How can scientists respond to infectious diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans? A European initiative has the answers. Zoonoses – diseases that can spread between animals and humans, like avian influenza, rabies and severe acute respiratory syndrome – comprise a large percentage of all newly identified infectious diseases. As they represent a persistent […]
Conclusions of the President of the European Council following the video conference of the members of the European Council, 23 April 2020
Members of the European Council yesterday held their fourth video conference to deal with the COVID-19 and its consequences. They have expressed a strong will to move forward together. “We discussed progress on the various dimensions of the European response to the pandemic and welcomed the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting of COVID-19 containment measures. […]
Global Report on Food Crises reveals COVID-19 poses risks to vulnerable countries
This week, an international alliance of UN, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies working to address the root causes of extreme hunger have released a new edition of their annual Global Report on Food Crises. The report by the Global Network Against Food Crises, along with key findings, statements by partners, and multimedia products unpacking its contents are […]
COVID-19: MEPs call for an action plan for the tourism sector
The European Commission must present an action plan to help the tourism sector overcome the COVID-19 crisis, according to members of the EP’s Transport and Tourism Committee. Tourism: a highly affected sector In a debate with Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, MEPs insisted that the tourism sector needs more support through specific measures, funding, strengthened […]
Efficient contact tracing applications to support the lifting of confinement measures
EU Members States, supported by the Commission, have developed an EU toolbox for the use of mobile applications for contact tracing and warning in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This is part of a common coordinated approach to support the gradual lifting of confinement measures. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Member States, backed by the […]
EUvsVirus Pan-European Hackathon
The European Commission – in close collaboration with EU member states – will host a pan-European hackathon to connect civil society, innovators, partners and buyers across Europe to develop innovative solutions to coronavirus. The #EUvsVirus Hackathon will take place on 24, 25 and 26 April and address approximately 20 imminent coronavirus challenges (e.g. fast production […]
COVID-19: statement of EU ministers of finance on continuing bank lending and on maintaining a well-functioning insurance sector
It is crucial that banks continue financing households and corporates, including SMEs experiencing temporary difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, making full use of the flexibility provided for in the prudential and accounting framework, is essential at a time when sufficient financing to cover financial pressures is vital for the economy. EU ministerss […]
Coronavirus: Commission issues guidelines on testing
As part of the European Roadmap towards lifting coronavirus containment measures, the Commission is presenting guidelines on coronavirus testing methodologies. Objective The guidance aims to support Member States in effectively using testing tools in the context of their national strategies and during the different stages of the pandemic, including when phasing out confinement measures. The Commission also […]
Children’s story book released to help children and young people cope with COVID-19
A new story book that aims to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red […]