The setting up of an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge envisaged by the EU to help overcome the difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid to some of the most vulnerable non-Member State, partners of the EU, was discussed by EU foreign ministers at a quick update on the overall European response to COVID-19 on Wednesday 22 April.
Ministers reaffirmed on this occasion their commitment to a rapid implementation of the €20.7 billion package of broader support to these countries pledged by the EU, its Member States, the EBRD and the EIB, through reallocation of funds, to fight the coronavirus (see EUROPE 12472/8, 12464/13).
The air bridge can be provided within the framework of the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism, said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, at the end of the videoconference, stressing the importance of the “visibility of European solidarity”.
“We are trying to start a Humanitarian Air Bridge. France has been proposing to be the first country to participate in it, but the Commission, through the means and tools that we have in our humanitarian activities, can provide this new form of help to fight against the coronavirus”, Mr Borrell told the press. According to him, this possibility will be explored with the European Commissioner in charge of Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.
Mr Borrell met with the head of the World Food Programme, who expressed concern about transport problems in some areas, in some countries, due to the breakdown of logistical chains and the difficulties coming from the closure of borders and transport activities.
The High Representative also stressed that there are now only “about” 90 000 European tourists stranded in non-Member State who need to be repatriated home, which will be done “in the next few days” with EU support (see EUROPE 12470/17, 12469/15). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)