EUNET switched to full teleworking mode for all federal civil servants from 17 March to 15 December 2020. Missions by affiliates’ staff to federal activities were cancelled during the lockdown periods. Volunteer assignments continued to be completed via telework. During the periods of strict no-implementation, relations with affiliates and partners were maintained by members of the board.

The spring border closures, extreme restrictions on movement, freedom of assembly, etc. forced EUNET to cancel all personal activities for the benefit of its members as well as all formal statutory meetings, in accordance with the legal exemptions in force in Germany (where the network is based).

The network’s member organisations were also deterred by the barrier measures and the second wave of contagion. However, EUNET’s activity is primarily a group dynamic that is incompatible with physical distancing and pandemic barrier measures.

Together with the Centre européen Robert Schuman, EUNET co-organised the meeting of the Europe Houses at European level in Metz and was present at the only two events for the general public that were not cancelled: the European Children’s and Young People’s Book Fair in Saarbrücken (Germany) and the International Fair in Metz (France).

In 2021, the network’s activities are still very much affected by the health crisis. Since the beginning of 2021, travelling between the different member countries of the European Union is difficult or even impossible. For this reason, all face-to-face activities are still suspended.

Nevertheless, our General Assembly is scheduled for December 12th 2021, in the firm hope that the pandemic will be under control by then.

I look forward to seeing you again on December 12th at the latest.

Yours sincerely,
Richard Stock, president of EUNET