On the initiative of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Zagreb Summit will be held May 6th via video conference - Hoofdinhoud
In light of epidemiological circumstances, on the initiative of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic i, leaders agreed that the Zagreb Summit of the EU i Member States and the Western Balkans will be held via video conference on May 6th, in full configuration of all EU Member States, and the 6 Western Balkan countries.
EU leaders discussed progress on the various dimensions of the European response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was the fourth video meeting of it's kind.
The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can only be overcome by the unity and solidarity of all Member States.
Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia
Croatia recognized early on the seriousness of the coronavirus situation and as the country presiding over the Council of the EU it organized a series of ministerial video conferences of EU Member States to exchange views in different areas, especially health care, and to find appropriate solutions to all aspects of the crisis.
Leaders welcomed a European roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures, presented by Presidents Michel and von der Leyen on 15 April.
Joint European Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures
"We all agreed that the health and safety of our citizens comes first. We also agreed to continue to follow the situation closely, in particular as we approach the holiday season, and to coordinate as much as possible to ensure a gradual and orderly lifting of restrictions."
Charles Michel i, President of the European Council
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic welcomed progress in the joint procurement of medical equipment, which is key to dealing with the pandemic and finding a permanent procurement mechanism to meet growing needs. He reported on containment measures at a national-level, their phase-out plan, as well as the economic and social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, to which the Croatian Government responded vigorously with a goal to retain jobs and support the economy.
Due to the importance of tourism for the economy of many Member States, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has proposed joint steps aimed at opening borders to tourists in line with epidemiological recommendations, which will be discussed at the Council of Ministers dedicated to tourism.
On the subject of the Recovery Plan and the Multiannual Financial Framework, he has advocated a revised seven-year European budget that can meet all the challenges of the crisis and become a key instrument for Member States' economic recovery, especially in the next few years.
Joint Roadmap for Recovery
EU leaders also welcomed the Joint Roadmap for Recovery, which defines four key areas for action: single market, massive investment efforts, EU global action and better governance. It also sets out important principles, such as solidarity, cohesion and convergence.
Safety nets
The heads of state or government endorsed the agreement of the Eurogroup on three safety nets for workers, businesses and sovereigns, amounting to a package worth 540 billion euro. They called for the package to be operational by 1 June 2020.
Recovery fund and MFF
They also agreed to work towards establishing a recovery fund. Leaders tasked the Commission to analyse the exact needs and to urgently come up with a proposal.
COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and the EU's response (background information and timeline)
Illegal drilling in Cyprus
The illegal drilling activities by Turkey in Cyprus' exclusive economic zone were raised by some member states. Leaders expressed their full solidarity with Cyprus and recalled and reaffirmed their previous conclusions on this issue.