COVID-19 crisis having ‘huge toll on children, warn MEPs European parliament’s warning comes as EU authorises use of fourth COVID-19 vaccine. 12 Mar 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic risks having a “disproportionate and devastating” impact on children and their future, according to a European Parliament motion. This, they said, is especially for up to 100 million of the most vulnerable children already living in poverty, homeless and in “precarious situations.” A new Parliament resolution - overwhelmingly passed by members - states that more children than before are falling victim to violence, abuse and exploitation during the ongoing health crisis, and that their physical and emotional health is “drastically worsening.”