EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President David Sassoli have called on EU heads of government not to take their own individual corona measures, but to agree on them together.
In doing so, Von der Leyen and Sassoli criticized several EU countries that in recent days have closed their borders or reinstated border controls. A video summit of heads of state and government will be held Tuesday evening on this matter.
The 27 EU leaders will discuss the European Commission's proposal to close the EU external borders for at least one month to travelers from outside the EU, unless their trip is essential. New measures may also be introduced to mitigate the economic impact as social life virtually comes to a halt for citizens and businesses. Charles Michel also believes that research into the virus and a vaccine must be accelerated.
“It is crucial to ensure that our internal market continues to function and that the rules are followed. We must ensure that supplies and products can reach where they are needed. By strengthening controls at the EU's external borders, it is possible to ensure the Schengen system works effectively. However, the reintroduction of internal border controls causes more harm than good. It brings large economic costs to the EU as a whole,” said President Sassoli.
The chair of the Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee, Spanish social democrat Juan Fernando López Aguilar, also criticized the reintroduction of border controls at some internal borders. According to him, it is essential that no distinction is made between EU citizens when measures are taken.
The eurozone finance ministers have agreed on measures to stimulate the economy this year to the tune of 180 billion euros. Eurogroup Chairman Mario Centeno said they are prepared to take all necessary measures to absorb the economic impact caused by the coronavirus. Minister Wopke Hoekstra spoke of a “very massive” package.
These consist of a series of national and European measures that have already been promised or initiated, including financial support for companies and citizens who temporarily lose their jobs. Members of the European Parliament welcome the announcements but regret the mere “reuse” of existing funds and call for new and additional financial resources to tackle the corona crisis.