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Dear Madam, Dear Sir, Given the evolution of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and also in light of the confinement measures adopted by the Belgian authorities, the suspension of EESC meetings and events held in and outside Committee premises is extended until 3 May 2020 inclusive. The plenary session scheduled for 29-30 April is consequently cancelled. We are looking into possible legal procedures for remote voting for Plenary sessions, when there is a need to adopt urgent opinions. But I am proud to say that, while ensuring the safety of our Members and staff, we have been able to remain active and to give our important contribution, using new ways of working. Please find below only a couple of examples of our recent work. In March, within very limited time, the EESC responded to the European Parliament request for contribution as regards three European Commission proposals pertaining to the Coronavirus crisis: on the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, suspension of EU rules on airport slot allocation and Commission proposal on use of European Union Solidarity Fund. On April 6, the EESC issued a statement for an urgent and comprehensive European economic recovery plan, with a focus on exploring the full potential of the European Stability Mechanism, revising the current EU budget, upholding the operational Single Market, creating an "EU Health Union", maintaining the rule of law and European values, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the European Green Deal. On April 15, the EESC adopted four position papers in which it threw its support behind the Commission's proposals to amend several EU regulations as part of its efforts to provide a timely and efficient response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the papers, sent to the European Parliament ahead of its extraordinary session on 16 and 17 April, the EESC urged the Council and the Parliament to approve the proposals on: allowing exceptional flexibility in the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds, securing continued protection for Europe's most deprived citizens, mitigating the pandemic's impact on the fisheries and aquaculture sector and deferring the application dates of some provisions of the regulation on medical devices. As you can see, we fully follow the motto: we #Stayathome and we #Stayactive! Once more, as EESC President, I express my solidarity with all the people affected by the pandemic. We have all clearly learnt a major lesson from this COVID19 pandemic: we must protect each other to protect ourselves. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Best regards, Luca Jahier
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Online Cooperation of the Economic and Social Councils