Finland: EU leaders discuss measures to limit spread of COVID-19

NordenBladet — On Thursday 29 October, the members of the European Council discussed ways to intensify joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the EU leaders’ discussion focused in particular on issues related to testing and vaccines. At the start of the meeting, the EU leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in France.The members of the European Council noted that the disease situation is once again deteriorating rapidly. As a rule, measures to limit the spread of the pandemic are the responsibility of the individual Member States. That said, close coordination of measures and an effective exchange of information play an integral role in thwarting the pandemic, which affects all Member States.  “Cooperation in the development of rapid tests is a good example of what we can do within the framework of the EU to improve citizens’ safety. In terms of joint EU measures, the mutual recognition of tests and the harmonisation of testing practices would also be important,” said Prime Minister Sanna Marin. During their videoconference, the Council members also discussed the EU’s joint projects to obtain a vaccine. The EU leaders affirmed that it is the responsibility of the Member States to decide on the vaccination of population groups, which means that the Member States must draw up national vaccination strategies before vaccines can be deployed. 

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi