Since the outbreak of the public health crisis, the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union has arranged over 15 video conferences in different formats at which EU ministers were able to "agree measures and exchange best practices" in addressing the crisis, Metelko-Zgombic told a press conference at the National and University Library in Zagreb.
Although EU leaders cannot meet together in person, the Croatian Presidency has ensured "conditions for the normal functioning of the Council," she said and added: "In this way we have shown that even in the present emergency the European Union and the Council of the EU can function and take decisions."
Metelko-Zgombic recalled two aid schemes adopted by the European Commission in combating the outbreak, noting that member states together procured protective and medical equipment, helping one another and showing solidarity. "What we need now is a joint response to the social and economic consequences" of this crisis, she said, adding that EU leaders were holding a video conference on Thursday to agree such a response.