The coronavirus crisis is waking up old quarrels in the European Union. The member states are tearing each other apart, particularly with regard to the economic policy to be followed in the face of the epidemic. The tone rises like never before between the countries of the South of Europe which claim more solidarity and the countries of the North.
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An open crisis, in front of the microphones
And if European leaders usually speak frankly only behind closed doors, this time it was in front of the microphones that the Portuguese Prime Minister shared his anger. António Costa denounced the recurring meanness of the Netherlands which he describes as "repugnant in the framework of the EU".
The Hague refuses to help Italy or Spain, which are bearing the brunt of the consequences of the virus. Dutch finance minister Wopke Hoekstra said that "the European Commission should investigate why their finances are not in order".
The "same European boat"
The head of Spanish diplomacy, Arancha González, also saw red. On Twitter, she said the Dutch minister: "We are all on the same European boat, we hit an unexpected iceberg [...] This is not the time to discuss to find out if there are tickets first or second class. "
. @ WBHoekstra estamos juntos en el mismo barco europeo. Hemos chocado contra an iceberg. Ahora todos corremos los mismos riesgos. No hay tiempo para discusiones sobre supuestos pasajeros de 1a o 2a clase. No es momento de defraudar a nuestros ciudadanos https://t.co/66ZDiAmNnK
- Arancha González (@AranchaGlezLaya) March 27, 2020These exchanges reflect the lively tensions that arise between the capitals. However, the 27 will have to find solidarity mechanisms. Their "common future is at stake" warned President Emmanuel Macron.