European Commission sought information through WHO’s Russian office; risk-assessment data remain insufficient

The EU (European Union) delegation in Moscow contacted WHO’s (World Health Organization) Russian office for information about the Irkutsk case. Eva Hrncirova, the European Commission’s health spokesperson, explained this channel at the 8 October briefing.

For the third time that week, she called for Russia to supply timely, accurate information. Experts needed it to assess possible cross-border implications. The 7 October Health Security Committee meeting involved member states and WHO; following that contact WHO was still seeking clarification.

Asked whether Russia was breaching WHO rules, Hrncirova said that was not for the Commission to assess; WHO remained its main interlocutor. She said there was insufficient information to assess the epidemiological situation, risks to other countries and appropriate measures. This answer did not announce new restrictions.

Tommaso Gallavotti’s direct report for Adnkronos, Italy’s news agency describes the same communication channel and insufficient data. Martin Uhlíř’s EUobserver article also quotes the briefing; its attribution identifies an adaptation from Respekt. These reports concern one statement.

Statement dated 8 October; exact speaking and official-chapter publication times unknown. 04:24 is duration. The portal’s automatic transcript was read; it warns of possible errors. Audio not listened to. Adnkronos published 8 October 12:30:40 UTC (Irkutsk 20:30:40); EUobserver 15:08:16 UTC (23:08:16). UTC means Coordinated Universal Time. Added 8 October UTC.