Coronavirus recovery success stories from across the EU
As health systems and economies have suffered due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU is supporting research and innovation to combat the virus.
To show how the EU is helping, the European Commission has published a page of success stories that focuses on the following themes in relation to the pandemic:
These stories focus on people and businesses who have worked to overcome the crisis with support from the EU.
‘Shoring up the economy across the EU’
The SURE programme, also known as the temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency, is a support instrument where national governments apply for EU support made available in loans.
So far 19 countries have applied for SURE support and the EU has loaned over €62 billion.
For businesses and SMEs, financial assistance can help employers to avoid cutting jobs. Businesses can also transform their workplaces into more Covid-safe environments.
For example, the pandemic posed serious problems for Svilosa AD, a Bulgarian company that produces pulp to make different kinds of paper. A lack of business meant that the company needed financial support to stay open and retain employment.
In 2020, the EU’s SURE supported by covering staff wages. Bulgaria is set to receive €511 million in loans.
Jobs and economy
EU funding has allowed Clariness to expand ‘ClinLife’, a website that helps patients to find relevant clinical studies for their medical condition.
With financial backing, the company can bring its medical innovations to the market. The technology was used to accelerate trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Other examples of the EU supporting the economy during the pandemic are through the Next Generation EU and the Youth Guarantee.
Digital
The EU is promoting sustainable business practices and helping businesses in their digital transition and is committed to ensuring businesses are ready for the digital transition.
In Wallonia, Belgium, the Creative Industries Knowledge Centre, also known as Technocité, had to readjust to help adult learners and job seekers.
€3.3 million of EU funding enabled the company to move classes online and allow students to continue their courses.
Innovative technologies will continue to be a big part of the EU’s support and are crucial for the upcoming Digital Decade targets for 2030.
To learn more about how the EU is supporting businesses during the pandemic, take a look here.
