EU parliament adopts Coronavirus response measures

European Parliament adopted coronavirus outbreak response measures on Thursday evening, during an extraordinary plenary session, in which members of parliament voted via email.

In front of an almost empty hemicycle, European Parliament President David Sassoli, just himself returned from protective quarantine, conducted the vote of urgent measures to help people and businesses tackle the crisis.

Members of European Parliament agreed to temporarily suspend EU rules on airport slots, allowing air carriers to stop operating empty flights during the pandemic.

The temporary suspension means that airlines are not obliged to use their planned take-off and landing slots to keep them in the next corresponding season.

They also adopted the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, including measures to channel 37 billion euros ($40 billion) from available EU funds as soon as possible to citizens, regions and countries hit the hardest by the pandemic.

Finally, they voted in favour of the extension of the EU Solidarity Fund to cover public health emergencies.

The measures will make up to 800 million euros ($900 million) available for European countries in 2020.