Bulgaria’s PM takes part in a videoconference of the European Council on Covid-19 issues

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will take part in a video conference of the heads of state and government of the EU member states on the issues of COVID-19, which will be held today on October 29.

The focus of the talks between the leaders will be the need to strengthen collective efforts to combat the pandemic, as well as the exchange of experience and information on best practices against the new virus. Emphasis will be placed on testing and monitoring, as well as vaccines.

In an informal video conference, Prime Minister Borissov and other heads of state and government will discuss how common progress can be made on the issue of rapid tests.

In particular, this means exploring a common approach to their implementation and use, potentially considering common performance thresholds, and better monitoring and control once the tests have been implemented.

The leaders are expected to further develop a common approach to vaccines, which includes potential work on Member States' allocation criteria, a common list of priority groups for vaccines and the prevention of logistical delays.

A discussion of opportunities to facilitate mutual assistance between EU member states is also on the agenda.

The video conference is being held in the context of the conclusions of the October 15 and 16 regular meeting of the European Council in Brussels. Leaders then made an assessment the epidemic situation, which is unprecedented and a matter of great concern. The progress made so far on overall coordination at EU level against COVID-19, including the recommendation for a coordinated approach to restricting free movement, was also welcomed.