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This year's review reveals further positive employment and social developments in the EU. However, despite recent improvements, huge disparities still exist between Member States, in terms of economic growth, employment and other key social and labour market indicators. Many of these disparities are linked to an underutilisation of human capital on several fronts.

On 5 January 2016, Ghinwa, 7, and her brother Alaa, 11, at Al-Khalidia Al-Khamisa informal settlement in Homs, Syria.

Two young mothers wrap their babies in blankets in freezing temperatures in Presevo, Serbia.

Child soldiers released in South Sudan.

On 5 January 2016, Ghinwa, 7, and her brother Alaa, 11, at Al-Khalidia Al-Khamisa informal settlement in Homs, Syria.

A policeman in Kabul, Afghanistan, which remains the most dangerous country for aid workers globally.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi shakes hands with a boy at a Syrian Arab Red Crescent polyclinic in Damascus.

Russia must end its direct or indirect involvement in conflicts in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and stop interfering with their EU aspirations, say MEPs in a review, voted on Thursday, of their progress on reform. One year after the three ratified their association and deep and comprehensive free trade agreements (AA/DCFTAs) with the EU, MEPs highlight remaining reform tasks for each country and take note of the 6 April Dutch referendum on the EU-Ukraine deal.

South Sudanese refugees sit at the Nyumanzi reception centre in Adjumani in northern Ugand

Women and children make up 55 per cent of those arriving by sea to Europe. Women are at greater risk of exploitation and violence while on the move in Europe.