It seems to me that every time the EU seems to be in calm waters, something or someone throw a rock in the pond and it ripples out slowly to the 27 countries. Obviously the virus is a big rock, in a small pond and will have consequences for the 27 member states for years to come. However, I agree with some people that think mini-schengens during the virus is not advisable. Some countries that have opened up their countries to immediate neighbors, while others are trying to create bridges (UK/Portugal for example) to facilitate travel. Granted each country has been working on its own, much like billard balls on a pool table. Though individual balls, once they hit each other, the domino effect kicks in.
The EU has always been a somewhat tenuous arrangement. You have 27 individuals trying to create a federation. That in itself is a challenge and over the past 30 years we have seen the challenges. Usually the bloc rises to these challenges. But the inherent problem with this federalist system is that Europe has never been a federation in modern times. It’s different in the US since it’s had a federalist system since the beginning but trying to get 27 different family members together, let alone agree on things, is getting harder and harder for a variety of reasons, least of which is the virus.
I hope current leadership can corral the 27 cats and realize that for the greater good, it is better to stick together than break up. Just look at the mess that is Brexit. If that didn’t scare people to death, what will?
I thought I had some photos from when I took the Eurostar (train between the UK and France) but I guess there was too much security since I have none. Europe? Play nice together, it will be worth it in the long run.
Adventures in pictures 