Three billion Euros to relieve healthcare systems

Today and tomorrow, the European Parliament will approve the mobilisation of an unprecedented sum of 3 billion Euros of the EU Budget to help Member States cope with the consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak.

"As healthcare systems across Europe are under extreme pressure, this decision allows the EU to procure and distribute much needed medical equipment such as masks and ventilators, finance the transportation of patients as well as support the construction of mobile field hospitals", explained Monika Hohlmeier MEP and José Manuel Fernandes MEP.

“We are voting for European solidarity. The re-activation of the Emergency Support Instrument is the result of fast and effective decision-making in the European Parliament to support the healthcare sector and help Member States in purchasing equipment and protection gear. I am grateful that the EPP Group supports this proposal. It shows that we are supporting our citizens”, stated Hohlmeier, who is responsible for the proposed changes to the budget.

“By adding 3 billion Euros to the EU budget, the European Parliament is proving that there is solidarity in Europe. The divisions among Member States are detrimental to the EU response to COVID-19. The Council should follow the Parliament's example and join forces”, stated Fernandes, who is the EPP Group's Spokesman in the Budgets Committee.