The corona virus pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis, a serious public health emergency for citizens, societies and economies. Tens of thousands of people have been infected and thousands of people have died in the European Union. The number of people infected in the Western Balkans is on the rise, European Commission spokeswoman Ana Pisonero said.

The European Commission and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 in the Western Balkans. EU delegations cooperate closely with the competent authorities.

Close coordination and cooperation at regional and EU levels are important factors in responding to the emergency situation.

We are considering the ways to connect the Western Balkans with the initiatives taken by  the EU, as well as how to best provide assistance in alleviating the socio-economic consequences, including considering how to redirect IPA funding and the flexibility with state aid rules.

The European Union is a major donor, investor and trading partner of the Western Balkans region. Since 2014, the EU has approved over one billion euros each year to support Western Balkan residents. The EU has always supported Serbia in difficult times. For instance, during and after the 2014 floods, it supported Serbia with 180 million euros, or during the 2015 migrant crisis, with more than 100 million euros.

Source: BIZLife and Coordination Body