Metelko-Zgombić: EU's coordinated and solidarity response to pandemic is important

Croatian State Secretary for Europe, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, has participated in a video conference of EU ministers for European affairs, stressing the importance Croatia attaches to the Union's coordinated and solidarity response to the pandemic, the Croatian ministry said on Tuesday.

The participants discussed the preparation of a video conference of the European Council for 25 and 26 February, challenges at the present time of the coronavirus pandemic, the European Democracy Action Plan, the preparation of the Conference on the Future of Europe, and the EU-UK relationship.

They pointed out main challenges in coordinating the EU-wide response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the timely and predictable vaccine production and delivery, and the implications of the spread of new strains of the virus for freedom of movement.

Metelko-Zgombić underlined the importance that Croatia attaches to the Union's coordinated and solidarity action, saying that public health protection and provision of a safe and effective vaccine should remain at the centre of all efforts.

Croatia is open to further work on vaccination certificates at EU level, and Metelko-Zgombić called for solidarity in providing Western Balkan countries with vaccines and assistance.

The participants agreed that it was necessary to strengthen the EU's resilience to threats in the current pandemic and future health emergencies, which will also be discussed by EU leaders later this week.

The Portuguese EU Presidency and Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica reported on the state of interinstitutional talks on launching the Conference on the Future of Europe and steps being taken towards this end, in which they have Croatia's full support, the statement said.

Text:Hina

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