Representatives of the EU, the Western Balkans and Turkey participated on 19 May at the Economic and Financial Dialogue to discuss cooperation few months after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, agreeing that is crucial to maintain the economic policy dialogue.
The European Union, the Western Balkans and Turkey share the same continent and their societies and economies are highly interconnected. They are confronted with similar health, economic and social challenges. This is why enforced cooperation is needed and this became even greater imperative with the arrival of the COVID-19 crisis.
Representatives of the EU Member States, the Western Balkans and Turkey, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, as well as representatives of the central banks of the Western Balkans and Turkey acknowledged the strong solidarity between the EU and the Western Balkans and Turkey demonstrated by the medical and financial assistance provided to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and to address its socio-economic impact.
It was also acknowledged that the adoption of temporary emergency measures should be done in a transparent manner and should not undermine the principles of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.
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Participants agreed that this year’s policy guidance will focus on measures providing an immediate fiscal, economic and social policy response to mitigate the impact of the pandemic as well as on the transition from short-term to more structural measures to foster the medium-term recovery. In order to strengthen the resilience of the economies and societies the measures taken should take into account the digital transformation and green transition as well as integrate the gender equality perspective.
The European Union, the Western Balkans and Turkey will continue their cooperation to overcome the effect of this pandemic.
European Union
