1 COVID-19 PANDEMIC Action taken at local and regional level by ECR members and their expectations of the EU UPDATED 29.04.20
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Action taken
at local and regional level by ECR members and
their expectations of the EU
UPDATED 29.04.20
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The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group at the
European Committee of the Regions remains committed to the fight
against the global COVID-19 pandemic. Across Europe, our local
and regional politicians are working around the clock creating and
implementing policies so that the safety of local communities is
secured. Their objective is to emerge from this crisis more secure and
more resilient and to begin the process of economic recovery as soon
as possible.
Below you will find a list of regions where our ECR members are
operating, examples of their actions and their expectations of the
EU. We hope that this handbook will help local and regional
politicians to learn from one other and influence the EU institutions
so that more robust help is provided. If you would like to receive any
additional information about the actions of our members, please
contact the ECR Group Secretariat at [email protected].
Grey Highlight: Denotes policy changes regarding Covid-19
since April 1st, including changes taken toward re-opening
the economy of the region/locality in question.
Key:
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The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has adopted strict measures to prevent the virus from spreading, many of
which at national level. Local and regional authorities have not only implemented national
measures but have helped citizens, in particular the elderly and the most vulnerable, to endure
the situation. Travelling to and from the most affected countries is not permitted, and older
people need to be separated from the younger population, therefore shops are open for seniors
from 10 a.m. to 12 midday. Citizens are required to stay at home except for necessary or
urgent trips. In the Czech Republic, the regional and municipal level continues to provide
citizens with the essential services they need during this pandemic. Measures taken by local
and regional authorities include limiting public transport lines and requiring social
distancing when using them, and closing schools, museums, sportsgrounds, etc.
In the city of Hradec Králové, where Oldřich Vlasák of the ECR serves as a counselor,
seniors and students are being provided with free masks sewn by local employees.
Furthermore, people can receive up-to-date information by calling toll-free numbers.
Companies providing public services, such as water supply and sewage have also adopted strict
measures to prevent the spreading of the virus. One such example are local and regional water
supply firms represented by The Water Supply and Sewerage Association of the Czech
Republic (SOVAK ČR) where Oldřich Vlasák serves as Director and Member of the
executive board in addition to his responsibilities in Hradec Králové and the ECR at the
CoR. SOVAK ČR members are committed to providing clean and safe drinking water through
this public health crisis, their employees work in smaller teams, wear protective equipment,
and contact with customers is limited to the necessary minimum. Distant customer care is
provided, and payments can only be made electronically. The objective is the seamless
continuation of providing of public services while protecting their employees and customers.
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Furthermore, at the end of April, deepened measures to support local businesses were taken in
Hradec Králové. Among these include waiving public space usage fees for businesses for the
whole of 2020, 10 million CZK to support local businesses and the suspension of rent for
tenants who were forced to temporarily shut down their business. The city government also
created a financial reserve totaling 150 million CZK to be of further assistance through this
crisis.
The city of Kladno, where Dan Jiránek of the ECR serves
as mayor, offers enhanced support for elderly people. This
enhanced help organises bulk purchases of groceries, hygiene
goods and medicines for older citizens, and delivers them via
the "Senior TAXI" service. Older people are also being
offered help with walking their dogs, and crisis help over the
phone is available for people living alone. Public bikes are
available to reduce the burden on public transport
and local authorities ensure their regular disinfection.
The Recovery
After meeting on April 23rd, the central government of the Czech Republic released a
schedule detailing the gradual re-opening of the country and the beginning of the economic
recovery process. Beginning on April 24th, a maximum of ten people are allowed to
congregate in public places, this includes sports associations, public parks and the outdoor
parks. Churches, for the purposes of weddings, funerals and masses can allow up to 15 people
to attend. Other establishments like zoos, gyms and libraries will also slowly open during this
time to limited capacities.
On May 11th, all major shopping centres will re-open which meet hygienic conditions.
Furthermore, open air museums and open-air restaurants will also be allowed to accept small
groups of people. Individual tutoring of pupils will also be allowed to resume.
On May 25th restaurants, pubs, and hotels will be allowed to reopen, although the number of
people they will be allowed to admit is subject to change. Moreover, schools will be allowed
to accept smaller groups of pupils. Larger events such as tourist events and larger weddings
will slowly become permitted by May 25th although they will still be subject to hygienic
Mayor Dan Jiránek
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standards and this re-opening plan remains subject to change. Our members are of course acting
in cooperation with the central government and are eager to allow their citizens to return to
normal life, albeit incrementally.
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Denmark
In Denmark, the ECR Group at the CoR is represented by two members: Erik Høgh-Sørensen
and Per Nørhave. Mr Nørhave serves as Deputy Mayor of Ringsted, a municipality 60 km
from Copenhagen. Mr Høgh-Sørensen works as a regional councillor for the North Denmark
region.
Denmark, having a strong unitary system, has seen more action taken at national level.
Nevertheless, regions have taken initiatives to brace themselves for the impact COVID-19
would eventually have. Before the first case was confirmed in Denmark, local hospitals in
Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense and other cities began clearing space and making preparations for a
large number of cases. Municipal authorities have cooperated with health-care professionals in
creating "drive-through" tests in various parts of the country. This model mirrors that
implemented by South Korea, where tests are administered in the patient's car and where the
risk of contagion is drastically reduced.
In Ringsted, the municipal government has transformed a home for the disabled into a
temporary care facility for those who have been discharged from hospital care, following a
recovery from covid-19. People who are elderly or otherwise disabled may need special care
even after a successful recovery. Furthermore, although a person may have recovered from
covid-19 they may still carry a risk of further infection, so it is critical that such a facility exists.
Although Ringsted has not yet had a case of coronavirus, this preparation is valuable as it helps
to ensure hospitals are not overburdened and citizen’s needs are met, in the event of a large
number of infections.
When scaled to population numbers, Denmark has among the highest number of cases per
capita. This has of course led to comparatively more drastic travel restrictions and border
controls on the part of the national government. However, it is still up to the regions to
encourage social distancing and take localised measures to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.
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The Recovery
While Denmark moved quickly to contain the covid-19 outbreak, the country has begun
recovery process faster than compared to other countries. On April 14th, schools reopened for
children younger than eleven years of age. On April 20th, tattoo parlours, hairdressers and other
businesses were given the green light to reopen.
While Denmark moved quickly in shutting the border in March and limiting gatherings to ten
people or less, there was never a stay at home order and many stores remained open during the
crisis. Although Denmark moved very quickly, its measures were not as extreme as some other
countries. It seems this strategy has paid off, as hospitalizations have plummeted and re-
opening has already commenced. The handling of the crisis has been met by high general
approval by the Danish people.
However, in an Op-ed, Erik Høgh-Sørensen has called on the Danish government to hold
China accountable for its role in the covid-19 and warned Denmark not to give this
authoritarian regime a pass on its culpability in the pandemic.
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Finland
Mr Ilpo Heltimoinen serves on the city board of Lappeenranta, in addition to working as
treasurer and Bureau member at the ECR Group at the European Committee of the Regions.
Lappeenranta is a medium-sized municipality in the region of South Karelia. The city of
Lappeenranta lies about 30 km from the Russian border in the south-eastern part of Finland.
While South Karelia is a more geographically isolated region compared to other EU regions,
local authorities still emphasise the need to take serious action to mitigate the spread of
COVID-19.
In the city of Lappeenranta, all sports and public events have been cancelled, as
have all large-scale cultural and musical events. The local university has switched to online
distance learning and most schools are closed, although some early childcare facilities remain
open for the time being. Private institutions and religious organisations have been encouraged
to temporarily close. The region took initial steps to ensure the safety of its citizens before these
measures were complemented by national legislation, and a state of emergency was issued on
16 March. On April 6th, the city of Lappeenranta also announced a series of city-funded grants
which include grants for rent reduction and rent exemption. These grants are applicable to
businesses with less than 10 employees and will help keep small-family run businesses afloat.
The region of South Karelia is also taking matters into its own hands. The state union is
allocating 230,000 euros of the province’s voluntary development grant to municipal
businesses, education enterprises and local associations. Finland has a relatively low number
of cases compared to the rest of Europe; these measures will hopefully keep it that way.
Moreover, our member Mr Heltimoinen has created a Facebook group named "corona
neighbour help", which has rapidly gathered hundreds of followers. Through the group, people
seeking help (especially the elderly) can be matched with those who offer help - with shopping,
for example.
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The Recovery
The Finnish central government recently released a “hybrid strategy” to re-open the country
and begin the long road to return to normalcy. While Finland did take a similarly swift approach
to the crisis as Denmark did, it has been more reserved in its reopening process.
Unlike Denmark and Norway which have already reopened schools, the Finnish government
has said it plans to reopen schools and public libraries on May 13th. Other businesses such as
restaurants will be allowed to re-open at the end of May. Gatherings of more than 500 people
are prohibited until the end of July.
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Hungary
Raymund Kovács is a member of the local assembly, in Budapest (district 16). Mr. Kovács
has also recently joined the ECR at the Committee of the Regions. As of April 27th, there have
been 280 deaths in Hungary from covid-19 and almost 2,600 confirmed infections. Already in
early March, the central government moved quickly to contain the spread of covid-19,
cancelling a parade to commemorate the Hungarian revolution on March 15th, disinfecting
public transit in Budapest at a much higher frequency, and stocking hospitals with increased
supplies, including sanitary equipment and beds. Facemasks, social distancing, and curfews
were enforced throughout the country, and Budapest especially. Hungary later closed its border
to non-citizens and made the wearing of face-masks compulsory on public transit.
Despite a relatively low number of cases, Prime Minister Orbán has called for more ventilators
and hospital beds to be made available as of April 10th. Prime Minister Orbán, in an interview
believed that the peak number of cases was still to come and could occur as late as May 3rd, as
such, the exit strategy remains in the early phases.
The Recovery
While the lockdown in Hungary has been extended indefinitely, with no exit date yet
announced, financial relief measures for businesses have already been put into place. These
measures include, tax reductions, capping of interest rates and suspension of loan
payments throughout the country.
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In May it is likely Hungary may well follow suite and relieve some social distancing restrictions
as is the precedent throughout most EU countries, its leaders are monitoring the situation
closely and will move forward according to the needs of their constituents.
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Italy
Italy has been the hardest hit Member State as regards the COVID-19 outbreak, recording the
highest number of deaths, both in total and when scaled to population. Thus, the national
government has shut-down all non-essential businesses and gatherings. However, this is not
the whole story, as the virus entered the country slowly at first and was initially confined to
certain regions.
The virus grew initially primarily in the northern regions and these remain the epicentre of
the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Our
members continue to work tirelessly to try
to bring about an end to this plague. In
Veneto, our members Luca Zaia
(President of the Veneto region) and
Roberto Ciambetti (President of the
Veneto Regional Council) are
instrumental in adding regional policies to
national legislation. For instance, Veneto
has begun its own regional production of masks and has commenced a mass-testing project
to ideally test everyone in public for COVID-19. In fact, the Veneto region has organised the
largest number of tests proportionate to the population in Italy.
President of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia
Our Italian members from Veneto expect the following action from the EU:
1. Investing decisively in medical help to face the COVID-19 emergency.
2. Ensuring closer EU cooperation in the field of cross-border health.
3. Supporting the European economy which, without robust intervention, risks going into
a deep recession.
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Efforts similar to this on a regional level have been mirrored throughout Italy, but they
are perhaps most serious in the Lombardy region. Here, our members Matteo Bianchi MP
(local councillor in Morazzone), and Federico Martegani (councillor in Tradate) are on the
front line of the outbreak. Regional measures were adopted on 21 March, to be added to
national legislation. Some of these additional measures include a 5000 euro fine for
gatherings of more than two people and for unwillingness to comply with the conditions of
the quarantine, as well as the closure of all parks and hotels, a stop to all construction and
recommendations for body temperature checks before entering supermarkets. As of early
April, there is now the legal obligation for those who leave their domicile to cover their nose
and mouth either with a facemask or scarf.
Furthermore, Attilio Fontana (President of the Lombardy region) announced that in Lombardy,
regional taxes have been suspended until 31 May 2020. Lombardy region has collected
donations to support hospitals, doctors, nurses and all staff who are fighting a tough battle in
the current days to cure Lombard citizens and defeat COVID-19. Dozens of millions of euros
have been donated. The donations are being used for purchasing masks, protective suits,
disinfectant and the tools necessary for healthcare facilities, doctors, nurses and staff to better
treat the sick and limit the number of contagion opportunities.
Massimiliano Fedriga (President of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region) has seen similar
measures implemented in his region. Like the rest of the country, all non-essential stores and
shops remain closed, public gatherings are prohibited and leaving the house for any essential
purpose (purchasing food) is limited to one person per family. As of April, it is also now
Our Italian members from Lombardy expect the following action from the EU:
1. Given this is a European emergency, the EU should put in place European rules based
on the most restrictive Italian measures. Such rules should be applicable from the
moment of crossing EU borders.
2. Internationally agreed rules should prevent situations whereby workers are left in a
foreign country without the possibility of going back to their homeland or are not
allowed to cross the border in order to go to work.
3. Another call to the EU is to ensure that municipalities and families do not have to pay
for unused services under the European Social Fund (such as kindergartens).
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obligated to wear a mask on public transit and in supermarkets (this is also now true for
Veneto).
ECR Vice-President Marco
Marsilio is President of the
Abruzzo region in central Italy,
which has implemented a number of
preventive measures. In March the
Regional Council established a
special structure responsible for
coordinating the intervention
necessary for containment of the
epidemic. This was followed by the
introduction of restrictions on
movements of people coming from the most affected areas in the north of the country and new
public health restrictions for the healthcare sector and public companies. Non-urgent
hospitalisations were limited. The region bought a large quantity of personal protection
equipment to be distributed to police, citizens and its administrative personnel. “Red zones”
were designated by the president of the region in some municipalities with a disproportionately
high number of infections. The red zones are characterised by the strict prohibition of
movement of people, the suspension of the activities of public offices (except essential ones),
and the suspension of all production, construction and commercial activities (excluding
pharmacies, the agri-food sector and other areas of strategic interest). New guidelines have
been created for the waste collection sector and road tolls were eliminated for medical personal.
President of Abruzzo, Marco Marsilio
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Piedmont, where our member Michela Leoni serves as Vice-President of the Novara province,
has also taken the initiative and implemented its own regional legislation similar to that of the
regions mentioned above, in addition to enforcing national measures. Furthermore, in the three
weeks since the beginning of the coronavirus emergency, the Piedmont region has increased
intensive care facilities by 94 percent, from the original 287 places to 554.
While some of these measures may seem harsh, even draconian, it is important to contextualise
them. The first major European region to be affected by the coronavirus was northern Italy,
and due in part to its generally older population, sadly the death rate is significantly higher than
that of the rest of Europe.
Other regions that are more rural or have not been affected by the virus to the same degree have
adopted the national legislation and are doing their best to enforce that. While other, more
geographically isolated, regions like Sicily and Sardinia are considered as having not quite
the same level of risk as the northern regions, they too are taking this outbreak very seriously
in order to protect local people and the regional economy.
For instance, in Sicily, which has practiced geographical isolation, compulsory online
registration with the office of their general practitioner must be completed by anyone
attesting their presence on the island. In particular, the President of Sicily, Nello Musumeci,
has announced new and immediate liquidity measures in support of Sicilian SMEs that are
almost collapsing due to the coronavirus crisis. The regional government has decided to make
The President of the Abruzzo region expects the following action from the EU:
1. Loosening financial rules and increasing funding for the most affected regions without
using the European Stability Mechanism.
2. Inclusion of the Abruzzo region in the category of less developed regions in order to
allow for economic and social recovery, especially the territories that suffered
earthquakes in 2009 and 2016.
3. Providing tangible support for SMEs, both through direct financing and action that can
help sell locally produced products.
4. Adopting specific legislation aimed at guaranteeing social measures for those who lose
their jobs and whose companies are forced to close due the crisis (security cushion).
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EUR 30 million available in support of businesses in the region through the "Sicily Fund"
managed by Irfis, the Sicilian regional bank, which is aimed at increasing liquidity for Sicilian
companies. Each company may request credit of up to a maximum of EUR 100 000 for a period
of 15 months.
Italy continues to battle this virus in a fight that is unlike that of any other country in Europe.
It is crucial that we, as Europeans, continue to support our brethren.
The Recovery
Italy along with Spain, were without question, the countries hardest hit by covid-19. Our
members, such as Luca Zaia, and Massimiliano Fedriga, among others, have expressed
cautious optimism in re-opening the country. Nevertheless, they are constantly monitoring the
situation and are cooperating fully with the Italian national government. While the consensus
among our members and the national government seems to be unanimous that Italy is in “phase
2” of the crisis, all parties are obviously expressing the upmost attention.
Beginning May 4th, some measures will be eased. This includes, allowing take-away for
restaurants and pubs, funeral services for a maximum of 15 people, and more liberalization as
it relates to travel within a region and visiting relatives. From June 1st , bars and restaurants will
be allowed dine-in service, while hairdressers and salons can also re-open. More region-
specific measures have taken place for instance in Veneto, where Luca Zaia serves as
President. Here, minor construction has been allowed to resume, florists and cemeteries have
been allowed to re-open, while take-away meals from restaurants are only allowed through a
prior reservation by phone or internet. In Liguria, where Alessandro Piana serves as President
of the regional council, shipbuilding (a vital regional industry) has been allowed to resume and
restrictions on movement such as exercise or meeting first of kin has been relaxed.
Now that the country will soon begin its process of economic recovery, various plans have
been proposed, approved, and will be set into action. For instance, on April 20th, the regional
council of the Lombardy region approved a 3-billion-euro draft bill, to ensure the economic
recovery of the region. 400 million of this amount will be given to local and regional
municipalities to ensure a localized dimension to this recovery. This Colossus plan is necessary
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in a region that was as devasted as Lombardy, smaller stimulus plans have also been proposed
also in other regions that have lower populations or were comparatively less effected by the
virus. On such example is in Sardinia, where Christian Solinas serves as President. Here, a
stimulus plan of 120 million euros, to help local families was announced. A remarkably
similar measure was also dedicated in Sicily where Nello Musumeci serves as President of the
region. 100 million euros will be allocated to impoverished families in the region.
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Lithuania
Lithuania is undergoing national quarantine: a state of emergency was declared before the first
case was even reported. As of 1 April, 581 cases have been reported throughout the country.
The border has been closed to foreigners and citizens have been prohibited from leaving the
country. While shops and businesses remain closed, the national government is deliberating
legislation to implement price caps on goods and to compensate employees and businesses
owners for revenue lost during this time.
In the municipality of Rokiškis, where ECR member Ramūnas Godeliauskas serves as
mayor, additional things have been done to protect the population. For instance, protection of
the dormitory at the Rokiškis school of technology, which accommodates people returning
from Lithuania from abroad, has been regulated by a security company free of charge. Italian
flags have been displayed in the city centre to express solidarity with the struggling southern
country.
Currently, a series of volunteers use their vehicles to shuttle the elderly to essential
appointments and assist them in their daily needs. Furthermore, in early April, Rokiškis
municipality began accepting applications for subsidies on behalf of employers and benefits
for workers who have been negatively economically affected by the pandemic.
The Recovery
Lithuania has experienced a comparatively milder public health crisis regarding covid-19. As
of April 27th, there have been 41 confirmed deaths in the country as a result of covid-19. Thus,
Lithuania has already begun to re-open the country’s businesses and industries.
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On April 23rd retailers could reopen and on April 27th, café’s and restaurants followed suite,
along with zoos and other outdoor sightseeing facilities. That said, all businesses must follow
social distancing guidelines and the quarantine remains in effect until May 11th.
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The Netherlands
As with the rest of Europe, the Netherlands have experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases with
an extremely dynamic situation unfolding day by day, hour by hour. It is, however, important
to note that the number of cases differs depending on geographical location: most of them have
been recorded in the south of the country. The sharp rise in the number of cases caused the
national government to take a less orthodox approach at the beginning. Rather than putting the
country on "lockdown", the national government has been looking to keep the number of cases
below the maximum threshold for the health care system while ideally keeping the country as
safe as possible.
In Opsterland, where the First Vice-President of the ECR Group, Rob Jonkman, serves, the
collection of some taxes has been suspended. The regional security council has also issued
ordinances, closing non-essential businesses until at least 6 April and banning large gatherings.
Sporting events have been cancelled, and the regional government continues to encourage both
teleworking where possible and social distancing (of 1.5 metres). Supermarkets must ensure
that there are at least 10 square meters of space available to each customer. Schools and
childcare facilities remain open for the children of workers in healthcare and other vital
industries. Everyone who is ill is required to stay at home. Similar actions where taken in
Zeeland where another of our members Ben van Assche serves the municipality of Terneuzen.
Our First Vice-President expects the following action from the EU:
1. More flexibility regarding the application of state aid rules and public procurement
regulations, and with regard to the Stability and Growth Pact.
2. Provision of economic support for struggling SMEs and farmers.
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In the province of Drenthe, where ECR member Tjisse Stelpstra serves as a regional
minister, the line has been to strictly follow the measures set by the central government.
Provincial authorities in the Netherlands do not have much authority in health emergencies,
unlike local governments and mayors. Platforms dealing with crisis management are led by
mayors and are composed of local public health workers, police and fire brigade officers. The
system is, in the view of our member, balanced and efficient. It provides the framework for
opening times of shops and helps to ensure that there are no big gatherings. Many people are
working from home in the province of Drenthe and schools are using online tools to teach. A
new law is under consideration which would allow local and regional governments to meet
and make decisions online. Mayors and King's Commissioners stay in close touch with
citizens through video messages they record (see here for instance). While the quarantine was
at the time only to remain into effect until April 28th, there was always a distinct chance these
measures will be extended. In Drenthe, a recent poll showed 83% of citizens were willing to
comply with a hypothetical extension if they had to. This figure, a sign of regional solidarity,
is among the highest of any region in the Netherlands.
Parallel actions were taken on a political level in Groningen, including implementing
screens in courtrooms to protect judges, defendants and police. ECR member Henk
Staghouwer serves as provincial executive in Groningen which is also experimenting in new
medical science. Researchers at the University Medical Center in Groningen are conducting
experiments to examine a possible treatment for covid-19. This project involves using cheap
and common treatments for malaria which can be inhaled. This is hypothesized to protect
against respiratory failure, which is the chief concern when treating coronavirus. While
researchers are optimistic, even if the experiment goes well, it will still be months before the
treatment can be made for public use.
The Recovery
In the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while hospitalizations and deaths have been on the decline,
the national government has remained firm in its position that the lockdown remain in effect.
All lock-down measures are to remain in effect at least until May 20th, although elementary
schools can re-open on the 11th of May. Education for older kids will resume on June 2nd. Large
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events such as festivals, including the famous “King’s day” have been cancelled through
September 1st.
While the Netherlands will remain in lock-down longer than some other countries, there have
already been discussions relating to the economic recovery that must occur. In Opsterland
where Rob Jonkman serves as Alderman, in addition to the aforementioned suspension on the
collection of some taxes, there was also a proposal for a “Corona-Investment fund” to kick-
start the economy once re-opening has been confirmed.
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Slovakia
Measures taken at regional and local level in Slovakia to stop the spread of COVID-19
are in line with the approach taken by central government, which declared a state of emergency
on 16 March. The aim of all measures taken by local actors is to limit the spread of the virus
by restricting interpersonal contact between citizens. All schools have been closed since
16 March and exams are being postponed. International passenger transport has been
stopped, while personnel involved in the transport of goods must comply with strict sanitary
measures. The borders of Slovakia are closed to foreigners and people returning from abroad
with a Slovak domicile need to be self- quarantined for 14 days. Domestic public transport
follows holiday schedules and strict restrictions are in place, such as the obligation to wear a
mask, regular disinfection of vehicles and keeping a long distance between passengers. . As of
early April, the state of emergency has been extended from April 8th to April 13th .
The Trnava region, where ECR member Jozef Viskupič is president, has made public
bus transport free of charge to limit the spread of the virus caused in the process of selling
tickets. Furthermore, rent costs for operations which have been closed due to the virus will be
suspended retroactively from March 1st. Certain other costs such as property taxes will be re-
organized in instalments to make it easier for business owners to cope with the costs. Other
measures like wage compensation and reduction of hours have also been taken.
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All cultural institutions, amusement
parks, gyms and wellness centres, bars and
night clubs are closed. Playgrounds, parks
and sports grounds, spas and ski resorts also
remain closed. Hotels and restaurants are,
for the time being, open. Shopping malls
are closed at weekends except for groceries,
drugstores and pharmacies. Marketplaces
are also closed. Visits are not allowed in
nursing homes or hospitals, while post
offices have limited opening hours. Regions are in close contact with towns and municipalities
when adopting and implementing measures. The office of the Bratislava region, where Juraj
Droba of the ECR serves as president, is not limiting its care to its legal competencies. In
cooperation with local businesses, it is helping equip physicians, nurses and seniors' homes
with masks, protective equipment and hygiene goods. Furthermore, the region has launched a
chatbot that answers the most frequently asked questions about the virus and has developed
an online map of closed services.
The Bratislava region has also offered two student dormitories for the purposes of
quarantining medical staff and emergency personnel who interact with infected patients. Staff
in Bratislava regularly disinfect public transport, limit transit access to people using face
coverings and encourage passengers to wear gloves.
The President of the Bratislava region expects the following action from the EU:
While the President of the Bratislava region does support the European Commission's
initiative to establish an investment initiative to respond to the coronavirus, he is critical of
the proposals to redirect funds from the European Regional Development Fund. As public
services for people offered by local and regional authorities will be among the most heavily
affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Mr Droba stresses that Bratislava needs to improve its
social and educational infrastructure in particular, and redirecting the ERDF's funding
would deepen the fallout from this crisis.
President of the Bratislava Region, Juraj Droba
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The Žilina region has launched a campaign to get assistance for seniors in selected nursing
homes. The region has decided to lend a helping hand to seniors, who often face loneliness
and feelings of abandonment during the coronavirus period. The local government has
created a campaign to encourage those seniors confined in a nursing home during in this
difficult time.
"Old age is not easy. Even though our seniors are close to us and we pay close attention to
them, we know that the elderly often face loneliness. With the advent of coronavirus, we need
to think even more about them, because their social contact has fallen to a minimum. Apart
from people in their immediate surroundings, they have no one to talk to, fraternize with or
say a few words to. We want to alleviate social exclusion with our Letters for Seniors
campaign, "said the President of the Žilina region, Erika Jurinová who also serves as an
alternate member of the ECR Group in the European Committee of the Regions.
As part of the campaign, the region will seek to recruit volunteers for the three nursing homes
that have expressed interest in the project. These volunteers will act as pen pals and will
communicate with clients through letters. The campaign will select and assign a specific
senior in a local nursing home to a specific volunteer. Initial correspondence will take place
using the first name and the first initial of the surname, in order to respect the General Data
Protection Regulation.
The Žilina region is looking for eager volunteers to help elderly people in nursing homes
overcome social isolation for the remainder of the quarantine, those interested can register
using a form on the Žilina region’s website.
The Recovery
The Slovak national government released a four-stage plan to begin the process of economic
rebuilding and the permission of certain businesses and facilities to re-open. Our members,
including the Presidents of the Bratislava, Trnava and Žilina regions, Juraj Droba, Jozef
Viskupič and Erika Jurinová respectively have prioritized testing at elderly care facilities
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and keeping senior citizens safe while also indicating the plans for economic rebuilding must
be effective.
On April 22nd phase 1 was implemented, establishments with less than 300 square meters of
space, such as shoe stores and various other services reopened under a limited capacity. Phases
2,3 and 4 have yet to have their dates announced although they will likely occur throughout
May and early June. Phase 2 will allow for the reopening of take-away food spots, hair
dressings and religious services (under a limited capacities). Phase 3 will focus on bigger shops,
outdoor restaurants, and museums. Phase 4 will be the general re-opening with large events,
schools and bigger restaurants all allowed to fully re-open.
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Poland
Already in late February, the Polish institute of National Health was in contact with medical
professionals in Berlin to devise a comprehensive national strategy for combating the COVID-
19 virus. As many Poles work in Germany and return to Poland on weekends, coordination
between Member States was a central concern from the beginning. On 10 March, after several
confirmed cases, the Polish government cancelled all large gatherings, and suspended schools
and universities two days later. On 20 March, the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki
declared covid-19 an "official epidemic". As most of the early cases involved Poles coming
home from abroad or non-Polish guests, the government closed the border to non-citizens.
The national government has not ruled out imposing further restrictions. In the most Catholic
country in Europe, masses during Lent and holy week were curtailed in order to minimise
the risk of contagion. While the situation in Poland is certainly not as alarming as in some of
the other parts of Europe, local and regional authorities are cooperating with the national
government and taking every precaution.
In Podkarpackie, where our ECR President
Władysław Ortyl serves as president of the
region, buses and public transit operate under
a limited timetable, and local elections in
various communes saw staff on hand to
disinfect voters and take precautions to
minimise the risk of infection at polling
stations. Marshal Ortyl is chairing a special
working group tasked with monitoring the
situation, cooperating with all services and coordinating action between the regional office and
all its dependent units. The regional office is encouraging all citizens to contact it by phone or
email. Most employees telework, which has allowed the presence of personnel to be reduced
President of Podkarpackie region, Władysław Ortyl
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to 1/3. The social centre in Rzeszów is informing people in quarantine about help from the
Operational Programme on Food Aid 2014-2020 by telephone. Six online projects have been
created for children to assist teachers and parents in the education process. Children and
youth were invited to participate in online theatre, radio and public speaking workshops. On
April 6th, the Podkarpackie regional council issued the following statement after its session,
expressing gratitude to its health care workers, on the front lines. It reads as follows “"It is
before them today that we bow and give our thanks in gratitude for their efforts and sacrifice
in the fight against the spreading coronavirus. They, regardless of working hours, fatigue and
the threat to their health and life, each day bring the necessary help to all patients.”
The region has prepared a package of measures amounting to 330 million zlotys (more than
EUR 73 million) which was already provisionally approved by the European Commission and
the Polish Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy. The package has three strands: (1) medical
and protective equipment; (2) support for companies; and (3) job protection. Funds for health
protection have already been attributed. The region is cooperating closely with the private
sector. It was offered 10 000 facemasks and 5 000 pairs of gloves from a private pharmaceutical
company located in its territory. All the equipment was passed on by the region to the local
hospital dealing with patients infected by COVID-19.
Meanwhile, in the Małopolska region where our members Witold Kozłowski and Łukasz
Smółka serve as President and Vice-President respectively, the national policies have of course
been implemented. Notably, the famous regional passion plays which were to take place over
Good Friday were instead live-streamed. In Kraków the first isolation rooms were established.
These rooms are for the purposes of containing the spread covid-19 virus in patients with mild
symptoms. On April 4th, it was announced Kraków University hospital will spend an additional
13 million PLN for the purposes of new equipment to combat the covid-19 outbreak, including
respirators.
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In the Łódzkie region, where our member Grzegorz Scrhreiber serves as president,
165 million zlotys (approximately EUR 36 million) have been moved from the region's budget,
EU funds and centrally allocated funds to deal with the pandemic. Most of the funds help to
finance hospitals. The allocation was quickly approved by the European Commission.
Moreover, the region has created a Facebook profile "Łódzkie fighting COVID-19", where
companies and individuals who want to offer help are matched with those in need. The group
and the help are coordinated by the employees of the region. A plan to help regional businesses
is being developed.
Unfortunately, a recent outbreak in a nursing home has infected an estimated 60 patients with
covid-19, among them are obviously a lot of very high-risk patients. Local authorities were
investigating the outbreak and took appropriate actions. Meanwhile, during holy week,
volunteers in the Łódzkie went shopping and delivering groceries on behalf of seniors. These
same volunteers also delivered traditional Polish dishes in accordance with the Christian
tradition, over the Easter weekend which followed.
In Silesia, where Jakub Chełstowski and Wojciech Kałuża work as the president and
vice president of the region, action by the citizens of the border town of Cieszyn have received
international attention as a sign of European solidarity during this crisis. On the Polish side of
the border, signs appeared saying "I miss you, Czech" written in Czech. This is obviously a
reference to the increased restrictions on commerce and events. Later, on the Czech side,
banners were erected saying "I miss you, Pole" written in Polish. The incident attracted praise
internationally. The region is planning to devote 110 million zlotys (approximately EUR 24
million) to tackling and preventing the pandemic. The European Commission has already
granted the region permission to use uncontracted EU funds to this end. Certain municipalities
like Katowice have discussed suspending or eliminating, rents and property taxes for certain
The President of the Małopolska region expects the European Commission to modify
its decision no 2020/491 of 3 April 2020 on relief from import duties and VAT exemption
on importation granted for goods needed to combat the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak
during 2020.
The two modifications expected by Marshal Kozłowski are as follows:
1.Exempting from VAT and import duties personal protection equipment (PPE) imported
by companies (retail, production, service) obliged by national law to use PPE.
2. Giving priority to personal protective equipment in clearing customs so that they can
reach recipients as quickly as possible and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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eligible citizens. The city government has also pledged 25 million PLN so far to help business
and local entrepreneurs. Interestingly, over the first weekend in April, the Silesian regional
government has converted a former spa into a treatment and quarantine centre for those infected
with the virus. Currently, 118 places were made available at the Goczałkowice-Zdrój Health
Resort, this will ideally lower the burden on hospitals as less severe cases can be treated here.
In Lower Silesia, governed by ECR member Cezary Przybylski, 40 million zlotys
(approximately EUR 8.8 million) have been offered by the region to hospital and emergency
centres so that they are able to purchase
additional medical equipment for
tackling the virus. A new laboratory has
been opened in order to speed up testing
for the coronavirus among cancer
patients and medical personnel. The
region organised on 24 March a video
conference during which almost thirty
Polish doctors could exchange
experiences on the coronavirus with their
counterparts in the Chinese province of
Anhui. Anhui was among the hardest hit regions in China, as it borders on the epicentre of the
disease, Hubei province, and its capital, Wuhan. The Chinese doctors that were consulted
provided expertise on dealing with patients who have pre-existing illnesses and how best to
isolate patients to minimise the risk of further contagion. Cooperation with the Chinese
province is likely to result in deliveries of medical equipment to this Polish region. Lower
Silesia borders the Czech Republic and Germany and works closely with the central
government to secure the borders. Since Lower Silesia is a tourist region, the regional office
created a taskforce to help the tourist sector to deal with the economic consequences of the
crisis.
Chinese doctors holding a video-conference with doctors
in Poland
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A similar "anti-crisis shield" has been implemented under the leadership of ECR member
Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of Lubelskie region in Eastern Poland. Employers benefiting
from the regional operational programme have the possibility of applying for preferential
treatment (lower interest rates, temporary suspension of loans, etc.). The region has reallocated
funds within the European Social Fund in order to allow for a new project to finance the
purchase of medical equipment and pay medical staff. Lubelskie has also suspended rent
payments for offices which come under the budgetary authority of the region.
The expectations of the Lower Silesia region from the EU are as follows:
1. Making the "thematic concentration" framework for EU programmes more flexible.
2. Introducing changes to programmes protecting the economy cannot be subject to the same
rules as until now. The procedure should be the same as for the programmes with a health
component – they are agreed provisionally with the European Commission and only then
they will be approved officially.
3. More flexible approach to decommitment methodology (so called "n+3") is needed. The
notification of expenses needs to be extended by one year (i.e. moving towards "n+4").
4. Rapid adoption of the next EU multiannual financial perspective (MFF).
5. The new EU budget needs to contain a new decommitment methodology: "n+3" instead of
"n+2" as well as new rules which will allow for rapid response in case the crisis repeats
itself in the future.
6. Investments in healthcare should be included in thematic concentration in the next MFF.
7. Regarding actions towards supporting the economy, a possibility should be allowed for at
least partial debt relief when the debt relates to tackling the crisis.
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The Recovery
The Polish government moved quickly to declare the coronavirus an epidemic and as a
result, the situation in Poland remains under control with a limited number of cases and a
gradual decline. However, the lockdown remains in effect, although some restrictions have
been loosened. On April 11th, it was announced that religious services, such as weddings and
funerals would be allowed to have a maximum of 50 attendees (excluding clergy).
The border remains closed until May 3rd and beginning May 4th some restrictions on
social distancing and individual sports will be relaxed. Poland will pursue a similar multi-tiered
plan to gradually reduce restrictions on businesses as the other countries mentioned above. The
Polish government will, however, not postpone the upcoming Presidential election. In addition
The expectations of the Lubelskie region from the EU are as follows:
1. Exempt funds moved to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic from the requirement
of thematic concentration and climate requirements.
2. Grant authorities managing operational programmes more powers in terms of changing
programmes (allowing them to move up to 10% of allocations more easily within each
priority strand of a programme).
3. Scrap the requirement to achieve product indicators/results in projects, as well as the
financial consequences of not achieving indicators in situations where the pandemic has
affected the realisation of a project.
4. Increase the EU co-financing rate in all regions from 85% to 90% in order to facilitate
realisation of projects by the beneficiaries and allow for necessary country co-financing.
5. Change the definition of irregularity so that all action and failures of beneficiaries caused
solely by the pandemic are removed from its scope.
6. Provide a clear line on allowing more support for big companies, the actions of which
directly concern tackling the spread and effect of the pandemic.
7. Extend by one year the eligibility of expenses in the 2014-2020 financial perspective –
to 31 December 2024.
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to a national crisis shield, our members, representing various regions have introduced their own
measures to ensure a swift economic recovery.
For instance, in Silesia where Jakub Chełstowski serves as President, one billion PLN
was pledged by the region to support local businesses. In the Lesser Poland region where
Witold Kozłowski is President, an anti-crisis shield, paid in part by EU funding totaling 325
million PLN was also put into effect. Interestingly in Lower Silesia, where the President is
Cezary Przybylski, deepened cooperation with the German Free-State of Saxony has
resulted in increased healthcare equipment and covid-19 testing for both parties. This deepened
cooperation between partner regions will likely be mirrored as both regions will seek to bounce
back in an economic sense.
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