Together with the spread of the novel coronavirus, the European Union took a number of measures at EU level and at the level of the member states. Mutual support and solidarity efforts between the EU member states are made and will continue to be made. Also, the EU has an intense dialogue with the Moldovan authorities, Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau Peter Michalko stated in a video interview for IPN.
The ambassador said that in these more difficult times, the European Union more intensely communicates with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, with all the partners. For the EU, it is important and necessary for the rules concerning safety and health to be respected. Measures are taken to avoid contacts. “Most of my colleagues work from home. It’s good that the possibility of continuing work with the help of information technology exists in this period. We maintain ties with the partners. Right today I had telephone conversations with members of the Government and other institutions. Also, we are active in the digital sphere,” stated the European official.
As to the measures taken at EU level and in the member states, Peter Michalko said that these were coordinated by the European Commission so as to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Work is done and measures are taken to support the member states and to avoid the impact of this crisis in the future. It comes to the economic and social impact related to the specific way in which the pandemic should be contained and to economic revitalization measures for the post-crisis period.
The official noted support is also offered to research so as to identify medical treatment methods. The purchase of the necessary medical supplies is one of the support measures. In this regard, the EU member states help each other. The mutual support also consists in the acceptance of patients in a serious condition by other countries that have available capacities. These efforts will also continue.
Peter Michalko said the EU organizes the purchase of medical supplies that are absent in some of the states. For example, last week the authorities in France delivered medical supplies to Italy. And this support was not only at the level of the European states. In February, the EU provided 60-70 tonnes of medical supplies to China and now China makes response gestures.
The interview given to IPN News Agency by the Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau Peter Michalko forms part of the series “Moldova’s Relations with Development Partners” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
