The EU's response to the COVID-19 outbreak is prompt and effective

Met dank overgenomen van Kroatisch voorzitterschap Europese Unie 1e helft 2020 (Kroatisch voorzitterschap) i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 13 februari 2020.

On the basis of a presidency steering note, ministers exchanged views on the implications of the outbreak of human cases of COVID-19. They also discussed measures and activities being undertaken by way of response, as well as how to strengthen their cooperation in the area of public health.

"The EU's response to the COVID-19 outbreak has been prompt and effective. There has been good cooperation at all levels and between all the parties involved, but we should not be complacent. The EU and its member states have to ensure ever closer cooperation within the Union."

Vili Beroš, minister for Health of Croatia

 

The conclusions welcome the EU's effective response to the challenges arising from the outbreak of Novel coronavirus and urge member states to take the necessary measures to enhance their cooperation. They also call on the Commission to examine ways of facilitating member states' access to personal protective equipment and to evaluate the consequences of global health threats for the availability of medicines within the EU.

Ministers adopted conclusions on COVID-19, welcoming the effective EU response to the threat of a possible pandemic outbreak, and calling for increased cooperation both at EU and international level.