Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the pandemic of the Coruna virus could cause the collapse of the European Union, if more stringent measures are not taken in dealing with the current crisis.
This came in an article published today in six European languages, in the most prominent newspapers in Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
Sanchez added that the current circumstances are exceptional and call for firm positions. "Either we rise to this challenge or we will fail as a union."
"We have reached a critical juncture in which even the most pro-union countries and governments, as in Spain, need real evidence of (the union's) commitment to it."
Sanchez described the Corona pandemic as the worst public health crisis in Europe since 1918.
He also welcomed the measures that had been taken at the European level in recent weeks, but in return, he considered them not fulfilling what was required.
However, "Europe should build a wartime economy that strengthens resistance, reconstruction and recovery."
He also pointed to the need to adopt a popular movement and a plan that does not distinguish between any of the countries, adding: There is no gap separating the north and the south, and that no one will be abandoned.
He added that the United States responded to the recession of 2008 (the financial crisis) with a set of incentives, while Europe dealt with the imposition of further austerity, "and we all know the result."
"The challenge we face is exceptional and unprecedented. It calls for a single, unified, radical, and ambitious response to preserve our economic and social system and protect our citizens," he added.
It is noteworthy that Italy and Spain are demanding the support of France and some senior officials of the European Union, which has become known as Corona bonds, which will allow the countries most affected by the virus to raise funds through financial markets under the umbrella of the European Union, according to European media.
Tensions have increased over the course of weeks between members of the union, including Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, who want to release euro bonds to raise funds, and financially conservative countries such as Germany and the Netherlands that argue for more restrictive measures.
Four countries in Europe are leading Corona deaths around the world, with Italy ranked first, followed by Spain, the United States, France and Britain.