The Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat participated in an online discussion organised by PLATFORMA, the pan-European coalition of towns and regions, along with their national, EU and global associations that are also active in city-to-city and region-to-region development cooperation. This online meeting was held to discuss the actions of the EU and the local governments, municipalities and regions to address the challenges presented by COVID-19, as they represent some of the main authorities acting on the front line to manage the pandemic.

Different mayors across Europe and Africa shared their views on the response and preparedness needed at local level. They agreed that the rapid outbreak of the pandemic has shown gaps in the medical healthcare systems of certain countries and that countries across the globe must build solidarity in order to fight this pandemic while ensuring that no one is left behind. They underlined the importance of channelling all the required resources in a timely manner and pointed out that Africa, having been hit by Ebola, has important lessons to share with other countries.

Aida Liha Matejicek, Head of the Unit for Culture, Education and Health from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, presented the EU’s global response to COVID-19 in line with the communication released by the European Commission on 8th April.

The UfM representatives recalled the relaunching of the regional dialogue on civil protection, which targets the preparedness and response to similar crises as one of the priority areas of cooperation among the UfM Member States.

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Press Release

Joint communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Communication on the Global EU Response to Covid-19

The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)