A global EU response to Covid-19

ALDA aggregates and strengthens participation even in the lockdown and self-isolation imposed by the virus that have been so challenging for us all. We believe that, in the near future, resilient communities will be the crucial basis for our common mission's relaunch - and we are here to think and act about it. 

That's why we want to share a summary of important information released by the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 

It is now common knowledge that the Covid-19 outbreak has evolved into a global pandemic and its consequences will be profound. 

To face this historic crisis with a coordinated global strong response, the EU has already taken a series of concrete and quick actions to support its partners; and is fostering international cooperation and multilateral solutions, reinforcing both governmental and non-governmental actions in addressing short-term emergency needs as well as the long-term structural impact. 

In this regard, the European Union launched a new format of Aid package under the name “Team Europe” destined to support partner countries. The approach adopted by this new initiative has three main priorities:

• Giving an emergency response to the health crisis
• Strengthening health, water and sanitation systems 
• Addressing social and economic consequences

For instance, in the Western Balkans partner region, the EU has mobilized considerable funds for immediate support to the health sector amounting to EUR 38 million.

This includes lifesaving medical equipment for intensive care, hospital beds, fully equipped ambulance cars, hundreds of respirators, digital mobile x-rays, tens of thousands of testing kits and huge amount of personal protecting equipment. Under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey alone, small-scale health infrastructure and equipment is being procured for a worth of EUR 90 million. 

The EU has also mobilized considerable support for social and economic recovery amounting to EUR 374.5 million since the beginning of the crisis. This will help to address the socio-economic impact of the outbreak in particular for the most affected businesses, including companies working in tourism and transportation sectors. 

At the same time, in the Eastern Partnership countries where ALDA's work is also expanding, the EU is mobilizing an emergency support package worth more than EUR 30 million for immediate needs in the health sector. In Armenia, for example, over 3,000 vulnerable households comprising elderly people and people with disabilities as well as large families will receive humanitarian aid packages thanks to the support of the European Union. In Ukraine, too, the EU has delivered equipment for the Emergency Medical Care Centre of Donetsk Oblast, with 100 sets of personal protective equipment as well as more than 70 litres of highly concentrated antiseptic liquid. 

In addition, the Commission signed a new EU Initiative for Health Security with the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) amounting to EUR 9 million, which is already operative and covers all 23 Neighborhood and Enlargement countries of the EU and focuses on preparedness and medical capacity to address the outbreak and its numerous repercussions. 

On the international scene, then, the EU is acting to promote and lead a coordinated response on a multilateral front, notably in a joint coordination effort with the United Nations, the international financial institutions as well as the G7 and G20. Finally, an effort in global cooperation for research and innovation is in the works, striving towards Open Science and Open Access of data and research results as well as aiming to strengthen the existing multilateral platforms that are relevant for addressing pandemics. 

Now more than ever it's important to underline how the European Union and its institutions are working to ensure nobody is left behind in the Covid-19 aftermath. Together, we're stronger. #stayEUnited!