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EU development ministers discuss ways of supporting partner countries in the pandemic

Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Publication date 5.6.2020 13.49 | Published in English on 5.6.2020 at 14.00
Press release

On 8 June, EU development ministers will continue discussions on the EU's joint support for partner countries in responding to the effects of the coronavirus. Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will represent Finland in the informal video conference.

On 8 April, the European Commission made a proposal for a “Team Europe” approach to support partner countries in the global fight against coronavirus. The support package involves all EU institutions, the Member States and financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The EU supports the countries most affected by the virus where the need for health-related support is greatest. Following the meeting of the development ministers on 8 April, the EU's financial support has increased from approximately EUR 20 billion to approximately EUR 33 billion.

“Finland encourages the rapid implementation of the EU's joint support. The most important thing is to focus on supporting the security of supply and the development of comprehensive health care systems in the partner countries. The long-term economic recovery must be based on the green and digital transitions. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential even in the event of a pandemic”, says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.

“We have strengthened our support for global efforts to combat coronavirus, the amount currently totalling EUR 45 million. The support relies on strong multilateral cooperation with WHO, UN organisations and the international Red Cross. It is important that the EU countries present a united front in their response to the global needs. It is equally important that they provide information on the results of the support to the partner countries and their own citizens”, Minister Skinnari says.

Inquiries: Kirsi Airio, Special Adviser to the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, tel. +358 50 574 1729, and Satu Santala, Director General of the Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 40 752 1770.

The email addresses of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs are in the format [email protected].

 
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