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BRUSSELS, April 15-- The decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) triggered on Wednesday a wave of criticism from European nations, as well as a joint call for solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that he had instructed his administration to suspend funding to the WHO, which he accused of "severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus." However, the European Union (EU) and various European nations said "no" to blame and division. They have expressed support and commitment to the international organization responsible for global public health. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, tweeted: "Deeply regret U.S. decision to suspend funding to @WHO. There is no reason justifying this move at a moment when their efforts are needed more than ever to help contain & mitigate the #coronavirus pandemic. Only by joining forces we can overcome this crisis that knows no borders." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on his Twitter account, "Blaming does not help. The virus knows no borders. We must cooperate closely against COVID-19." "One of the best investments is that the United Nations, especially the underfunded WHO, to strengthen, for example in the development and distribution of tests and vaccines," Maas added. Switzerland's Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) highlighted that the UN body is "key international organization in this pandemic." | 
