Italy's president Sergio Mattarella on Friday urged European leaders to "take important and positive" financial and economic steps to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic devastation.
"In recent days the European Central Bank and the European Commission have taken important and positive economic and financial decisions," Mattarella said in a video address.
"European heads of state and government have yet to do so and it is to be hoped that there will be concrete developments in the coming days," Mattarella added.
The European Commission has also temporarily suspended eurozone rules on government debt, allowing member states to spend what they need to survive the Covid-19 outbreak as best as they can.
In addition, the European Central Bank announced a 750 billion euro rescue package, declaring that "there are no limits" to its commitment to safeguard the euro.
"Further joint initiatives are indispensable that go beyond old ideas that are no longer relevant to the dramatic situation of our continent. I hope that all (countries) fully grasp the grave threat Europe faces before it is too late," Mattarella continued.
"Solidarity does not only required by the values that underpin the EU but it is also in everyone's interest."
