In its continuing efforts to protect citizens and to coordinate the response to COVID-19, the Commission has taken immediate steps to protect the availability of supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), by requiring that exports of such equipment outside of the European Union are subject to an export authorisation by Member State. What is a […]
Coronavirus: Measures introduced for Commission staff
Since the very beginning of the crisis, the European Commission has designed and implemented a set of measures to protect its staff in view of the evolving developments in the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Commission’s approach in the management of this crisis has been to take all possible precautionary measures based on facts […]
H2020. Development of therapeutics and diagnostics combatting coronavirus infections
The European Commission funds through Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme, up to €45 million of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) fast track call for research proposals in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Scope Proposals submitted under this topic are expected to advance the knowledge specifically on COVID-19 and more widely on the […]
Joint Statement by President von der Leyen and President Michel on the U.S. travel ban*
The Coronavirus is a global crisis, not limited to any continent and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral action. The European Union disapproves of the fact that the U.S. decision to impose a travel ban was taken unilaterally and without consultation. The European Union is taking strong action to limit the spread of the virus. […]
The Government mobilizes a plan of economic measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19
The Government has adopted a plan of exceptional measures in the economic field to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 that will allow the mobilization of up to 18,225 million euros during this year. These measures are in addition to those adopted by the Council of Ministers on 10 March in the area of health and […]
Coronavirus: EFSA states that there is no evidence that food is a source or transmission route
EFSA is closely monitoring the situation regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that is affecting a large number of countries across the globe. There is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said that while […]
Health Programme: Support for health investment
Health stakeholders face challenges when it comes to planning, accessing and combining funding to meet the needs of their health systems. Most health authorities are accustomed to receiving direct funding from government budgets and European Union grants, and do not have sufficient skills to shape strategies and investment plans. There is a clear need to […]
COVID-19: IFRC, UNICEF and WHO issue guidance to protect children and support safe school operations
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) today issued new guidance to help protect children and schools from transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The guidance provides critical considerations and practical checklists to keep schools safe. It also advises national and local authorities on how to adapt and […]
Coronavirus: MEPs call for solidarity among EU member states
Parliament discussed the COVID-19 outbreak with the Commission and the Croatian presidency on Tuesday, underlining the need to slow down the spread across Europe. Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said COVID-19 was a public health emergency that is changing by the hour. Member states must focus on containing the virus […]