| Author (Corporate) | European Council |
|---|---|
| Publisher | General Secretariat of the Council |
| Publication Date | 26/03/2020 |
| Content Type | Overview, Policy-making |
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Summary: Members of the European Council held a video conference on 26 March 2020. Media sources reported on the tense discussion between some Member States over the issuing of so-called 'coronabonds' to finance the economic response to the COVID-19 outbreak crisis. Further information: National leaders agree to work along five strands when it comes to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak;
The European Council agreed to ensure smooth border management for persons and goods, and to counter disinformation with transparent, timely and fact-based communication on their actions. Leaders asked the European Commission to explore way to speed up procedures concerning joint procurement initiatives for personal protective equipment, ventilators and testing supplies. The European Council welcomed the initiatives to provide financial support for the clinical and public health response to the coronavirus. Leaders also supported the action taken by the European Central Bank (ECB) to ensure supporting financing conditions in the Eurozone. They took note of the progress made by the Eurogroup when it comes to a response to the socio-economic impact of the sanitary crisis and invited the body to present proposals shortly. The European Council highlighted that Member States had already taken action to support their economies and alleviate social and employment problems, adding that they needed flexibility. The measures adopted by the European Commission to address that need were welcomed. The European Council agreed that the European Union (EU) should start to prepare the measures necessary to get back to a normal functioning of societies and economies. Leaders detected the need for a coordinated exit strategy, a comprehensive recovery plan and investment. They invited EU leaders to start work on a Roadmap accompanied by an Action Plan. National leaders also endorsed the conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union on enlargement and stabilisation and association process. Finally, they expressed their concerns over the situation at the Greek-Turkish border, and expressed solidarity with those Member States directly affected by the situation. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2020/03/26/ |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | European Council |
| Keywords | European Council Summits |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
