COVID-19: EU institutions take action to procure life-saving medical equipment
A few days ago the Commission set up a scheme to gather medical equipment (through rescEU) so that the necessary supplies to combat COVID-19 can quickly get to member states facing shortages of equipment. This equipment is needed to treat infected patients, protect health care workers and help slow down the spread of the virus. Parliament is working with member states to swiftly approve 40 out of 50 million EUR for intensive care medical equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment, such as reusable masks. Member states are also joining forces under the Joint Procurement Agreement to buy personal protective equipment, respiratory ventilators and items necessary for coronavirus testing. Working together in this way will give them a stronger position on the world market. Commenting on the Commission’s proposal, the Chair of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, Pascal Canfin (Renew, FR) said: “Last week, Europe took several historic decisions to counter COVID-19, including its impact on the EU economy. We do not say this enough and we do not say it loud enough. Europe is doing everything it can to save lives. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has previously saved EU citizens in the midst of earthquakes, hurricanes and floods and fighting forest fires. We are now, for the very first time, using EU funds under rescEU to support member states efforts to combat the virus by ensuring we have much needed medical and protective equipment. It is EU solidarity in action.” “The current crisis also shows that having sufficient means to match the needs of the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism programme post-2020 is important, as per Parliament’s position,” concludes Canfin.