The lifting of Europe’s lockdown measures is not at all co-ordinated. EU member states have 27 different healthcare systems, 27 different infection rates and 27 different priorities as regards kickstarting their #coronavirus-battered economies AND /1
Measures even differ within countries. The Italian region of Lombardy resisted re-opening small, non-essential shops last week, while neighbouring Veneto welcomed the opportunity. There are noticeable differences of opinion within governments too... /2
Last week, the Austrian prime minister promoted Staycations, where people remain at home for the holidays. His tourism minister then promoted the idea of bilateral agreements between European countries to open borders during the summer season. BASICALLY /3
Governments face a challenging balancing act – juggling economic, social and health risks - until a corona virus vaccine can be found. Denmark has re-opened primary schools. Spanish children haven’t been allowed outside for over 5 weeks now. Who’s right and who’s wrong? /4
No-one can be sure till more is known about #coronavirus . Merkel is a reference point for many: calm, authoritative, careful about over-promising. Her way forward is to test widely, then trace and quarantine those who’ve been in contact with newly infected individuals.. /5
European Commission + Council Presidents agree but they’ve played a pretty backstage role so far. EU leaders jealously guard right to decide their own national health also border controls in an emergency BUT they’re also quick to blame “the European Union” /6
ie other EU leaders for not demonstrating sufficient (financial) solidarity in #coronavirus crisis. French President + PMs of Spain, Italy and Portugal have all recently warned the future of the EU is now in danger. All eyes on EU summit this Thursday esp on Germany and NL /7
