Regulators are highlighting the need for a comprehensive international coordination mechanism to allow the conduct of adequately powered, randomised controlled trials, which can generate sound evidence on the effects of therapeutics or vaccines against COVID-19. This follows a call made by EMA’s Human Medicines Committee (CHMP) for the research community to pool resources into large, well-designed, multi-arm clinical […]
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Supports to local authorities fighting the effects of the pandemic
The current precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 have not affected the European Parliament’s capacity to ensure the legislative, budgetary and scrutiny functions of the Institution. Besides its core activities, the European Parliament contacted the local authorities to offer its support in addressing the socio economic consequences of the crisis in its three […]
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Statement by the EC on the proposal made by France and Germany
Reacting to the press conference by the German Chancellor and the French President, President von der Leyen said: I welcome the constructive proposal made by France and Germany. It acknowledges the scope and the size of the economic challenge that Europe faces, and rightly puts the emphasis on the need to work on a solution with the […]
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The science behind embracing new forms of social organisation after Confinement
As lockdown restrictions ease across Europe, governments are considering just how much and how widely they should advise citizens to socialise with people outside their own household. The idea is that everyone interacts within a small group of people to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further. For example, as of 10 May, the Belgian government allows […]
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Military Solidarity in action: assistance in the fight against COVID-19 in Europe
From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the armed forces of EU Member States have played a critical role in fighting the virus – abroad, at home and in European solidarity. They are providing transport and logistic support, building field hospitals in record time, deploying their medical staff, and supporting national authorities and services. The […]
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The Commission announced the 10 best candidates in its Digital Innovation Challenge
The Digital Innovation Challenge invites SMEs and startups to shape a concept for a service or solution that could be integrated into their company’s business offer, co-create with coaches, pitch their idea at the award ceremony, win up to EUR 50 000 and stand out at European level. The solutions need to be based on […]
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Global response to coronavirus crisis: EU creates humanitarian airlift
The European Commission has established an EU Humanitarian Airlift to transport humanitarian workers and emergency supplies to some of the world’s most critical areas in response to the coronavirus crisis. The first EU flight, made in cooperation with France, leaves from Lyon and carries around sixty humanitarian workers from various NGOs and thirteen tonnes of […]
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First EIC COVID-19 Response certificates
On 8 May, the European Commission granted the first batch of the EIC COVID-19 Response Seal of Excellence to 82 excellent proposals addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. The proposals were submitted under European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Pilot March 20 cut-off. A second batch of COVID-Seals (and standard Seals) will be awarded at the […]
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Message from the presidents of the European Parliament, European Council and Commission marking Europe Day
In 1950, Europe was in crisis, still devastated physically and economically by the effects of World War II, and politically searching for a way to ensure that the horrors of the war could never be repeated. Against this dark backdrop, on 9 May, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman outlined his vision for how Europe could […]
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