How Leaders Can Stop Corona from Undermining the EU: The Health and Economic Crises Require Coordinated Handling

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting severe economic disruptions, can only be effectively tackled with a European and global response. The degree of integration and interdependence between member states - economically, politically and socially - means that in dealing with the virus and its economic effects, the EU is only as strong as its weakest part. Governments have to devise a more forward-looking, collective response. Hesitation and the failure to tackle the problem collectively will increase the losses - in terms of lives, economic wellbeing, political stability and EU unity.