Ministers exchanged views on measures taken to address the crisis and the way forward towards a gradual lifting of containment measures, as well as economic recovery. On 23 April, the EU leaders will follow up, by video conference, on the EU's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Further joint efforts are needed to ensure that a sufficient quantity of medical devices is obtained. We need to speed up joint procurement procedures, eliminate remaining export restrictions within the EU, strengthen research capacities and Europe’s industry, enabling it to produce vital goods,” said A. Zananavičius.
Ministers also discussed measures of support to the European economy. “It is particularly important to agree on a long-term recovery strategy, the restoration of a single market, and support to help small and medium-sized enterprises. All currently existing EU financial instruments must be used. It is essential that these measures can be used by member states as soon as possible," noted A. Zananavičius.
Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister also stressed the need to reach an agreement on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) already in the nearest future. “The EU’s economic recovery will require a lot of long-term investment. Thus, more ambitious cohesion policy funding is needed. There will be obvious negative consequences on the agricultural sector, so it is important to eliminate them, and to ensure a level playing field for farmers. It is also important to agree on a larger, balanced budget in line with the current situation and challenges facing the EU and its member states," said A. Zananavičius.
In addition, Ministers discussed the impact of emergency measures on fundamental rights and the rule of law.
For more information about the meeting, please click here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/gac/2020/04/22/