European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen gives a press conference following a video conference EU summit to discuss the measures to tackle the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, in Brussels, on April 23, 2020. (Photo by Olivier HOSLET / EPA / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/AFP via Getty Images)
The European Union plans to raise 7.5 billion Euro — or about $8.1 billion USD — from a global pledging effort to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the campaign will begin on May 4.
She said the money will be used to ramp up efforts to prevent the virus from spreading, as well as treatment options for those who fall ill.
“This is a first step only, but more will be needed in the future,” she said.
“The European Union will spare no effort to help the world come together against coronavirus.”
