Consultation on the draft directive has been sought by the Commission as well.
In the aftermath of the five-year COVID-19 pandemic, the power duo, Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD, in the German Bundestag zijn all set to dive into the review of measures and shortcomings. These political powerhouses have agreed to form an inquiry committee, as both parties have publicly declared.
Social Democrat, Dagmar Schmidt, described this move as a significant step forward, stating, "We're not just looking, but we're listening and learning. From families to caregivers, freelancers, and everyone in society - the COVID-19 pandemic served as a profound turning point for us all." Recognizing the pandemic's far-reaching impact, the need for a comprehensive review is undeniable.
Schmidt further added, "We aim to understand what worked well and what didn't. We strive to learn from our mistakes and promote societal healing."
Albert Stegemann, Union's deputy head, echoed Schmidt's sentiment. He emphasized the importance of an unbiased evaluation, stating, "Only by avoiding party-political blame can we draw the necessary lessons to be better prepared for future crises. Covid-19 has impacted every citizen like no other event in history."
Stegemann also outlined the role of experts, scientists, stakeholders, and those affected in the commission's work. The establishment of this inquiry committee was already mentioned in the coalition agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD. Unlike a traditional committee of inquiry, these committees tend to focus on consensus and cooperation. Members of parliament and experts from both academic and practical spheres will contribute to the committees.
The report's final outcome will be a closing report, often containing recommendations for future legislative changes. Beyond oversight, this review committee aims to foster transparency, engage the public, and learn from past mistakes to prevent future crises.
The inquiry committee formed by Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD will delve into policy-and-legislation and general-news aspects, focusing on the review of measures and shortcomings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both parties aim to understand what worked well and what didn't, with a goal to learn from their mistakes and promote societal healing, resulting in potential legislative changes in the future.
