Webinar on COVID outbreak – EU global response and local governments’ international action
16 April 2020. PLATFORMA – European platform of local and regional authorities for development is holding a webinar supported by the European Commission to discuss and explore the ongoing pandemic that has hit all over the world. Pandemics know no borders and the impact of COVID-19 is enormous and has disrupted everyone’s daily lives in all imaginable aspects. Its rapid outbreak affects all segments of the population and is particularly detrimental to members of those social groups in the most vulnerable situations. Healthcare infrastructures are overwhelmed, businesses and economies are at serious risk while schools, universities, transport and mobility have either shut down or are stalled. Physical distancing and social isolation are leading to difficult living conditions that lead to domestic violence and mental anxiety. National municipalities and regions are working around the clock to ensure the right conditions for people to learn and understand what is happening, what services and assistance are available to continue providing essential services, identify vulnerable groups, provide medical care and solidarity. Without any doubt national and regional governments are the main leading authorities to handle this crisis management on the ground.
Among the Agenda topics for discussion there is the EU Global response to COVID-19 and how do local and regional governments and their associations engage with peers in partner countries, as well as the added value of decentralised cooperation. The UfM Social and Civil Affairs Division will be joining the webinar.
