The decision to lift the authorisation requirement for exports of personal protective equipment was taken today at a coronavirus emergency cabinet meeting. Exports of personal protective equipment within the EU internal market are therefore no longer subject to authorisation. Today’s decision was made possible by the European Commission’s previous issuing of a regulation to EU member states for the purpose of imposing controls on exports outside the internal market.

This sends a signal of European solidarity and bodes well for the functioning of the internal market – especially in times of crisis. Only a properly functioning internal market can continue to meet the needs of the citizens of Europe.