Re: UK and EU Trade Discussions 29th June Agenda
Originally Posted by
Solasch
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However, widespread disappointment with the EU response has not so far translated into a boost for Eurosceptic populism. A convincing majority, 63%, including 55% in Germany, 80% in Spain and 91% in Portugal, believed the pandemic showed the need for EU governments to act more cohesively.
In Italy, 76% wanted a recovery led by the EU and only 16% said the pandemic had shown Matteo Salvini’s anti-EU populist Lega party in an improved light. Nor has the crisis boosted support for Spain’s populists – 54% said the far right Vox party had gone down in their estimation since the arrival of the coronavirus. Marine Le Pen’s party in France flat-lined while in Germany just 6% reported an “improved” view of the far-right AfD as a result of the crisis.
Some commentators have hailed the*Franco-German initiative*to rescue the European economy as a “Hamilton” moment, a pandemic-inspired move towards fiscal union, which mirrors the foundational steps of the US under its first treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton.
The driving force for more EU cooperation appears to be the way the coronavirus crisis dramatically altered how fearfully the world beyond Europe is seen: 60% of Europeans said their view of the US had worsened, while 48% said they thought more negatively of China.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...id-19-failings
Is it a wonder merkel makes covid the EU priority for germany's tour of presidency of council?
Governments acting cohesively during the pandemic is one thing whereas implementing a fiscal union is another story.
Imo the German Joe Public cannot fully judge the implications of a fiscal union. This includes myself. Nevertheless I am more than skeptical about that.
Maybe people tend to see the EU in another more positive light being confronted with such a huge and death-threatening problem like covid-19.