Von der Leyen calls for united front against Coronavirus

Speaking to an extraordinary European Parliament Plenary held in Brussels on Thursday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen slammed the lack of solidarity that some member-states demonstrated when requested to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.
“When Europe really needed to be there for each other, too many initially looked out for themselves. When Europe really needed an ‘all for one’ spirit, too many initially gave an ‘only for me’ response,” said von der Leyen, adding that those states are now facing the consequences of their “own uncoordinated actions.”
During the debate in the European Parliament, Von der Leyen called for a united front against COVID-19, as “no member state can handle this crisis on their own,” and re-assured MEPs over the activation of the escape clause in the Stability and Growth Pact, that will allow national governments to make full use of the flexibility in fiscal rules.
The Commission President also hinted at the internal border checks that several states have imposed, which resulted in huge delays in the transfer of goods across the bloc, and at the export ban of protective equipment.
She praised the contemporary heroes, namely the doctors, nurses and carers across Europe who are “leading the fight” against Coronavirus, and the role of EU’s Single Market in ensuring the flow of medical supplies and equipment.
MEPs in the room, who echoed von der Leyen’s acute criticism over the lack of solidarity among member states, voted on Thursday on an investment package that will support member-states’ health systems in the fight against COVID-19.