Macedonia to Receive 70 Million Euros EU Aid

Initial EU aid for tackling coronavirus is expected in a few days, and it would amount to 70 million euros that will be activated at different stages for the health system and then for the economy. This was announced by Technical Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani at today’s press conference at the Government. “Everything that should have been undertaken by the Macedonian government has been done, we are in constant communication. In a few days we can expect the initial aid. The civil protection department is activated. So, all the activities that need to be taken by the Macedonian Government and the EU are toward dealing with the pandemic successfully,” Spasovski answered to a journalist question about whether Brussels has received a response to the country’s request to deliver the promised 50 million Euros for coronavirus management. Deputy PM for European Affairs Osmani added that in the morning coordination with EU countries, it was announced that 70 million Euros have been mobilized to assist the Republic of Macedonia in dealing with coronavirus that will be activated at different stages of the health system, and then to the economy. Osmani said that this is a confirmation that EU is not only partner on paper. EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar confirmed the EU aid through Twitter, saying that “We are all in the fight against this vicious virus. In this time of need the EU will support North Macedonia with: up to 4 million for immediate needs, up to 50 million for socioeconomic recovery, 9 million for private sector, 3 million direct budget support”.