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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Eurogroup Statement on the Pandemic Crisis Support
On 23 April 2020, Leaders endorsed the agreement by the Eurogroup in inclusive format of 9 April 2020 on the three important safety nets for workers, businesses and sovereigns, amounting to a package worth EUR 540 billion, and called for their operationalisation by the 1st June 2020. The Leaders also agreed to work towards establishing […]
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Video conference on the Eurogroup, 8 May 2020
The Eurogroup is an informal body where the ministers of the euro area member states discuss matters relating to their shared responsibilities related to the euro. Tasks Its main task is to ensure close coordination of economic policies among the euro area member states. It also aims to promote conditions for stronger economic growth. The Eurogroup is also responsible for preparing the Euro Summit meetings […]
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Schengen, migration, asylum and security in times of COVID-19
MEPs will quiz Commissioner Johansson on the future of the border-free Schengen zone, common migration and asylum policy and security in the context of the pandemic. In a debate in the Civil Liberties Committee on Thursday afternoon, MEPs will try to clarify how the Commission plans to ensure that temporary controls on the internal borders, reintroduced […]
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Coronavirus Global Response: €7.4 billion raised for universal access to vaccines
The Commission has registered €7.4 billion, equivalent to $8 billion, in pledges from donors worldwide during the Coronavirus Global Response pledging event. This includes a pledge of €1.4 billion by the Commission. This almost reaches the initial target of €7.5 billion and is a solid starting point for the worldwide pledging marathon, which begins today. The […]
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