A heartfelt apology.

[^woody^]

Love from your EU friends xx

"The president of the European Commission has offered a "heartfelt apology" for lettoing Italy down at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Yes it is true that no one was really ready for this," Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Thursday morning. "It is also true that too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand at the very beginning. And yes for that, it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology."

As Italy struggled to contain the outbreak in early March, both France and Germany placed restrictions on the export of face masks - despite warnings from the EU Commission that such actions could undermine the collective response to the virus."

https://bbc.in/2XMfywG

 

[Charlie George]

When this is all over a lot of people will change their views on the EU, may see a rise in Nationalism in individual states,you always remember who your real friends are.

 

[Mottie]

EU should have a motto. "All for none and none for all".

 

[noseall]

When this is all over a lot of people will change their views on the EU, may see a rise in Nationalism in individual states

You're about 3 years behind the times boyo. Lol.
Don't forget to add that Germany are plotting to take over Europe, and that the EU is run by greedy lizards.

 

[transam]

When this is all over a lot of people will change their views on the EU, may see a rise in Nationalism in individual states,you always remember who your real friends are.

And the Germans are plotting to take over Europe

Plus the EU is run by greedy lizards

 

[ellal]

At least the EU had the balls to apologise.

Where is the apology from the UK government for not joining the PPE procurement scheme?

All we get are mad rants from Hancock and non apologies from priti nasty!

 

[Ihavenojob]

EU should have a motto

and a new anthem

 

[transam]

Every one in Government is aware or should be aware that there will be an enquiry into this caper

This being the case don't expect any apologies at this time

And after this caper ends? There will be a pandemic of law suits from those seeking compensation for negligence against the NHS

Start apologising now and there is an admission of negligence

 

[ellal]

Start apologising now and there is an admission of negligence

Saying they got some things wrong and admitting negligence are two different things.

People were told they would get 'transparency' which would have been a big help, but that was soon reneged on!

But anyway, even politicians lying doesn't matter in law - didn't you realise that after the big red bus case?

 

[Charlie George]

You're about 3 years behind the times boyo. Lol.
Don't forget to add that Germany are plotting to take over Europe, and that the EU is run by greedy lizards.

This will be far bigger mate

 

[transam]

Saying they got some things wrong and admitting negligence are two different things.

People were told they would get 'transparency' which would have been a big help, but that was soon reneged on!

But anyway, even politicians lying doesn't matter in law - didn't you realise that after the big red bus case?

Not correct

under certain circumstances an apology can be taken as an admission of guilt or by some legal scheister to make it seem so

Best u talk to yer motor insurance company

Tis not how governments work.

Red bus caper has nothing to do with this

 

[fillyboy]

That BBC article is a little thin on detail, the Guardian is a bit more detailed.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...logy-italy-coronavirus-response-herd-immunity

The EU has offered “a heartfelt apology” to Italy for letting it down at the start of the coronavirus crisis as fresh evidence emerged that few European countries are likely to have achieved herd immunity as they begin cautiously lifting their lockdowns.

As the World Health Organization warned that the continent remained firmly “in the eye of the storm”, the president of the European commission said on Thursday that truth was needed to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic – including political honesty.

“Too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand at the very beginning,” Ursula von der Leyen told the European parliament. “And yes, for that it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology.”

Early in the crisis, both France and Germany imposed export bans on vital medical equipment, while no EU country initially responded to Italy’s call for aid via the bloc’s emergency mechanism. While healthcare policy and provision is the responsibility of member states, the EU is meant to support cooperation between them.

An opinion poll last month found that 88% of Italians felt the EU was failing to support their country, prompting fears in Brussels and other national capitals of a Eurosceptic backlash. Von der Leyen’s direct apology went further than a previous statement in which she she chided member states for their “only-for-me response”.

As more European governments begin easing physical distancing restrictions, a Dutch study suggested only a tiny percentage of people may have developed antibodies against Covid-19, reinforcing concerns about a “second wave” of infections when populations embark on a gradual return to normal life.

 

[JohnD]

It's certainly better worded than any of Buffoon's apologies.

 

[ajohn]

Plus the EU is run by greedy lizards

That can't be right I thought they were most green. Lizards usually are,

 

[ajohn]

That BBC article is a little thin on detail, the Guardian is a bit more detailed.

Wonder why they broadcast the speech then?