“The virus knows no borders.”

MEPs from Slovenia supported the first three legislative measures in the fight against the new coronavirus, which were discussed and voted on today at an extraordinary plenary session of European Parliament. Due to exceptional circumstances of the pandemic, this was the first remote vote in the history of Parliament.

MEPs have called on the Member States to cooperate and maintain open internal borders to ensure the smooth delivery of medical equipment, essential goods and services. Respecting strict hygiene and health safety measures, MEPs currently residing in Brussels gathered for this extraordinary session in the European Parliament, while the rest followed the debate from home. One of the remote MEPs was also Irena Joveva, who, among other things, stressed out the importance of the cooperation of the Member States and the responsible behaviour of EU citizens are crucial for the effective resolution of the situation. “Follow the directions of the experts for yourself, your family, your friends, and all people. The virus knows no borders. Without cooperated actions, resolving the situation alone will not be effective enough,” she added. 

Hello. For the first time in history, we have a remotely held extraordinary session of the Parliament, with the focus on the COVID-19 crisis. Our work continues to go on, but it is mostly done from the comfort of our homes. We have virtually gathered to adopt some preventive measures, which are the step in the right direction, but those alone, are not enough. Others will follow, hopefully as soon as possible. At this given moment, today’s vote is crucial. The Union’s main task is to care of citizens. Not solely by providing measures to prevent the spread of the virus but also by providing the means for appropriate equipment, medical equipment, for the development of a customary vaccine, for protecting jobs, businesses, the economy by expanding the scope of the Union’s Solidarity Fund, totalling over 37 billion EUR.

Furthermore, the key to success is the involvement of the Member States and the responsible behaviour of citizens by following the measures instructed by the professionals. The virus knows no borders. Without cooperated actions, resolving the situation alone will not be effective enough. Stay healthy!

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