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EU staff COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
Join forces to fight the crisis and support a sustainable and fair recovery
COVID-19 is causing death and a profound social and economic crisis across the world. In addition to the tremendous efforts of our institutions, many EU civil servants feel an obligation to give their personal contribution and help countries and people in need. Visible solidarity by EU staff will strengthen the reputation of the EU institutions.
EUstaff4Climate [3], in cooperation with King Baudouin Foundation [4], have set up a dedicated fund for EU staff to support the response to the COVID-19 crisis where it is most needed, to help prevent future crises and promote planetary health.
The Fund will address immediate needs of civil protection agencies, hospitals, health organizations and NGOs that provide emergency response. It will initially focus on Italy and Spain, where the needs for medical equipment, supplies and assistance are presently most pressing; then, based on the evolution of the crisis, in other EU countries as the needs arise. After the pandemic, the Fund will support social and economic recovery, inspired by the principles of sustainability, social justice and planetary health.
As EUstaff4Climate, we propose to all colleagues across the EU institutions to donate monthly at least 2% of our salary. This will secure support for both the emergency and the recovery phase, and will ensure a higher symbolic value of our contribution.
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Why a dedicated fund for EU staff?
Euroscepticism is on the rise in many of the countries most affected by COVID-19. The EU is often accused of lack of solidarity and indifference. It’s extremely important that the solidarity of EU staff is visible. The Fund will:
- Provide an immediate and substantial financial contribution, to emergency response and post-crisis recovery in the most affected countries.
- Ensure visibility to the donations of EU staff, in order to counter the negative image of a distant and indifferent EU.
Why King Baudouin Foundation?
King Baudouin Foundation is one of the most important philanthropic institutions in Belgium and is the animator of the Transnational Giving Europe. It is already coordinating fundraising actions for COVID-19 crisis and has long experience in managing corporate solidarity funds. Through their network of European philanthropic institutions, they will help to identify the most urgent needs in different countries and ensure a coordinated response. The foundation being based in Belgium facilitates the functioning of our partnership.
Why is EUstaff4climate launching this fund?
Global warming, destruction of natural habitats, deforestation and other unintended consequences of our highly interconnected economies contribute to pandemics and generate multiple crises. EUstaff4Climate recognises the nexus between health, climate, biodiversity and socio-economic conditions. All our efforts and initiatives aim to address the multiple threats to human health, well-being and ecosystems through a holistic approach, aimed at responding as well as preventing future crises.
How much should I donate and why do you propose 2% of our salary?
Donations are free and any amount will be of great help. Nonetheless, we believe that a periodic contribution of 2% of our salary will increase the impact of our initiative, both in response to the emergency and in recovering the reputation of the EU civil service. The Fund aims to provide regular donations to those in need, and prevent future crises, in line with the overall long-term vision of EUstaff4Climate.
How will I be informed about how my contribution is used?
Every week we will send an update on the amount collected and the organisations or initiatives supported. This information will also be available on the Foundation’s and EUstaff4Climate’s website. Every year the Foundation will provide a summary report.
What happens after the COVID-19 crisis is over?
When the health emergency will be over, Europe will face a serious social and economic crisis. This will be a critical moment and our solidarity will be even more necessary to finance the recovery. This will need to take into account multiple challenges such as the climate and environmental crises as well as social inequalities. The Fund will then gradually move to finance initiatives aimed at rebuilding an economy inspired to the principles of sustainability, social justice and planetary health.
How do I donate?
You can donate online via the button below and share with your colleagues
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Or you can donate via a monthly bank transfer directly to the Foundation’s account IBAN: BE10 0000 0000 0404 // BIC: BPOTBEB1
by indicating the reference number of the Fund “200640 – EU Staff COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund”
or with the following structured reference number (communication structurée) ***020/0640/00059***
More questions?
Visit our website [6] or write an e-mail with subject “EU staff COVID-19 Fund” to EUstaff4Climate@ec.europa.eu [7]
Contacts King Baudouin Foundation
Ludwig Forrest | Head of International Philanthropy
E-mail: Forrest.L@Kbs-frb.be [8] | T: +32-2-549 02 38
forrest.l@kbs-frb.be [9] | www.kbs-frb.be [10] | www.transnationalgiving.eu [11]
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