- Question
How will the coronavirus affect the European Union?
Are diverging policy responses from EU members states causing diplomatic ties to break down? Or conversely, is the shared trauma of the COVID-19 outbreak fostering brotherhood amongst its nations? What will the EU look like once the cure for the pandemic has been found?
Economic consequences
This position examines the economic consequences of coronavirus for the EU. It argues that the pandemic is devastating economies, and that the bloc's cohesion will turn on its financial response — the Stability Mechanism and the ECB — even as divergent national responses heighten divisions.
Political consequences
This position examines the political consequences of coronavirus for the European Union. It argues that how EU leaders communicate and make decisions will shape the bloc long after the virus is gone—from the symbolism of the Schengen shutdown to open disputes over the best response.
Social consequences
This position examines the social consequences of coronavirus for the European Union. It asks whether the shared experience of the pandemic will draw member nations closer together — the trauma forging a sense of common affinity — or instead harden national identities.