The European Union has continued to support Western Balkans partners in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and providing accurate information about the spread of the virus. In mobilising a substantial recovery package and involving the region in EU programmes, the EU has confirmed its commitment to assist Western Balkans partners in these times of crisis.

As High Representative / Vice President Josep Borrell said: “This is a time for solidarity, and it is a priority for the EU to support the Western Balkans, as part of our European family, in facing the impact of the pandemic.”

During July and August, the EU has delivered 86 medical ventilators and more than 235,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to Montenegro as part of the €3 million programme implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme. In July the country also received 10,000 masks via the EU civil protection mechanism. Since the outbreak of the pandemic a total of 100 hospital medical ventilators, 10 X-ray devices and more than 400,000 pieces of personal protective equipment, including surgical masks, gloves, hats, protective clothing, aprons, glasses, and shoe covers, have been delivered to the Montenegro.