How is COVID-19 changing Europe as we know it? - Public Lecture by Ivan Krastev thebulletin.be - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thebulletin.be Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Universiteit Maastricht (UM)
The Covid-19 pandemic marked the real beginning of the 21st century, turning the face of Europe abruptly towards the future. The political challenge presented by Covid-19 confronted European leaders with a strategic choice: either fight to preserve a globalised world of open borders or work towards a softer version of de-globalisation. At the end of the day, they ended up doing both. The great paradox of Covid-19 is that it was the European Union’s failure rather than success in demonstrating its relevance that urged European governments to opt for deeper integration. Similarly, social distancing has brought about the opening of the European mind. Covid-19 has infected the world with cosmopolitanism, while turning states against globalisation.