E.U. Seeks Solidarity as Nations Restrict Medical Exports

“Everyone needs to do this preparatory work so that we can then have a concerted European vision,” Mr. Véran said. “But believe me, France will not be exempt of its duty and of its drive for solidarity.”

On Thursday, the German authorities issued a decree banning export of protective clothing and other medical gear such as gloves and masks. Such products could only be sold abroad in narrowly defined circumstances, such as an international aid effort, the order said. A government crisis team also established a centralized system for allocating scarce protective equipment to doctors, hospitals and federal authorities.

Outside the European Union, Turkey and Russia have put in restrictions too.

In Turkey, Ruhsar Pekcan, the trade minister, said that masks, goggles and sterile gloves would be subject to export controls after surges in sales over the past two months. “As it is likely that the outbreak will be seen in our country, we decided to subject protective gear exports to prior authorization to manage domestic demand,” said Ms. Pekcan, according to reports by state media. Companies looking to export protective gowns and other equipment will now have to seek permission from the government.

Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, signed on March 2 an order prohibiting the export of some medical supplies. The order, in effect until June 1, bans exports of medical masks, gloves and goggles, biohazard suits, medical robes, antiviral medicines, gauze and some other products. The ban doesn’t cover items travelers carry for personal use or state humanitarian aid shipments. Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry for Industry and Trade, said that it was necessary to prevent “speculators” exporting goods overseas.

The outbreak is also being felt in other ways: The European Union Parliament occasionally holds proceedings in Strasbourg, France, rather than Brussels, but officials said it would remain in Belgium next week.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, which has been categorized as a coronavirus cluster. The Parliament’s trips across the border, the result of a longstanding compromise on where it should be sited, are a favorite target of the European Union’s critics, who describe them as a waste of time, money and resources.

Reporting was contributed by Monika Pronczuk, Aurelien Breeden, Michael Wolgelenter, Jack Ewing and Andrew E. Kramerc.