How coronavirus is reshaping Europe in dangerous ways
From green backlash to reimposition of border controls, pandemic is accelerating tensions that could unravel the EU
We are still in the early chapters of the Covid-19 story and it’s too soon to judge the full impact of the pandemic. But one can tentatively discern six negative trends for Europe. These had all emerged before the virus struck but are now accelerating. In various ways they are all likely to help the cause of anti-EU populists: greater economic autarky, stronger borders and more hostility to green policies.
Deglobalisation
Covid-19 has given extra ammunition to those arguing for greater national or European self-sufficiency. Long before it arrived, there was and “reshoring” of supply chains. This stemmed in part from politics: Donald Trump’s protectionist policies threatened international supply
