European Commision
Several members of the European Parliament have urged the European Commission to support countries of the Western Balkans during the corona virus epidemic by including the region in the system of licenses for exporting medical equipment.
In a letter on March 20, MEPs Lukas Mandl (Austria, EPP), Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (Germany, Greens), Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Bulgaria, Renew Europe) and Andrej Kovacev (Bulgaria, EPP), urged EC President Ursula von der Leyen to introduce efficient measures to help countries of the Western Balkans in the fight against the corona virus, EURACTIV.com reported on March 26.
The EU's system for issuing licenses for exporting medical equipment currently covers the 27 members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Great Britain. The system envisages that export licenses must be obtained for selling medical equipment outside the EU at least six weeks in advance, to protect domestic consumers, according to the EC.
The four MEPs also called for the inclusion of the Western Balkans in future joint public procurements for crucial medical equipment in the EU. The EU has placed the integration of Western Balkans on hold several times. Now it is our turn to show solidarity, the MEPs write in the letter.
To get full access to all content of interest see our
Subscription offer
Or
Register for free
And read up to 5 articles each month.
Already have an account? Please Log in.