Effect of COVID-19 on the EU’s humanitarian and development policy, international competition, vulnerable communities and outlooks

28.4.2020

Question for written answer E-002552/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
György Hölvényi, Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou, Ádám Kósa, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut

Managing the spread of COVID-19 in developing countries is extremely challenging, particularly in Africa, where there is a lack of proper health infrastructure, trained health professionals and essential capacities. For the vulnerable population, such as the disabled, the elderly or women and children exposed to armed conflicts, the epidemic is an even greater danger.

While the EU is responding within the framework of Team Europe, others are taking advantage of the crisis to increase their political and economic clout in developing countries, with the aggressive promotion of assistance with medical equipment, humanitarian aid and financial support.

• 1.How do the actions taken by the Commission promote the geopolitical positioning of Europe in the context of dealing with COVID-19 and how is the Commission ensuring that, in accordance with humanitarian principles, vulnerable groups have the greatest possible access to the necessary information and healthcare in the pandemic?
• 2.How is the Commission ensuring the visibility of the EU contribution to the global response for partner countries and European citizens?
• 3.How is the pandemic influencing the content and the conclusion of the Post-Cotonou Agreement, which will be the main framework for EU cooperation with developing countries?