On April 30, 2003, European Commission President Romano Prodi sent a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao voicing condolence about SARS cases happening in China.

Prodi said at present time the world is faced with the first global threat toward human’s health in the new century—the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The whole world is endeavoring to control and fight against the deadly disease, with China standing at the foremost combating front. At such hard times, EU stands shoulder to shoulder with China.

In the letter, Prodi, representing EU Committee and people of every country in EU, expressed the deepest sympathy with the Chinese government and the Chinese people, as well as condolences to the victims and their families. He also called for concerted efforts of the world health community to tackle the global challenge. EU wholeheartedly supports China's efforts to control and fight the disease and is ready to provide China with assistance that may be needed in combating SARS. Prodi believes China will emerge from the challenge even stronger.