European Union

So far the countries of Africa and South America have been far less affected by the corona pandemic than the wealthy North. As of Tuesday there were only about 350 recorded infections across Africa. Experts see the infrastructure built up during and after the Ebola epidemic of 2014 as one potential explanation for this. But commentators are nonetheless worried.

In Russia, the package of constitutional amendments - including the possibility for Putin to remain in office - has been swiftly approved by the Federation Council, all regional parliaments and also by the Constitutional Court in an expedited procedure. Now the people are to have their say on the reform in a referendum due to be held on April 22. But the corona crisis has put a big question mark over whether the vote should take place as planned.

A number of measures have been taken by both states and private individuals around the world to combat SARS-CoV-2: travel, production and transport have been greatly restricted. In many places negative environmental influences have already been significantly reduced. But commentators don't believe the measures can stop climate change in the long term.

Airlines, bus companies and train operators could be brought under public ownership by the UK government in order to preserve transport links during the coronavirus outbreak, a minister suggested on Tuesday (17 March).

Medical authorities in China have said a drug used in Japan to treat new strains of influenza appeared to be effective in coronavirus patients, the Guardian writes. Zhang Xinmin, an official at China's science and technology ministry, said favipiravir had produced encouraging outcomes in clinical trials in Wuhan and Shenzhen involving 340 patients. "It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment," Zhang told reporters.

Malta announced on Wednesday that the country will stop all incoming passengers flights on Saturday, Reuters reported. Only cargo, humanitarian and repatriation flights will be allowed. As of 18 March, there are 38 cases of coronavirus and no fatalities registered in the Mediterranean island whose economy deeply depends on tourism. "Saturday will be a dark day for the local aviation industry," said Malta international airport CEO Alan Borg.

While the French have been raiding food stores in recent days, Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume assured on March 16 that “French farmers will continue to produce, our agri-food companies will be able to process agricultural products p to feed us.”...

Supermarkets in Germany will not close and there will be no problems with food production, says German Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner. Meanwhile, at the European level, officials are seeking ways to simplify cross-border food transports. EURACTIV Germany reports.

EU Heads of State or Government held a videoconference on COVID-19 in order to follow up on previous conclusions of 10 March 2020, together with ECB President Lagarde and Eurogroup President Centeno.

Main agenda item, approximate timing and press opportunities.