Head of European Research Council Resigns Over Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
The head of the “European Research Council,” which is considered the scientific and research organization of the European Union, has resigned from his position at the height of the coronavirus crisis.
Mauro Ferrari was recently appointed, as of January 1st, to head the “European Research Council,” but a spokesperson for the European Commission says “Professor Ferrari has resigned.”
Ferrari’s sudden resignation and his sharp criticism of the failure of EU member states to cooperate in fighting this pandemic adds to the pressures facing European Union institutions.
According to a statement from Mauro Ferrari released to the media, he said he is deeply regretful of Europe’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. He complained of facing organizational and political obstacles in launching a rapid scientific program to combat the virus: “I have seen enough of scientific management and political activities in the European Union and have lost faith in this system.”
The European Union’s executive commission has defended its performance in combating this crisis, saying that 18 research and development projects have been deployed in a short timeframe to address the coronavirus crisis. According to the EU Commission, 50 projects from the “European Research Council” have played a role in efforts across Europe.
Although health and medical issues are the separate responsibility of EU member states, the union has faced criticism for lack of coordination in strict policies to counter the spread of the coronavirus.
The ministers of economy and finance of 19 EU member states that use the euro as their currency were unable to reach an agreement on Wednesday on how to use financial tools to improve solidarity between wealthy and poor countries in the union.
