COVID & THE FUTURE OF THE EU

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Yet again, the European Union seems to be at a critical turning point in its development: The solidarity among its member states, already put to test during the deep economic crisis 2008/9, is greatly challenged by the global COVID pandemic and its socio-economic effects. COVID has accentuated structural inequalities in the EU and, at least temporarily, led to reinforcing national borders and policy authority of member states in key areas. 

 

How will the EU weather this crisis? Will it lead to more integration (the ambitious European stimulus plan might be an important step in this direction, or will it further undermine the sense of a common political fate among the member states)? In what policy areas could the EU reestablish leadership (economic recovery, environment, migration)? How strong and transformative is the likely political backlash from nationalist forces across the continent? In all of this, what will be the impact of the UK leaving the EU? What are the likely effects of these developments on Canada-EU relations?

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KEY VOICES OF ECSA-C MEMBERS