Commission announces creation of 'rescEU' stockpile of medical equipment

Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič announced on Thursday the creation of a ‘rescEU’ stockpile of medical equipment with the aim of tackling shortages in member states.
The move comes as the EU27 bloc is facing severe shortages of medical equipment, with France and Germany imposing restrictions on the export of medical equipment.
The stockpile “will be used to support Member States facing shortages of equipment needed to treat infected patients, protect health care workers and help slow the spread of the virus. Our plan is to move ahead without delay,” said Lenarčič.
EU’s Executive body will finance 90% of the stockpile, that will include ventilators, reusable protective masks and other protective gear, and will be hosted by one or several member states, responsible for procuring the equipment.
The initial EU budget of the stockpile is €50 million , of which €40 million is subject to the approval of budgetary authorities.
“With the first ever common European reserve of emergency medical equipment we put EU solidarity into action. It will benefit all our Member States and all our citizens. Helping one another is the only way forward,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.