EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO PURCHASE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS

Brussels is to mobilise a further €100 million to purchase rapid antigen tests to combat a "very alarming" rise in COVID-19 infections, it announced.

Euronews said the European Commission is also launching a new joint procurement to ensure fast access to these tests as well as another one for medical equipment for vaccination.

Other new measures unveiled on Wednesday include the extension of the temporary suspension of customs duties and VAT on the import of medical equipment from non-EU countries. It is also proposing that hospitals and medical practitioners should not have to pay VAT on vaccines and testing kits used in the fight against the coronavirus.

Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a statement that "the rise in COVID-19 infection rates across Europe is very alarming."

"Decisive immediate action is needed for Europe to protect lives and livelihoods, to alleviate the pressure on healthcare systems, and to control the spread of the virus.