a robust care economy to improve health and care working conditions and boost jobs, education Health emergencies cannot, in any case, allow and tackling poverty. the suspension of fundamental freedoms and democratic rights. Given that the pandemic is also exacerbating the challenges already faced by marginalised groups special political attention must be placed on the protection of our human and civil rights, among other things the right to health 4 (including the provision of sexual and reproductive The Right to Public Information (RTI) cannot be curtailed health and rights) of all, and especially of vulnerable under the pretext of responding to the pandemic. Any groups such as those residing in institutional settings suspension of non-urgent RTI activities has to be taken including shelters for victims of violence and the back immediately both in terms of COVID-19 measures homeless, and care, residential or nursing homes. and economic recovery plans as well as other political decisions. Any restrictions imposed by governments can only be time-bound, have to be transparent and in line with constitutional, human and civic rights and be fully lifted once the pandemic is controlled. Actions Show Transformative against the pandemic cannot be used to undercut Global Action against people’s freedom of expressions of opinions or Poverty and Hunger criticism - also in the public sphere. If protests are in line with hygienic and safety measures and on the basis of free democratic basic order, any obstruction from governments and police are unlawful. The EU In the face of the global nature of the COVID-19 criticism, has to play a proactive role, internally and at the with an estimated increase between 400-600 million international level, to avoid and fight any act or try more people in poverty across the globe, inequalities are to harm political freedoms and rights. exacerbated, impacting the poorest, most vulnerable and highly indebted countries. A new, worldwide hunger and New measures on data retention and tracking have poverty crisis alongside a health crisis is imminent. The to be reviewed by policy-makers and independent civil EU needs to act now, address the key factors responsible society to prevent the enforcement of even greater for poverty and deprivation, increase international control over people, eroding civil liberties and the cooperation, financial support and humanitarian action ongoing justification for the shrinking of civil society in light of the manifold crises the pandemic brings. A space. Protection against COVID-19 and protection leading role is needed in the promotion of rights, equality of privacy are not mutually exclusive. Any solution of women, inclusion of persons with disabilities, the fight must be implemented in a way that is compatible against discrimination, the environmental emergency and with our civil rights. Before considering the data the defence of global public goods, such as health. This protection implications of digital contact tracing includes the immediate evacuation of the Greek refugee apps, there has to be a democratic debate on the camps and the relocation of refugees to safe places question if they work at all. If implemented, digital throughout Europe in accordance with international surveillance solutions should be firmly grounded in human and asylum rights law. data protection principles. People must be able to appeal any decision taken by an automated system Equally important the EU must finally address the negative concerning COVID-19 (especially apps determining externalities of its policies, as outlined in our Spotlight whether someone has been in contact with an Report on Sustainability in Europe „Who is paying the infected person and must undergo quarantine). bill?“. We want to highlight the recommendations for the Governments and contractors must abide by the global EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic issued by provisions of the GDPR. CONCORD, including, putting solidarity first, supporting civil society organisations and protecting civic space and Ensure Transparency human rights. These priorities should also be reflected of Political Decisions on in the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), considering that the COVID-19 and Beyond, ’s MFF proposal adapted to the as well as Full Inclusion COVID-19 recovery provides additional funds to the NDICI and Participation of as a part of the “Next Generation EU” instrument. The EU Civil Society should ensure that this funding is dispensed to civil society.

We see a worrisome roll-back of transparency and civil society participation in all political fields and topics. A SDG Watch Europe is an EU-level, cross- global pandemic does not justify closed-door negotiations. sectoral CSO alliance of CSOs from the We call for transparent, inclusive and participatory ways to development, environment, social, human rights include civil society (including local actors) in policy-making and other sectors. The mission of SDG Watch processes on all levels of government now and in the path Europe is to ensure the EU and its member of recovery from the effects of the pandemic. The highest states fully implement the SDGs by 2030. standards of transparency and accountability are required to ensure that civil society can exert proper oversight of the Contact: [email protected] aid flows and verify that it reaches the most vulnerable in an effective and efficient manner. Picture Credit: CC by Sergey Demushkin, HeadsOfBirds, Wichai Wi, dDara, Adrien Coquet, The Icon Z, Made by Made, Till Teenck, Nociconist all from the Noun Project. 5 SIGNED BY:

ACT Alliance EU Latvian Platform for Development Association 4D - Cooperation LAPAS CEEweb for Biodiversity LeAD GLocal Cooperatives Europe Light for the World CORE Platform Lithuanian NGDO Platform Culture Action Europe Make Mothers Matter End FGM European Network Nyt Europa EU-CORD Povod, Institute for culture and development of international relations in Eurodiaconia culture for Animals SDG Watch European Association for the Education of Seas At Risk Adults (EAEA) SLOGA Slovene NGO platform for European Disability Forum development, global education and European Environmental Bureau humanitarian aid European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) Social Platform European Women’s Lobby (EWL) SOLIDAR Fern Wetlands International Europe Futuro en Común, Spanish cross-sectorial Women Engage for a Common Future CSO platform working on SDG (WECF) International German NGO Forum on Environment and Women Engage for a Common Future Development (WECF) France Global Call to Action Against Poverty Women Engage for a Common Future (GCAP) (WECF) GCAP Wontanara INKOTA-netzwerk Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS)