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Commissioner Lenarčič yesterday gave a statement on the deployment of EU Medical Teams to Italy *

Good morning,

In these challenging times, when the whole world is struggling with the novel coronavirus, I am particularly proud that today I can announce that a team of European doctors and nurses from Romania and another one from Norway is being deployed to Italy. 

We all know for some time now that Italy has been struck by the virus particularly hard. We also remember that initially there was an inadequate response to Italian request for assistance from other EU MS. But things have changed now and in reality Italy is not alone. The reality is that Europe stands in solidarity with Italy.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, today these two medical teams are being dispatched to Bergamo and Milan, significantly struck by coronavirus, to help Italian medical staff working to battle this outbreak.

Next to this, Austria has also offered over 3,000 litres of disinfectant to Italy also via our Civil Protection Mechanism.

Our European Response and Coordination Centre has coordinated and co-financed this European assistance. It is working 24/7 with all Member States to make sure help is channeled to where it's most needed.

Allow me to recall, that ever since this virus has arrived to Europe, the Commission's No1 priority has always been to save as many lives as possible. Obviously, this would not have been possible without the dedicated medical staff, who represent the true symbol of European solidarity.

Therefore, I would like to thank Romania, Norway and Austria for coming to Italy's support in a time that is so difficult for the entire continent and the world. This is EU solidarity in action.

 At the same time, I am also pleased that Italy has activated the EU's Copernicus satellite system to help them map health facilities as well as public spaces so as to get a clear understanding of activities and public spaces during the coronavirus emergency.

Last but not least, yesterday Italy also received a delivery of personal protective equipment, which was donated by china to the EU. Several EU Member States have also sent protective equipment such as masks, overalls and ventilators to Italy on their own. Some others have been taking Italian patients for treatment in their hospitals in their countries.

Meanwhile, the number of cases in Spain has surpassed those in Italy. We are conscious of that and we are working on that too. There will soon be a delivery of personal protective equipment via EU civil Protection Mechanism. We are in touch with the Spanish authorities.

All in all, I am glad that things are improving, that assistance is coming. I am particularly pleased that it has now become clear that only by acting together and by pooling resources, that we can overcome this unprecedented challenge.

Thank you.