Events

Belarus’ MFA comments on EU's decision to help Belarus handle coronavirus situaiton

An archive photo

MINSK, 9 April (BelTA) - Belarus has requested assistance from the European Union to purchase essential medical supplies for its healthcare facilities and to minimize the projected economic impacts of the global “coronacrisis”,  Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said while commenting, at the request of journalists, on the EU's decision to allocate €60 million to Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“For many years Belarus and the European Union have cooperated in the field of technical assistance and together have planned the use of these funds. Every year we receive about €30 million within the framework of one tool alone - the EU country program for Belarus. By the way, Belarus receives much less than most other countries - EU neighbors,” he noted.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic the European Union has decided to allocate targeted financial assistance to the countries of the Eastern Partnership, which Belarus is part of. “It is therefore logical that in the current situation we have requested additional assistance specifically to finance the most urgent supplies for our healthcare system and to minimize the projected negative economic impacts of the global ‘coronacrisis’. It is obvious that the decline in business activity all over the world including in Europe will affect our enterprises. Therefore, it is very important for us to use all opportunities to cover our bases. This work is carried out at the level of the government, other relevant government bodies, and in different areas,” Anatoly Glaz said.

In his words, Belarus and the EU are discussing various forms and volumes of such assistance. “Our partners demonstrate complete openness in the matter, which we highly appreciate. Yet, it is early to reveal details,” the press secretary said.

As BelTA reported earlier, the European Union will allocate €60 million to help Belarus support its healthcare and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus situation on its economy. “The total amount of this support has not yet been decided but I can in advance tell you that it will be around €60 million. Belarus has requested assistance for its healthcare system and to address the macro-financial and macroeconomic impact of this situation. We are now exploring how we can respond to these requests, looking in particular at economic support, for the healthcare system and for civil society,” said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks