DISINFO: EU has not helped Italy
SUMMARY
Cuba sent a group of doctors to help their Italian colleagues. Why have other Western countries, separately or collectively, like the European Union, not come to the rescue of their Italian neighbour, even if only for self-protection, especially since the virus had passed borders between the countries of the world in two months or less?
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the lack of inter-EU solidarity.
EU Member States have been actively helping each other in this crisis, which most EU member states have been grappling with themselves. For example, German hospitals are offering to treat critical coronavirus patients from France as well as taking in patients from Italy and the Czech Republic is sending masks to Italy.
To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission has earmarked €47.5 million for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created its first-ever stockpile of medical equipment, including ventilators, masks and lab supplies. This medical and protective equipment is available to any EU country. The Commission will finance 90% of this stockpile through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (RescEU).
As for non-medical responses, to cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a €37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector.
Read more about the EU's response here and here.