In response to covid-19 pandemic, European countries are deploying unprecedented emergency tactics and a warlike language. The “invisible enemy” is weakening not only the public health and labour systems across the continent deeply affected by the austerity policies of the last decade, but is also putting under threat the European project as we know it.
Global crisis requires collaboration of all governments as it shows us our interdependence. Reacting to this multilevel crisis calls for a strong and united European response that respects foundations of the European Union, its core values and the EU’s four fundamental freedoms – movement of people, services, goods and capital. “Fortress Europe” that shuts itself from the pandemic and the rest of the world evokes the idea that the threat comes from outside. Populism and anti-European sentiments are gaining more ground as national governments take uncoordinated actions.
Continue reading … Remaining together in times of crisis
