Council conclusions on the Ebola crisis in West Africa

Council conclusions on the Ebola crisis
in West Africa

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Brussels, 15 August 2014

"1.          The European Union is deeply concerned about the outbreak of Ebola virus disease affecting several countries in West Africa among which are Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. This is the most severe outbreak yet recorded, having taken already more than a thousand lives.

2.           The Council expresses the sincere condolences of Member States and European Union citizens to the African governments and peoples affected by the outbreak. It takes note of the recent decision by the WHO to declare the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and pledges the EU's solidarity and support for the countries concerned, as well as for the health workers and international organisations that are doing their utmost to combat the disease.

3.           The European Union has already committed EUR 11.9 million through ECHO and Member States have provided additional bilateral support. The EU and its Member States stand ready to maintain their support to the African authorities of the affected countries in the implementation of emergency mechanisms. The Council calls for a strong follow-up and a coordinated international response which are deemed essential to contain and reverse the spread of the Ebola virus."