Live Replay of the debate on Coronavirus outbreak, state of play and ensuring a coordinated European response to the health, economic and social impact during the plenary session in Brussels. The plenary session takes place in Brussels instead of Strasbourg because of concerns linked to the spread of the coronavirus. The session has been shortened to one day - Tuesday 10 March The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Brussels

debate

plenary session

McGUINNESS, Mairead (EPP, IE)

LENARČIČ, Janez (SI, EC)

KYRIAKIDES, Stella (CY, EC)

BRNJAC, Nikolina (HR)

Coronavirus outbreak (T)

Coronavirus outbreak, state of play and ensuring a coordinated European response to the health, economic and social impact: Opening statements by Nicolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency, Stella KYRIAKIDES and Janez LENARČIČ, EC Members

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/4617145/I185934Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (Original), Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency, The spread of the new Coronavirus, known as Covid 19 is evolving rapidly. The current situation proves the light like all viruses, coronavirus has the abilities to cross borders and continents.

It is important to stress that only together and in a coordinated, coherent manner can we address this global outbreak the most effective way.

Before I continue. Allow me to play to pay a tribute to the victims in Europe and elsewhere and express my sympathies to their relatives and loved ones.

Over the last five weeks, the presidency has taken a number of steps to coordinate the EU's response to the Covid 19 outbreak. The current scale of the outbreak, however, demonstrates that we need to further enhance the coordination of our actions in close cooperation between member states, EU institutions, bodies and agencies such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, European Medicines Agency and international organisations such as the World Health Organization.

We have had numerous meetings, including at the council level, where we have intensively discussed various consequences of the Covid 19 spread in the European Union and exchange information on the level of preparedness of member states in terms of implementation of relevant protective measures.

The Health Security Committee established to coordinate the risk and crisis communication and responses of the member states to serious cross borders, threats to health has already met ten times the exchange information this outbreak.

The first action taken by the presidency at the EU level was the activation of the first level of the integrated policy crisis response. On the 28th of January, which we have since then. &Oacute;scar escalated to full mode last Monday due to worsening of the epidemiologic situation.

I am sure that you are already aware of the large scale efforts within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to repatriate your citizens first from Wuhan in China and now from other countries such as Japan and Iran. In this context, it should be noted that consular affairs fall under member states' competences, but of course also here we are stronger if we cooperate.

As to the current situation, the presidency together with the European External Action Service, conduct a local consular cooperation meetings with the member states to update on changing needs to consular assistance in different third countries. The capitals are also in very close contact to coordinate and support each other on consular assistance to EU citizens.

Through the constant monitoring of the situation, I believe that we currently have a good overview of the spread of the Covid 19 and I need to underline at this stage that the swift exchange of UP-TO-DATE information among us and further coordination of measures taken are crucial elements for an effective response to reduce the impact of the outbreak.

To that end, we will convene *** roundtable meeting at ambassador level for detailed discussions on concrete measures necessary for an effective and coordinated response.

Honourable members, so let me now give you more details about coordinated response to the council level, to the health, economic, social impact of the Covid 19 outbreak. On 7th of February, the presidency organised an informal high level video conference with member states delegations, together with the representatives of the commission and the ECDC had an opportunity to exchange information on the implementation of protective measures taken and to compare experience concerning the activation of national systems for handling public health emergencies.

On 13 February, the epsco Council held intensive discussions in which member states the commission, W.H.O. and ECDC explored ways to further enhance communication and cooperation at EU level to efficiency tackle this public health emergency

They also focussed on possible solutions to safeguard the sustainable supply of medicines and equipment on the EU internal market. We adopted conclusions that strengthened the coordinated approach and  inconcluded a number of actions to be taken to protect public health in the European Union.

In light of the recent rapid increase of the Covid 19 cases in the EU, where now all member states have cases with some county hundreds and in case of Italy hundred thousands of cases, the presidency held another meeting of the *** Council last Friday. The member states had the opportunity to exchange views on the consequences of this rapid increase, to assess the effectiveness of measures in place and discuss ways to strengthen the response.

This exchange of views are operational emergency mechanism and protective measures function in a satisfactory and coordinated manner. The key message expressed by the council, which I would like to share with you, is about all we need to strengthen the solidarity between the member states', cooperation and exchange of information.

Member states to stand ready to further raise collective and individual awareness of the threat from covid 19 and to establish coherent containment measures while maintaining the principle of freedom of movement in the European Union.

We will further develop a coordinated approach to prevention and good practices for all people affected, including vulnerable groups such as eldery. Last but not least, member states have identified a need for Europe. The European monitoring of supply of medicine and medical equipment there shared the same aim to secure production, stocking availability and rational use of protective equipment in the European Union.

As regards economic and social impacts of this health crisis, we all realize that it is imperative to act quickly in order to prevent huge further costs. For that reason, finance ministers held an informal discussion last week to discuss appropriate countermeasures.

They discussed the specific actions to adequately provide financial support to national civil protection systems in order to cope with this crisis. Next week, finance ministers will meet again to take stock of the situation and propose additional targeted measures if necessary.

Specific sectors and regions of Europe are suffering disproportionately from this crisis. And they will need all our support and solidarity to address the impact of the Covid 19 outbreak on society and economy.

Furthermore, at the President's initiative on Thursday, the EU education ministers will held a conference call to discuss effective national response to ensure continuity of education in light of Covid 19 outbreak.

As you probably know, President Michel convene on a videoconference with leaders this afternoon to discuss how to coordinate EU efforts to respond to the outbreak in order to protect the health of our citizens. The meeting will be an opportunity for the leaders to exchange information, facilitate the coordination of efforts and to prepare next steps.

I know that we can count on a robust European social model ensuring adequate social protection and that the citizens are not left behind in these precarious circumstances. Solidarity and coordinated approach are the key in this situation

We welcome the support mobilised by the commission so far provided in a number of sectors such as public health, research, civil protection and we will continue to work closely with the Commission to ensure that the comprehensive support to the member states is delivered.

We remain convinced that coordinated measures taken will contribute to sustainably diminish the impact of Covid 19 in Europe and will minimize disruption to the continuity of the social, economic and democratic life. Thank you very much for your attention.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, President honourable members Covid 19, has developed into a fast moving and increasingly severe public health emergency that is affecting our citizens, our societies and our economies. We have since yesterday confirmed cases in all member states. Whilst the numbers vary from a few cases, only to over nine thousand.

But we know that the picture is changing exponentially and by the hour. Needless to say, the days and weeks ahead are critical. I want here take the opportunity to praise the European Parliament's decision to take effective measures. I know it was not an easy decision, but it was necessary.

The next few days and months will be critical for our response. Member states must still focus on efforts to aggressively contain the virus, particularly where there are few cases.

Slowing down the virus must be our greatest priority. In order to gain time for our health systems to function effectively and for research and development to advance. The measures we are seeing are impacting on citizens on their everyday lives, on the economy, on businesses. It is not an easy situation to live and the decisions taken by government are not taken lightly.

But when necessary and justified, although tough, these decisions need to be followed by the letter. It is a time of critical communication with our citizens and here the European Parliament can be of great help in two ways.

You need to be the voices that speak to citizens for them to take responsibility for their personal protection measures, washing hands, avoiding physical contact. But you also need to be the voices against false news and misinformation, because this is equally damaging to the efforts made and the impact of the virus itself.

This is a critical time for cooperation and solidarity. Without solidarity and Europe wide solutions we are not going to be able to deal with this public health emergency. We need solidarity between citizens, between countries and within countries.

And this was ensured in the outcome of the extraordinary epsco Council last week. We need to see solidarity in action. We need to share resources, share information, shared expertise, share equipment. We need to share equipment, protocols and testing protocols.

Let me be absolutely clear. This cannot be business as usual. We are facing an exceptional situation and under such circumstances, everybody needs to stand up to their responsibilities.

Honourable members, whilst the realities on the ground between member States vary considerably and whilst they are not at all same scenarios. I have called on all of them to act to activate their preparedness plans and to share them with us. And I have called on all of them to plan their head to be ready for the possible next scenario.

From our side, we will continue to do our utmost to ensure that medical workers and those on the front line have the best means possible in order to face the outbreak. Complacency is not an option.

We have launched a joint procurement for personal protective equipment and this morning we will know what response to this offer we have received. We are already looking at joint programme for medical equipment such as respirators and testing kits, which have been requested by member states. With Commissioner Breton, we are discussing how industry has scale up production to meet increased demands.

Yesterday I spoke with the ECDC and other European Medicines Agency and we have established a video conference three times a week with myself as health commissioner and the agencies to be updated and coordinated in every way possible so that we can be proactive if possible.

We are strengthening the operational support and advice of ECDC on the ground. An expert Mission has already taken place in Italy and the second one is underway in Greece. We have increased funding for research and vaccine development and we are also coordinating our border,  visa and security measures.

In ending. I want to say that from day one, our priority has been to protect citizens from this virus and to support member states in stopping the spread. We need to show a Europe that cares, a Europe of solidarity and a Europe that protects. A Europe that offers added value to its member states in their response to that challenge.

And I know one under this kind of pressure, everyone reacts in different ways. But this is not a time for fragmentation. This is time for all of us wherever we are positioned to join our voices, because this is the only way we are going to be able to come out of this crisis and that we will. And I'm sure we will have you with us in this effort. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Janez LENAR&#268;I&#268;, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Madam President, honourable members already on 28 of January President von der Leyen activated the commission's crisis management system. And she does to me as the European Emergency Response coordinator, to chair the coordinated effort for our response.

This has recently, last week been bolstered by a setting up specific corona response team of five commissioners, including Commissioner Kirikides and myself, but also other commissioners very heavily involved in this effort.

For the past six weeks, we have been coordinating the work of all commission services to identify what needs to be done, by whom and when and to get it done. Let me give you a quick overview of this effort.

Through the union's civil protection mechanism, we have coordinated the repatriation of hundreds of European Union citizens from China and Japan. We have coordinated the provision of assistance to China during the initial stage of the outbreak there. We have been, since working with the EU member, states to coordinate assistance between them via this mechanism.

We have mobilised funding in the amount of close to 270 million euro to boost global preparedness, prevention and containment of the virus with a combination of development, humanitarian and research funding.

In the area of border controls, we have issued guidance to member states and organised weekly meetings of Covid 19 information Group on Borders, which brings together the member states Schengen Associated Countries, the Council secretariat and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, so as to exchange information and best practices on measures taken by the member states, in view of the coordinated approach.

For transport related measures, we requested the development of specific advice for ships and aircraft operators as well as the land transport sector, regarding preparedness and response to the Covid 19 outbreak. And this advice was recently published by the expert group.

In addition, we are working every day on contingency planning and preparedness measures for the EU on all aspects of this emergency, from health and research to civil protection and consular assistance from transport and home affairs to economy. [

We are assessing impact on supply chains and working with member states to ensure they use the benefits offered by the single market rather than close it off to each other. Commissioner Breton is speaking directly to European manufacturers of personal protective equipment.

Our aim is to make sure the public health needs of all member states are met and that adequate supplies get to where they are needed most.

There is no way around the fact that the economic cost of the Corona virus will be significant. We are working closely with member states to assess the situation and coordinate the necessary economic measures. By coordinating them we will maximize their impact. It is important that affected workers and businesses get the necessary support to weather this storm.

On the fiscal front, European countries have powerful automatic stabilizers which can cushion a good part of the shock. They can also intervene in terms of providing liquidity to small and medium enterprises, which are the most affected by this impact.

In addition, our Stability and Growth Pact provides for flexibility to cater for unusual events such as this one. Our letter to Italy is very clear on that. We are well aware that exceptional times require exceptional measures and this is such a time.

We are committed to coordinating them to coordinate with member states and use all appropriate policy tools to safeguard against the downside risks that are now materializing. Finally, we have ramped up our public communication efforts with the launch of a dedicated Covid 19 webpage on Europe with daily updates.

Honourable members, there should be no, this situation calls for a coherent response, and solidarity and cooperation are essential. Member states recognise this and the commission has been supporting them already for weeks. In particular, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which is working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, remains available to them. I thank you for your attention.