This op-ed by CEMR President Stefano Bonaccini was first published by EUobserver.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation for virtually all of Europe’s citizens, territories and Union. So far, close to a million Europeans have been infected and over 75,000 have died from this disease. These grim figures can only increase in the coming weeks and months. All of our lives have been affected in one way or another.

As President of the Italian Region of Emilia-Romagna and of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, I have witnessed first-hand the efforts and sacrifices of our doctors, nurses, police officers, waste collectors, civil servants, volunteers and countless others in the struggle to protect our citizens from the virus and continue to serve their community.

As is often the case during crises, municipalities and regions are on the frontlines against this pandemic. They continue to provide essential services all the while doing their utmost to limit the risk of further infection. Simultaneously, local governments face huge shortfalls in revenue due to the collapse in business activity and general economic slowdown, as well as the closure of theatres, museums and sports facilities. In Italy alone, cities face a shortfall in revenue estimated around €3 billion.

Read the full op-ed here.