Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission:
We will use all the tools at our disposal to contain the spread of the #coronavirus, help patients and make sure the European economy weathers the storm.
I'm convinced the EU can withstand the shock to our health care systems and our economies. But each Member State needs to live up to its full responsibility. And the European Union as a whole needs to be determined, coordinated and united.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council:
To meet the challenge of #COVID19 we need more Europe, mobilised alongside the Member States to contain the virus spread, guarantee medical equipment and agree on measures to reduce the negative economic and social impact for our citizens.
Full support to health workers working day and night to fight #COVID19 crisis. It will be difficult and take time but we are united in this fight.
David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament:
We are in a very delicate moment for our Union and our economy. It is not a time for superficial words. EU institutions are preparing a new package of measures to support countries and people in need. Now is not the moment for unilateral actions but for greater global cooperation.
Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee
Now, we are either a Union or we are nothing. All Member States must come together with a concerted and coherent action. Acting fast and together is the only effective answer to a crisis that affects us all. The European Union's integrity depends on it. #Whateverittakes
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the Committee of the Regions
The EU must show its unity and help regions and cities fighting the #coronavirus on the frontline. An EU Health Emergency Mechanism must help local communities hire new doctors, buy medical devices and support intensive care services.
I pay tribute to all local/regional leaders on the frontline working with professionalism, dedication and courage in the battle against #COVID19. My thoughts are with those paying a personal price.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank
The European Central Bank is committed to doing our part to support every citizen of the euro area through this extremely challenging time.
Extraordinary times require extraordinary action. There are no limits to our commitment to the euro. We are determined to use the full potential of our tools, within our mandate.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The #Coronavirus crisis requires a global answer. Support to partners, in particular Africa, is not only about solidarity and helping the most vulnerable but also in our interest. We cannot solve the pandemic only at home, we need to solve it everywhere. If we don’t, it will bounce back.
The call for an immediate global ceasefire by UN Secretary General António Guterres is more important than ever. Only together and in peace can we overcome the global #coronavirus pandemic. This is the real fight we need to face today. Unity and solidarity are our weapons. (mr)