The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health, states that even though sexual education in schools is mandatory in almost every EU state by law, the quality and content can differ greatly amongst Member States - often concentrating lessons solely on the communication of biological facts, neglecting social and psychological aspects, as well as essential communication skills. How can this one-sided orientation be broadened in order to achieve a higher quality school-based sexuality education while providing students with not only a comprehensive and inclusive approach but with the possibility of discussing a wide range of subjects without taboo?
Since it was founded in 2007, the European Progress Microfinance Facility, has since then supported more than 30,473 SME’s by increasing access to finance for micro-entrepreneurs, including but not restricted to, groups with limited access to the conventional credit market, such as female entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs belonging to a minority group. Nevertheless, the fragmented regulatory frameworks at national level can favour banks over microfinance providers and make it difficult for the latter to challenge the rules. How can policy makers promote microfinancing activity while also cooperating with stakeholder banks, that lend to SMEs in the old fashioned way, to further increase access to microfinance?
From Calais to Moria, refugee camps are spread across Europe to serve as safe havens to those who seek asylum. But lack of housing infrastructures and essential medical facilities, poor security, malnutrition and above all, a status of uncertainty due to the slow processing of asylum requests, results in refugees being exposed to dangerous and life threatening conditions. How can the EU further cooperate with not only governments but NGO’s and even civil societies, to not only improve living conditions in the camps but to also allow refugees to recover and integrate their surroundings?
Released to the public in 2009, Bitcoin’s white paper flashed the potential of open innovation. As Bitcoin and other public blockchains grow, new intermediary platforms, distributed ledgers and patented technologies emerge, recreating proprietary digital barriers between transacting individuals. How can the EU ensure that blockchain technology remains an equitable and open innovation led technology?
A social enterprise combines entrepreneurial activity with a social purpose. Its main aim is to have a social impact, rather than maximise profit for owners or shareholders. Yet, only seven European countries have policy frameworks in place to encourage and support the development of social enterprises due to poor understanding of the concept of social enterprise, lack of specialist business development services, few supportive legislative frameworks and the absence of common mechanisms for measuring and demonstrating impact. How can the EU support social entrepreneurship, while encapsulating a dynamic, diverse and entrepreneurial movement that combines economic activity with social missions, and the promotion of inclusive growth?
From victim blaming to being fearful of law enforcement mechanisms and justice systems, survivors of sexual violence and intimidation are reluctant to report any incidents to the rightful authorities. Underreporting makes sexual violence notoriously difficult to measure while also contributing to the dismissal of necessary follow-up measures. With reporting, recording and prosecution rates of sexual offences substantially below the real rates of occurrence, what can governments and civil society do to close that gap?
After the Lisbon Treaty, promoting ‘fair trade’ has become one of the long-term objectives of the EU international trading partners, by setting up key international labour and environment standards and agreements amongst the rectification of international deals. What can the EU do to further work with partners to strengthen the competitiveness of fairtrade exporters, through a broad offer of tools and services, to help build vibrant and sustainable export sectors that provide economic opportunities to all?
Over the past 200 years, employment numbers have persistently increased due to technological development. The development of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) may have the potential to transform lives and work practices, drive efficiency, increase savings, and improve safety levels in areas such as transport, medical care, rescue, education and farming. What can the European Commission and the Member States do to foster AI entrepreneurship, research programmes, and explore long-term risks and opportunities of AI and robotics technologies while encouraging the initiation of a structured public dialogue on the consequences of their development?