Today, the European Commission has decided to create a strategic rescEU stockpile of medical equipment such as ventilators and protective masks to help EU countries in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. President Ursula von der Leyen said: “With the first ever common European reserve of emergency medical equipment we put EU solidarity into action. It will benefit all our Member States and all our citizens. Helping one another is the only way forward.” Medical equipment part of the stockpile will include items such as: intensive care...

President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a comprehensive set of measures that will: Ensure the adequate supply of protective equipment and medical supplies across Europe; Cushion the blow for people’s livelihoods and the economy by applying full flexibility of EU fiscal rules; Set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. Provide a coherent set of guidelines to Member States on border measures to protect citizens’...

Today 17 March, Members of the European Council held a videoconference on COVID 19 in order to follow up on previous conclusions of 10 March 2020 together with the ECB President, the President of the Eurogroup and the High Representative. We reaffirmed the need to work together and to do everything necessary to tackle the crisis and its consequences. The priority is the health of our citizens. On the four priorities identified: 1. Limiting the spread of the virus We endorsed the guidelines proposed by the...

We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven, acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic is a human tragedy and a global health crisis, which also poses major risks for the world economy.  We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response through closer cooperation and enhanced coordination of our efforts.  While current challenges may require national emergency measures, we remain committed to the stability of the global economy.  We express our conviction that current challenges...

COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency for our citizens, societies and economies with infections in all Member States. It is also a major economic shock to the EU. The Commission therefore presents today an immediate response to mitigate the socio-economic impact of  the COVID-19 outbreak, centred on a European coordinated response. The Commission will use all the instruments at its disposal to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, in particular: • To ensure the necessary supplies to our health systems...

Heads of State and Government welcomed the initiative to hold this video conference on COVID-19. Member states expressed sympathy with Italy and other member states that are severely hit. During the video conference on 10 March 2020 we emphasised the need to work together and to do everything necessary and to act swiftly. We stressed the need for a joint European approach and a close coordination with the European Commission. Health ministers and Interior ministers should consult daily to ensure proper...