DISINFO: EU member states were just thinking of themselves during the coronavirus crisis
SUMMARY
The story of the epidemic in Italy, and how it found itself in the first weeks of the outbreak left to the mercy of fate and without the help of its partners in the European Union, showed perfectly that when a general disaster strikes, everyone just thinks of themselves.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the lack of inter-EU solidarity.
EU Member States have been actively helping each other in this crisis, which most EU member states have been grappling with themselves. For example, German hospitals offering to treat critical coronavirus patients from France as well as taking in patients from Italy and the Czech Republic sending masks to Italy.
To provide all EU Member States with essential medical equipment, the EU has created the European stockpile of ventilators, masks and lab supplies. This medical and protective equipment is available to any EU country. The Commission will finance 90% of this stockpile through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (RescEU).
To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission has earmarked €47.5 million for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created its first ever stockpile of medical equipment.
As for non-medical responses, to cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a €37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector.
Read more about the EU's response here and here.