EUROMAT summarizes what was expressed in Brussels by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, after communicating the steps with recommendations for each specific case. The european trade body draws a scenario in which the gaming sector recovers its activity after the reopening of other establishments in the following order: first, schools; second, retail trade; and, third, it would correspond to our sector with the reopening of restaurants and cafes.
As O'Keeffe says, in the case of social activities, which include the gaming sector, they may be progressively allowed, with restricted hours and a maximum number of people.
EUROMAT stresses the importance of having a transparent plan that ensures the safety of the activity while it is economically viable. Also, EUROMAT reaffirms what VDL has stated in reference to the fact that the Circular Economy is key to reusing own resources.
Below, we share the EUROMAT report of the press conference on the recommended roadmap for the member states of the European Union for the return to activity:
President Ursula Von der Leyen (VDL) stressed at the start of the press conference that “the roadmap is not a signal that containment measures can be lifted as of now but intends to provide a frame for Member State decisions. In general, we recommend a gradual approach and every action should be continuously monitored”. She highlighted the following:
- Legal authority over setting and lifting containment measures remains firmly with member states but they agree to share data and inform each other (particularly their neighbours) and the Commission of any actions
- The guidance does not say how or when restrictions should be lifted, just that they should be coordinated
- There is no one-size-fits-all solution, it must be tailor-made to different national circumstances
- Communication is key so as not to overpromise easing of measures
- The pre-conditions for any relaxation should be a significant decrease in cases for a sustained period, sufficient healthcare capacity and large-scale testing capacity
- Effective tools include contact tracing apps, harmonised data gathering, expanded testing capacity and finally a vaccine – the “game-changer”.
- The Roadmap includes 8 recommendations, including a phased re-start of the economy with a focus on less endangered groups and essential sectors. The Commission will create a rapid alert function to identify supply and value chain disruptions.
- In order to streamline coordination efforts, the Commission will develop a Guidance Protocol which will evolve over time and be updated weekly.
- There was no quick solution to the problem of border controls, it would be a step by step approach, but Green lanes were working and essential workers could cross borders.
- VDL argued Green Deal and Digital would be essential to the recovery – crisis showed we had become over-dependent on global supply chains. These need to be diversified and Circular Economy provides basis to reuse more of our own resources.
- She also stressed the global dimension and the Commission will host an on-line pledge conference with donors on 4 May.
Next steps
- The next EU leaders video-conference on 23 April will seek to endorse the Roadmap and continue discussions on the Recovery strategy. Charles Michel, EU Council President, said the 4 cornerstones of the recovery strategy would be 1) protecting and enhancing the Internal market (incl. looking at latest Industrial Strategy proposal) ; 2) develop a massive investment strategy using MFF, EIB etc; 3) EU play stronger international role and defend multilateralism; 4) ensure resilience and governance to maintain unity and solidarity
- He acknowledged they still did not know how high the final bill would be but it would be in the trillions.
- VDL said the success of a coordinated lifting of containment measures at EU level will also determine the timing and impact of the EU’s recovery plan. To that end, the Commission will develop a recovery plan, which will be based on a revamped proposal for the next MFF and the updated Commission Work Programme for 2020 – both areas where the Commission has competence.
- VDL sees the MFF as the essential instrument to lead the EU’s response – it’s “accepted and proven” and should be front-loaded with massive investment in first years.
Further information on the Roadmap can be found here.
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