The European Commission (EC) has reacted to recent developments with the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC) and reminded that all stakeholders in society have an obligation to protect the health of the population.
European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero reminds that all countries in the EU and around the world are introducing emergency measures due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 and that the top priority of this period is the protection of public health.
This reaction comes after the MOC decided not to close the temples completely during the Easter holidays but at the same time taking measures to preserve the distance and discipline of the believers who visit the temples. In some liberal public opinion, this has raised concerns about the possible consequences for the healthcare system.
“In the last few weeks, EU member states and countries around the world have taken emergency measures to deal with the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These are unprecedented times, and national authorities need to have the necessary tools at their disposal to act quickly and efficiently to protect the public health of their population, Pisonero said.
