The European Union has provided significant support and assistance to Serbia in the fight against the coronavirus, Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has stated today, stressing that it is only through efficient solidarity, constant coordination and joint work that Serbia and EU countries can more easily and successfully overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After signing the agreement on a new EU donation worth EUR 4.9 million, Joksimović said that the assistance would urgently be directed towards the purchase of medical equipment, ventilators, masks, tests, intensive care monitors, non-contact thermometers, protective gear, containers required for triage and other necessary equipment.
According to Joksimović, the Ministry of European Integration is in constant and intensive communication with European partners regarding the future direction of money from available EU funds for the social and economic development of Serbia, where EU support will be of great importance.
“Challenges are the same, it is only through cooperation and efficient solidarity that we can fight against the pandemic,” said Joksimović at an online conference, organised in accordance with the prescribed measures, where she and EU Ambassador to Serbia Sem Fabrizi gave their address.
Joksimović has said that she sent the EU a letter when the first COVID-19 cases were registered in Serbia, adding that Serbia was granted EUR 93.4 million intended for other projects, after which the country began to acquire and purchase medical equipment. “It is not an easy task at the moment; we have the money and the support from the EU, but the situation on the market regarding medical equipment is such that we have to wait for the shipment because there are numerous export restrictions, but the equipment will come,” emphasised Joksimović.
The Minister has added that the EU is a partner to Serbia, and that many EU members are facing huge problems, particularly Italy and Spain.
“The EU has shown significant support and assistance, and I expect that the greatest assistance will come from the EU for the social and economic recovery that will ensue after the pandemic, as was the case in 2014, when we faced floods,” said Joksimović.
She has conveyed her gratitude to European partners for support and assistance, primarily to European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and Ambassador Fabrizi, emphasising that everyone together will continue to fight against the issues that not only entire Europe but also the entire world are facing.
Joksimović has asked the citizens to stay at home, stressing that it is the only way to control the coronavirus epidemic to an extent.
“It is on all of us to be responsible, and the members of the Serbian Government, everyone within their own line ministries, are working with our partners from the EU and other countries to make the situation easier,” stated Joksimović.
Source: Tanjug
