European Parliament wants to avoid “stay at home order” and complete border closures
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Hope for vaccine for large sections of the population early next year/hearing in the relevant committees
The European Parliament wants to avoid complete border closures and above all “stay at home order”. This is clear from a resolution adopted by the Parliament last week by a large majority. According to the MEP and health policy spokesperson of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP-Christian Democrats), Peter Liese, one of the original draft resolutions also included the issue of stay at home order as an option for the member states. At Liese's insistence, however, this word was removed and replaced by contact ban.
"We are very concerned about the dramatically increasing infection rates in many EU countries, e.g. France and Spain. I am also convinced that without additional measures we will not be able to prevent a major spread of the virus in the coming weeks. We urgently need to have stricter rules for indoor events in many countries. The virus spreads 18 times more indoors than outdoors. I cannot see that the rules for indoor events are 18 times stricter and I am therefore very concerned. However, a general “stay at home order” is counterproductive for exactly this reason. There is no risk just from going outside. Of course, you have to try to avoid crowds of people outdoors too. However, that can be sufficiently regulated by a contact ban. A “stay at home order” is associated with many health problems. Exercise in the fresh air strengthens the immune system and mental illnesses could increase, especially in the autumn and winter months when people do not leave the house," says Liese. MEPs also call for complete border closures like the one in March to be avoided whenever possible.
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Interruption of AstraZeneca study shows that risks are taken seriously
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Commission's approach of concluding contracts with several manufacturers is important / Commission today concluded exploratory talks with BioNtech
"The interruption of AstraZeneca's vaccine trial shows that the authorities in Europe and the companies are proceeding cautiously and not taking unnecessary risks in the development of a vaccine". This was stated by MEP Peter Liese, health spokesperson of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP-Christian Democrats). "In contrast to the situation in Russia, we in the European Union have clear rules. A vaccine can only come onto the market if a large group of test persons (usually a five-digit number) has been tested in a so-called phase three trial and the vaccine has few side effects and is effective. In the case of AstraZeneca, it is now necessary to investigate whether the problems observed are indeed related to the vaccine and whether they can be avoided in future administrations and tests or whether the project must be abandoned altogether. I would not dare to make a prediction at this stage as to whether the vaccine will eventually be approved".
Read more: Interruption of AstraZeneca study shows that risks are taken seriously
ENVI votes on climate law
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Pyrrhus victory for left and the rapporteur but tight decision / Parliament will go for lower figure / Broad agreement on climate neutrality
Today the environmental committee in the European Parliament has voted on the climate law. The most contradicting decision dealt with the 2030 target. The result of the vote was tight and the majority within the ENVI committee voted for a 2030 reduction target of 60%. „This is a Pyrrhus victory for the left and for the rapporteur Jytte Guteland. The result in ENVI was very tight and as far as I know, also the S&D Group was also not united”, says MEP Peter Liese, environmental spokesperson of the largest Group in the European Parliament (EPP, Christian Democrats).
“I am sure the Parliament will go for a lower figure. We will watch carefully the impact assessment of the European Commission. Personally, I am in favour of supporting the 55% if the impact assessment that will be published next Wednesday is convincing. Definitely, we need to look at the measures. We are strongly against too much command and control but in favour of market-based measures. The national target cannot just be increased by 15%”, insisted Liese. “It is good that the Parliament is united for the target of climate neutrality. We are also united that we have to increase the 2030 target. But to declare targets without having a plan how to achieve them does not help the climate”, concludes Liese.
Video conference of EU health ministers
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Reduction of the quarantine to ten days is justifiable with strict implementation / important steps for joint action / European Commission proposals useful
"Reducing the quarantine period for returnees from risk areas from fourteen to ten days makes sense if it is strictly implemented. The risk that someone will still be infectious after ten days is relatively low compared to the risk that the quarantine will not be respected. We always have to make compromises in the current phase of the pandemic. Certain restrictions are still necessary. However, one can also take a residual risk to maintain public life. According to scientific findings, the time when an infected person's is most likely to infect others is after five day of himself been infected. After that the incidents decreases", said the EPP MEP and health policy spokesperson of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP-Christian democrats), Peter Liese. Liese also welcomed the health ministers' efforts to improve coordination of travel restrictions and the European Commission's proposals on this issue. "The European Parliament has been pressing for a common approach since April, my group even since March. I am pleased that the ministers are now taking up the matter and I have great confidence in Jens Spahn and the German Presidency of the Council that they will also implement the essential points quickly".