European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič was pleased to say that European solidarity has been gathering momentum, via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, so as to come to Italy’s aid, when announcing the immediate deployment of the European Medical Corps to the north of the country—severely hit by the novel coronavirus—on Tuesday, 7 April.
Two European teams of doctors and nurses—one from Romania, the other from Norway—are being deployed to Bergamo and Milan, two cities that have been badly affected, in order to help their colleagues fight COVID-19.
The deployment of these medical staff was dependent on national capabilities (see EUROPE 12451/11). Austria, for its part, offered more than 3,000 litres of disinfectant.
“[I]nitially there was an inadequate response to Italian request for assistance from other EU Member States. But things have changed now. And the reality is that Italy is not alone. The reality is that Europe stands in solidarity with Italy”, declared Janez Lenarčič during a press briefing via videoconference.
The commissioner announced that Italy has just activated the European Copernicus programme to obtain satellite maps in order to have a clear understanding of the activity in health facilities and public spaces during the crisis.
He reiterated that Italy received the personal protective equipment that China donated to the EU (see EUROPE 12462/13) on Monday and that EU Member States also delivered masks and ventilators bilaterally, while others—such as Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg—have been taking Italian patients in their hospitals.
This is the kind of European solidarity that the coordinators of all the political groups in the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health called for on Tuesday in a joint letter addressed to Member States, reminding them that this principle is enshrined in the Treaties (see other news). “For Europe, I think it’s all or nothing now. If we are not careful, the virus will also destroy our shared European home”, said MEP Dr Peter Liese (EPP, Germany).
Imminent aid to Spain. While Italy has been the hardest-hit EU country so far, Spain is in the process of surpassing it in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. This Member State will also receive aid very quickly. The Commission is in contact with the Spanish authorities in order to ensure that the personal protective equipment donated by Taiwan will be delivered soon.
“I’m glad that assistance is coming. [...] it has now become clear, apparently, that only together and by pooling our resources, we can overcome this unprecedented challenge”.
Romania, the first country to host the medical equipment reserve. The European reserve created on 17 March as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, rescUE is also on track, according to the commissioner. Romania will be the first host country.
“The contract has been signed, the first batch of equipment—ventilators—has been ordered, and it is now up to the supplier to deliver it. I would not want to speculate on how much time the supplier will need to do that, but we are expecting it soon”, stated the commissioner. According to him, contact is ongoing with other Member States that are candidates.
Asked whether the role of the Commission should be strengthened to respond more effectively to the need for medical equipment in similar cases in the future, he reiterated that health was a competency of Member States and that, for the EU to do more than just coordinate efforts, Treaty changes would be needed. For the time being, “the European Union [...] plays a supportive and coordinating role. [...] We try to help [Member States] act in a coordinated and aligned manner”, he reiterated.
Replying to questions, Mr Lenarčič indicated that the Commission was aware of German and French reports of masks intended for Europeans being seized and diverted to the United States; however, at this stage, no investigation had been launched to identify whether this can be ascribed to customs officials or a US policy decision. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)