Open and accurate info key in coronavirus crisis: EU envoy

In an exclusive interview with senior journalist Smita Sharma, European Union Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto spoke about the measures to be taken to combat COVID-19. Astuto underlined the importance of accurate data and transparency for a collective fight against the pandemic.

New Delhi: European Union - the 27 member political and economic bloc of European states is focusing on a fiscal support proposal to deal with the economic collapse triggered by the Corona Virus pandemic. Italy which has now surpassed China and has the highest death tolls because of Covid 19 has also asked EU to use its bail out rescue fund to help mitigate the economic fallout in the wake of the pandemic.

EU Ambassador in New Delhi Ugo Astuto believes that tough measures and lockdowns based on scientific evidence is the need of the hour. In an exclusive conversation with Senior Journalist Smita Sharma, the envoy said that it is important to urgently find a vaccine for Covid 19, and accurate data and transparency is the need of the hour for a collective fight. He assured that both India and EU states are working flexibly to extend visas of nationals unable to return homes. Asked about racist attacks against some individuals in wake of the pandemic, he underlined that people must maintain human empathy.

Q - What is the scale of risk that the EU faces currently?

The pandemic is spreading all around the world It is a global threat which requires a global response at the international level.We all need to act together with a determination to protect public health and to avoid further deaths.In Europe we have adopted pretty tough measures. Closure of borders, lockdowns- all based on best available scientific evidence and expertise. We have stepped up Covid coordination by all member states starting with most urgent measures to be taken. We are also starting to address potential fallout of the economy from the crisis. In the mean time we are fully geared to mitigating the consequences and fighting the virus. We can win it. At European Union we have excellent scientists.

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We have mobilised 140 million euros through public and private funding for vaccines to diagnosis and treatment. It is important that we find a vaccine as quickly as possible. We are maintaining full transparency. All consolidated numbers are available along with current information on several websites including the European Commission. We strongly believe that open and accurate information is key at a moment of crisis. Beyond local and national measures, it is important that we act at a global level because the virus has no regards for national borders. We must make use of the multilateral mechanisms most notably the World Health Organisation.

Q - How much at risk is EU with all the border free travel that has happened since the outbreak? Is it possible to effectively trace back and identify all cases of Covid19 affected passengers who flew in earlier?

We are following it closely. Lockdown is becoming more effective. We are all taking stringent measures. We are ready to take all measures whatever is needed to address this public health menace. We have already followed closely advice offered by WHO. We are in close contact with health organisations. We are taking pretty hard and tough decisions which are needed now. At the same time in the spirit of humanity with due respect of our overall social and economic framework. The priority is now to address this public health risk.

Q - With EU added to the travel restrictions list by India , several Indian students too are stuck across different cities in transit or without accommodation facilities. Are visas being extended where needed for EU nationals in India or Indian nationals in EU?

Yes we are. Individual member states are doing so. We are also trying to help with European Union. We all understand we are in it together and we need to be sufficiently flexible which is the particular need of the hour. Be it for Europeans in India or Indians in Europe, we are working at it with a clear comprehension of the need of the hour.

Q - Do you see shutting down of borders as the most effective way to dealing with this pandemic? Does herd immunity offer any solution?

I am not a medical expert. But EU is taking decisions based on best available scientific expertise. Whatever we are doing we are trying to do it on scientific evidence.

Q - What kind of a stimulus package must governments offer to meet with economic challenges unleashed by this pandemic?

We have mobilised 140 million euros for research and vaccines. We have also offered 400 million euros to WHO so we can all work together to find best ways to prepare to contain this virus. We are also trying to tackle potential economic fallout of the situation which might be severe taking the socio-economic consequences. We have already taken a number of measures. There is a single market, we have been adapting specific rules and the use of flexibility, stability and growth with a new budget. Everything is geared towards accelerating containing of the virus. We must do whatever it takes to address the situation. We are ready with creative and new solutions.

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Q - PM Modi has proposed a G20 online link like a SAARC summit video conference Is multilateralism the way forward for a global recovery?

It is very important that we do that. We appreciated initiative taken by PM Modi which was very timely. This time more than ever we see the importance of multilateral institutions and the need to strengthen international cooperation and solidarity. We will draw on all available mechanisms in order to better coordinate and find a cohesive response to this menace.

Q - Can the ideas being proposed at G7, G20 be implemented fast given so many countries are under a lockdown?

All countries are taking the situation very seriously and they are all ready to take on board best practices and expertise being developed. It is important that we compare notes at the multilateral level so we can benefit from the lessons of experts and experience of others.

Q - For EU how important is high levels of testing and accurate reporting to deal with Corona Virus?

We tried to be open and transparent society. It is becoming evident in our response to the crisis. Individual member states do offer updated figures on the epidemic situation and the European Commission also does that through dedicated website . You can find a wealth of numbers, figures and data which are necessary if you want to curb the crisis.

Q - How has your day to day life and functioning of the EU embassy in Delhi changed because of the pandemic? What precautions are you taking?

We are trying to follow directives issued by Government of India and Health authorities . We take very seriously when it comes to key things like Social Distancing, Washing of hands, Avoiding travel to places. We have limited or totally stopped travel internally and internationally. Sometimes we need to ensure travel t assist delegations or your nationals who are in need right now. Number of Europeans need to return home just like many Indians need to come back from Europe. We are talking about a considerable number of EU nationals.

Q - Chinese nationals or people from North East in India or some other nationals have faced racist attacks in wake of this pandemic. How do you react to such reports?

This is a very important point . We must act collectively. It is an epidemic with no regard whatsoever for any national borders. We are all in it. Cooperation and solidarity is more important than ever. We need to act together and maintain necessary human empathy. That is why you hear about human health not national borders.

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