WIREDGOV

In light of the continued spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Europe, and in line with duty of care measures being adopted by EU Agencies and Institutions, as well as to ensure business continuity, the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), Ms. Nina Gregori, has adopted several precautionary measures through three Executive Director Decisions (EDDs).

Amongst these, non-essential travel by EASO staff has been suspended, as is also the case for the hosting of meetings and group visits.

EASO would like to highlight that while certain activities may be delayed as a result, its core business delivery remains unaffected. Contingency planning is also in place.

The Agency, which has operational deployments in four Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta), as well as staff in Belgium, Poland and Turkey, is closely monitoring developments in these countries. Personnel in Italy continue to deliver through teleworking arrangements.

Furthermore, EASO has been closely monitoring developments throughout Europe, including following guidance of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the national authorities where EASO is present, as well as the European Commission.

Staff are being continuously informed of developments and any relevant instructions through daily updates, while a COVID-19 Response Team, chaired by the Executive Director, has been established to coordinate and ensure business continuity.