The European Commission is coordinating a common European response to the coronavirus outbreak. Resolute actions are being taken to reinforce our public health sectors and mitigate the socio-economic impact in the European Union. All means are being mobilised to help Member States coordinate their national responses and objective information provided about the spread of the virus and effective efforts to contain it.
At the same time, it is impressive to see how local authorities also take up their responsibilities and are determined to take rigorous action, putting in place policies and implement measures to deal with the situation. More than ever, it is the local level that needs as well to find the most effective approach.
Even given these current difficult circumstances, EC is looking at how it could, in some manner, continue our work on and with cities. Notably, EC will make use of the digital possibilities to convene meetings and have decided to launch a bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter provides with latest information, including what cities are doing in response to the pandemic, and keeping you updated on current and forthcoming activities related to both the overall Community of Practice on Cities and the City Science Initiative. The Newsletter can, of course, be used for other purposes too. For example, you could use it as a basis for discussion and to raise questions.
More information: davide.auteri@ec.europa.eu