Europe Reinvented: How COVID-19 Is Changing the European Union

The COVID-19 pandemic took the European Union on a rollercoaster ride. In the first months of 2020, the EU reassured itself into inaction: ‘We are prepared’. It was taken by surprise when Italy capsized. The lack of solidarity between countries seemed to bring the union – once again – to its knees. After the eurocrisis, the migration crisis and Brexit, this could be one crisis too many. But the EU crawled its way back: during six difficult months, the European Union managed to reinvent itself. EUROPE REINVENTED takes you on a journey through the key moments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU and through the maze of European institutions. It provides clear answers to questions like: Could the COVID-19 outbreak have been predicted? What tools does the EU have to handle an emergency? How should Europe position itself in a leaderless world? What is the link between climate change and COVID-19? How will the EU get out of this massive economic crisis? Peter Van Kemseke holds a PhD in the history of international relations. As a Belgian diplomat he served at NATO, the United Nations in New York and the EU. He was special adviser to European Council president Herman Van Rompuy and worked for European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič.