Naomi O'Leary (27 de marzo de 2020). «Covid-19: Economic downturn worsens old EU splits». The Irish Times(en inglés). Consultado el 30 de marzo de 2020. «France and Germany banned exports of protective medical gear, and aid from China, Russia and Cuba arrived in Italy before any EU country responded to Rome’s appeal for help».
Daniel Boffey (11 de marzo de 2020). «Italy criticises EU for being slow to help over coronavirus epidemic». The Guardian(en inglés). Consultado el 14 de marzo de 2020. «Italy has already asked to activate the European Union mechanism of civil protection for the supply of medical equipment for individual protection. But unfortunately not a single EU country responded».