On 11 March, the European Commission put forward a package of almost €530 million in additional financial support under the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF). It will contribute to efforts deployed by 17 EU Member States, and three accession countries (Albania, Montenegro and Serbia) to safeguard public health in fighting the pandemic.

This funding will support part of their public expenditure on medical and personal protective equipment, emergency support to the population, and prevention, monitoring and control measures.

EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira said: “The EU Solidarity Fund is a concrete demonstration of European solidarity in action. Since its creation, it has delivered effective assistance and relief to millions of people during difficult times. Last year, we extended its scope to cover major health emergencies. Now we are proposing to mobilise much needed coronavirus-related financial assistance. The EUSF is once again accomplishing its core mission.”

Next steps

The financial contribution proposed by the Commission has now to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. The financial aid will then be disbursed to the applicant countries.