EPP Group calls for "unity and decisive action" in the coronavirus crisis

The EPP Group welcomes today’s decision made by all political groups in the European Parliament to urgently adopt the measures to soften the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. The European Parliament will convene under exceptional conditions next Thursday (26 March) in an extraordinary plenary session for that purpose. MEPs who cannot travel to Brussels will participate from home. Votes will happen remotely.

"We welcome the decisions made by the European Parliament to take its responsibility and find a safe way to approve the urgent proposals of the European Commission in the fight against the coronavirus. In this time of crisis, we need unity and decisive action to protect citizens and our economy", says EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP.

Peter Liese MEP insists on the importance of a joint European approach. “We are all in this together. Solidarity and joint measures are necessary, not unilateral actions. Medicines and medical equipment must be available for all. We can also maintain free movement for UK citizens in the EU, but only if London adopts the same measures as the EU against the spread of the virus", says Liese, who is the EPP Group Spokesman for Health.

Markus Ferber MEP welcomes all actions to help companies across Europe, who struggle with the economic fallout of the crisis. "This situation requires unprecedented measures. It will be crucial to wind down these measures when the economy recovers", says Ferber, who is the EPP Group Spokesman for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP points out the devastating effects for the travel and tourism industry. "We want to adopt the changes of rules for airports and airlines as quickly as possible. We must make sure airlines do not fly empty or almost empty, just to keep their time slots", concludes Marinescu, who is the EPP Group Spokesman for Transport and Tourism.