The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Committee of the Regions remains committed to the fight against the global covid-19 pandemic. Across Europe, our local and regional politicians work round the clock creating and implementing policies so that the wellness and safety of our local communities is secured. Their objective? To save lives, emerge from this crisis more resilient and to begin the process of economic recovery as soon as safely possible. Here, find a brief summary and an extensive report (linked below) of the initiatives, polices and goals of ECR Members at the European Committee of the Regions in their local communities and their expectations from the EU. Find also the most recent measures taken, including those taken with the goal of re-opening their respective regions and localities.

Given the diverse nature of Europe, our Members have taken different actions to ensure the safety of their constituents. In countries like the Czech Republic, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia the national government have closed the borders and our Members are working tirelessly to keep their people inside, safe. In the Netherlands, first Vice-President Rob Jonkman has called on the EU to support small businesses and farmers who are struggling to keep their doors open during this quarantine.

Our thoughts, however, are especially with the people of Italy, who are in a savage struggle against the virus. Our Members have called on the EU to assist Italy at this time. For example, Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council has called on the EU to intervene economically to avoid a possible upcoming recession, while Luca Zaia, President of Veneto has called for better EU health coordination.

In addition to calling for EU support, our Members have taken policies into their own hands. While every respective national government has some sort of guiding policy that is required to be implemented, many of our members have taken extra initiatives at the local level. For instance, Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo region established a structure for coordinating health care interventions. This included buying a large quantity of personal protection equipment to be distributed to police, citizens and administrative personnel. “Red zones" were also designated by the President of the region in some municipalities with a disproportionately high number of infections.

Meanwhile in Lower Silesia, President Cezary Przybylski arranged for 8,8 million euros of additional funding for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Regional doctors also coordinated with Chinese experts from the province of Anhui, which borders Hubei province, the origin point of the covid-19 outbreak. Surely their experience can be of value to Polish doctors and indeed their partners throughout Europe.