During the extraordinary plenary session to coordinate the EU’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the European Parliament in Brussels (26 March 2020), atmosphere shots of the arrivals and opening statement by David SASSOLI, EP President The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak: Atmosphere shots of the arrivals and opening statement by David SASSOLI, EP President

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President This is a difficult and sensitive time for Europe and our citizens. I hope that you, your families and your loved ones are all in good health health. We're living through an unexpected and extraordinary situation which during recent weeks has meant that we have had to take unprecedented decisions, anticipating the rapid developments in circumstances with the goal of protecting the health of our staff and our members, but also at the same time ensuring that democratic life in our institution can continue.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President We've had to slow things down. That's true. But things have not stopped. And I think that is the most important message that we can send out, because democracy cannot be suspended, particularly when we have such a dramatic crisis going on. These are difficult times and it's important that we remain at the service of our citizens who are suffering so much

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President We need to give them hope and provide them guidance. When it comes to deal with these dark timesand those difficult times to come. As legislators, we have the means, the possibilities and the duty to continue our work.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President We're here today meeting in this unprecedented manner. This is an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament. But we're all determined to make our contribution to fight this pandemic.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President We need to ensure our Democratic functioning and the continuation of the parliament's work, because it's only thus that we can serve the people, our communities, our countries, the health workers who are sacrificing themselves in hospitals right across Europe.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President Just a few days ago, this terrible virus struck us very closely, taking away the life of a young man who was working here with us in the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President Our dear Giancarlo, We would like to send your family are sincere and heartfelt condolences. And we'd like to send our condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who've lost their lives during this virus.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President This virus is being fought on a daily basis, bravely and with determination by our medical staff, who right across Europe are working to deal with the situation. I'd also like to say that those citizens who are being disciplined and responsive are doing the right thing.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President We need to act in that way to deal with this pandemic. It take would take all our energy and cooperation and a little bit of patience to ensure that this extraordinary plenary meeting in the parliament will take place in an appropriate manner.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) David SASSOLI, EP President Our decisions, I think, will help those who are in the front line in trying to tackle this emergency

European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak: Atmosphere shots of the arrivals and opening statement by David SASSOLI, EP President

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