European Integration Minister Jadranka Joksimovic on Monday asked the European Union to allow the Serbian authorities to redirect IPA funds to combat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic.

In her letter to Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, Joksimovic said that the funds would be redirected “to undertake measures to prevent and suppress the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic in Serbia”, a statement from her cabinet said.

“The funds, to be specified with the European Commission, would be used to support national institutions and bodies engaged in combating the epidemic and for an effective response to its consequences for the citizens and society of Serbia,” the letter said.

Joksimovic also listed the basic measures and activities that the Serbian authorities have introduced to combat the coronavirus epidemic, provide adequate care for all patients, especially the elderly, and deal with the consequences.

She said that European countries – EU members, candidates and potential candidates – can respond to the global challenge only together and with what she called true European solidarity.