At the same time as vaccination, the variant threat is a major issue on a global scale. In India – where a double mutant variant is spreading – the situation has grown alarming: the country is now breaking records including over 340,000 new coronavirus cases and 2,700 deaths over the past 24 hours. A situation representing a challenge worldwide since – if the variant spread to other territories – it could be more difficult to overcome the health crisis.
Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3
This Sunday April 25, 2021, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Twitter the European Union will respond to India’s request for assistance. Therefore, the European Civil Protection Mechanism will be initiated. This mechanism enables State members to coordinate their helps and resources to support countries facing a wide emergency situation.
Furthermore, the Emergency Response Coordination Center – part of the mechanism – is already working to enable State members to offer medicines and oxygen to India as the country is experiencing a shortage.
