Video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 3 April 2020

Main results

We are facing an info-demic with dangerous impact on public health. We’ll continue to tackle disinformation, and coordinate and intensify our efforts with the Member States and with social media platforms.

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

EU Ministers of foreign affairs today held a video conference, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.

Ministers exchanged views on international aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on consular coordination and repatriation, strengthening international cooperation and assistance, and disinformation.

Foreign affairs ministers welcomed the work done and the progress made by EU institutions in coordinating repatriation efforts and consular assistance of MS to their citizens abroad. To date, thanks to the EU combined efforts, more than 350.000 Europeans have been repatriated, while 250.000 still need assistance.

Concerning international cooperation and assistance, foreign ministers stressed that this was a global crisis that needed a global answer. They considered that assistance to the most vulnerable countries and Africa should be prioritised, especially as in many vulnerable countries the devastating effects of Covid-19 can be amplified by conflicts.

Finally concerns were also shared about misinformation and disinformation and the need to continue fighting the negative impact on societies and people's lives and public health. Foreign ministers emphasised the need to intensify joint efforts in the fight against disinformation through a close cooperation between EU institutions, member states and social media.