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EU vows virus help for Balkans and warns against China
Brussels rolls out a series of aid packages
07 May, 10:04
(ANSA-AFP) - BRUSSELS, 07 MAG - The EU on Wednesday vowed to
support its Balkan neighbours against the coronavirus but warned
them to be grateful for the help, after China's "mask diplomacy"
made inroads in the region.
A video summit with six Western Balkans countries, all of which aspire to join the bloc, came as Brussels faced accusations of an initially slow response to helping the region navigate the health crisis. China, meanwhile, was has been hailed in some quarters as quicker to deliver -- and to publicise -- shipments of masks and other gear.
Brussels has now rolled out a series of aid packages, including 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion) announced last week.
A joint declaration after Wednesday's talks also highlighted a 750 million euro package of macrofinancial assistance as well as a 1.7 billion euro package from the European Investment Bank.
But the pledges of solidarity came with a warning. "The fact that this support and cooperation goes far beyond what any other partner has provided to the region deserves public acknowledgement," the statement said. (ANSA-AFP).
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A video summit with six Western Balkans countries, all of which aspire to join the bloc, came as Brussels faced accusations of an initially slow response to helping the region navigate the health crisis. China, meanwhile, was has been hailed in some quarters as quicker to deliver -- and to publicise -- shipments of masks and other gear.
Brussels has now rolled out a series of aid packages, including 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion) announced last week.
A joint declaration after Wednesday's talks also highlighted a 750 million euro package of macrofinancial assistance as well as a 1.7 billion euro package from the European Investment Bank.
But the pledges of solidarity came with a warning. "The fact that this support and cooperation goes far beyond what any other partner has provided to the region deserves public acknowledgement," the statement said. (ANSA-AFP).
