In a videoconference from Brussels today, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel (pictured) presented a roadmap for a return to normality after the corona lockdowns. Indeed, the EU Commission, in cooperation with the President of the European Council, has put forward the European Roadmap to “phase-out the containment measures due to the coronavirus outbreak”. “The necessary extraordinary measures taken by Member States and the EU are working” according to the EU institutions. “They have slowed down the spread of the virus and saved thousands of lives. However, these measures and the corresponding uncertainty come at a dramatic cost to people, society and the economy, and cannot last indefinitely”. While recognising the specificities of each country – as regards the spread of the infection, the precautionary measures taken, and the different economic situations -, the European Roadmap establishes the criteria that must be met before lifting the containment measures. It also lists “a series of recommendations to ensure a gradual, consolidated and coordinated exit strategy throughout the EU”. “While confinement measures are gradually lifted, there is a need to strategically plan the recovery, revitalising the economy and getting back on a path of sustainable growth”, von der Leyen said. “This includes enabling the twin transition towards a greener and digital society, and drawing all lessons from the current crisis for the EU’s preparedness and resilience”.