COVID-19 and the European Union. Responses and consequences

Abstract

COVID-19 hit the European Union unprepared and put European cooperation under another severe stress-test. Whereas the pandemic called for joined action, the EU has been much criticized for being unable to deliver. This panel examines different institutional and political responses of the EU as well as which consequences for European integration, such responses may have. Moreover, different explanations as to why the EU reactions appear as ‘too little, too late’ are presented. These include limits to organizational design, inadequate health policy competences as well as institutional and power asymmetries in European cooperation. As to the consequences, in particular repercussions for the single market are presented. The panel brings together contributions planned for the forthcoming special issue in West European Politics on “The Corona Crisis in Europe: Reactions, Consequences, Lessons”. The special issue will appear in 2021.

Title	Details
The coronavirus and crisis responses in the European Union	View Paper Details
‘Dis-united we stand’: The EU’s initial response to the Corona pandemic	View Paper Details
When and how to bring in ‘the cavalry’. The interplay between European Council, Council and Commission in managing the Corona crisis	View Paper Details
Unmasking the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: COVID-19 and the Joint Decision Trap	View Paper Details
The Single European Market in a Turbulent Age. Implications of the EU’s Crisis Response for the Core of Integration	View Paper Details