EC Briefing — Monday, 11 May 2026

The Read-Out

— 2 min read

Key Points

  • The risk to the European public from the Hanta virus is currently assessed as low.
  • The Commission prioritizes safeguarding public health and coordinating responses.
  • Four repatriation flights for EU citizens were conducted under the civil protection mechanism.
  • The EU is on standby for additional transport and protective equipment if needed.
  • President von der Leyen thanked Spain for efficient disembarkation of the Honduras ship in Tenerife.
  • The Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting is taking place in Brussels, with participation from Western Balkan countries.

Full Transcript

Transcribed automatically from EbS (Europe by Satellite) · English audio track · AI-generated · May contain errors · Verify before quoting

Opening Statement

Good afternoon, everybody. And also, as we see a big interest, we would like to update you about the events connected to the Hanta virus.

Before I talk about the activation of the civil protection mechanism, let me reiterate the most important things. And it means that based on the latest assessment by the World Health Organization, the risk for the wider European public connected to the Hanta virus is currently assessed as low. And let me also reassure again that safeguarding of the public health is the Commission's priority number one. The Commission is working around the clock to coordinate European response. We bring together member states, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, World Health Organization, G7 partners, to ensure unified and mainly science-based response. We've been coordinating repatriation flights over the weekend for the EU citizens. Four flights took place under the civil protection mechanism yesterday using dedicated transport arrangements and implying the necessary health protocols to protect passengers, crews, operational staff, and also wider public. We also have actively supported and coordinated evacuation conducted by Spain. We remain on standby regarding additional transports, logistic capacities, and protective equipment should any of this be needed. And we will communicate what is verified to you, to the public, as the situation evolves. Thank you very much, Eva.

Ursula von der Leyen: And in fact, I see that President von der Leyen just posted precisely to thank for the swift and efficient disembarkation of the Honduras ship in Tenerife and thanking also the Spanish government and all the authorities involved on the ground and reiterating whatever just said that we are working hand-in-hand with Spain, with the WHO, and also with the ECDC, and we will spare no efforts in the EU and beyond.

So thank you, Eva. And now I'd like to continue in French. As you know, today there are various Council meetings that are taking place. First of all, we have the Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels. The High Representative Kaya Callas will be presiding over the meeting. And the Commission is represented there as well. Before the meeting, Ministers participated in an informal breakfast with their counterparts from six Western Balkan countries.

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