Western Balkan states request help from EU

The European Union is considering a joint proposal submitted by the Western Balkan states requesting an exemption from the ban on the export of medical supplies from the Union. The Balkan states, which are candidates for EU membership, are expecting an answer from the EC within the end of the week.

The Foreign Ministers of Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia have written to EU foreign service chief Josep Borrell, requesting the European to remove export restrictions on anti-virus medical equipment. They reiterated that this exemption would “send a strong signal to our citizens that we are all together in this as Europeans.” 

This request comes within a scenario of new regulations and limitations on exports imposed by various countries, which are all focussing on their own health and financial priorities at the moment. While the European Union has reallocated IPA funds to help with the current crisis, it has yet to issue a joint decision on the aid package for countries within the Union.

Due to the current global pandemic, an EU-Western Balkans summit planned for May will now be held in Zagreb in June.