United but not too close… The failure of Europe to manage the coronavirus

• With the coronavirus crisis, Europe has struggled to find a common voice.
• As a symbol, it is China which brought material aid to Italy, lonely.
• The European Central Bank has announced economic measures ... while passing the buck to the side of the states.

The photo was meant to be symbolic: from his office at the Elysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron in a video conference with European officials on the management of the Covid-19. “Faced with the coronavirus, let us leave no room for speculation and instability. Europe will have to do all that is necessary on the health plan as on the economic plan ”, claimed Tuesday, on Twitter, the president of the Republic.

Faced with the Coronavirus, let us leave no room for speculation and instability. Europe will have to do all that is necessary in health and in economic terms. pic.twitter.com/oaOLYTv50A

However, for several weeks, Europe has struggled to find a common voice. Conversely, the crisis linked to the virus has shown the eternal divisions between the 27 EU states, and even provoked several controversies. "With each crisis, it is obvious: the European Union does not yet exist," thus denounced this Thursday MEP Raphaël Glucksmann.

Lack of support for Italy

Country of the continent most affected by Covid-19, with already more than 800 dead, Italy could not really count on the support of its European "partners". As a symbol of this disunity, while the protective masks have been out of stock for a few days, it is China which has recently helped it. The local branch of the Chinese manufacturer Xiami announced on March 5 on Facebook the sending of tens of thousands of FFP masks to the quarantined country. "We are waves from the same sea, leaves from the same tree, flowers from the same garden," the company said. China is also expected to send experts and equipment this Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Dai leader Ue ampio sostegno per misure adottate dall'Italia per emergenza #coronavirus. Dobbiamo procedere con il massimo coordinamento. Europa adotti tutti gli strumenti necessari per proteggere la salute dei suoi cittadini e ridare respiro all'economia pic.twitter.com/ce4MQNM1NO

Conversely, several European states such as Germany, the Czech Republic and France have decided not to export their protective equipment. “We must be united in the distribution of protective masks. A blockage of exports between member states is not in the minds of the European Union, "Belgian Health Minister Maggie De Block denounced on Twitter last week.

Statements by the spokesperson for the French government have also sparked a controversy on social networks. "Italy has taken measures that have not stopped the epidemic," said Sibeth Ndiaye on Wednesday. Comments denounced in particular by Michela Marzano. " How dare you ? Did you know that the WHO recommends that France take measures like in Italy? “Was indignant the Italian philosopher and former deputy of the center-left.

Please note, this is not exactly what I said: I was only talking about the initial temperature control measures and the closing of borders for flights from risk areas. I also extend my full support to the Italian people. https://t.co/WE1xzpmKVR

The coronavirus also fueled tensions between Italy and Austria after the decision to almost close their common border.

"What is the much-touted concept of" European solidarity "worth when the European Union is unable to help Italy or Greece? "Marine Le Pen reacted on Twitter, also pointing to the lack of cooperation.

What is the value of the much-touted concept of "European solidarity" when the European Union is unable to help Italy or Greece?

This EU comes more to the aid of the provocative Islamist #Erdogan than of its own Member States! MLP # covid19 https://t.co/jwt80tC0X8

Late economic announcements

After several days of silence, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen finally announced on Tuesday evening measures to coordinate the response to the spread of the disease, including flexibility in EU aid rules. 'State and the possibility of mobilizing up to 25 billion euros of liquidity intended for the health systems, small and medium-sized enterprises and sectors most affected in the EU.

This Thursday, the European Central Bank in turn drew measures against the epidemic to maintain "good financing conditions for households, businesses and banks" ... while returning the ball in the court of states. "I do not think that anyone should expect central banks to be on the front line of the response," insisted the president, Christine Lagarde, who lambasted "complacency and slowness" of governments.

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• Italy
• EU
• Coronavirus
• epidemic
• Emmanuel Macron