Macron seeks more EU powers as Europe faces coronavirus meltdown
PARIS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron is leading a push for the European Union to acquire more powers to respond in healthcare emergencies, conscious that the EU risks being blamed for the continent’s shortcomings in tackling the coronavirus outbreak.
After a decade in which Brussels has seen a debt crisis and deep internal divisions over migration, the coronavirus pandemic risks delivering an even more powerful blow to European unity, potentially pushing decades of integration into reverse.
In a videoconference with EU leaders last week, the first time all 27 have held crisis talks remotely, Macron pressed the need for Europe’s institutions to have broader powers in several areas including health, traditionally a national responsibility.
“There will undoubtedly be European initiatives to take up, and probably additional powers that need to be given to the European Union,” said a senior diplomat privy to the discussion, saying a “healthcare toolkit” was among ideas raised.
One proposal is for the creation of a scientific panel to provide unified pan-EU recommendations to member states in health crises.
Macron is also pushing for more fiscal solidarity and for the EU to be able to raise debt, something long resisted by fiscally conservative countries like Germany, the diplomat said.
Italy, now the country worst-hit by the virus worldwide, was sharply critical of France and Germany after they initially declined to provide face masks and other equipment to help handle the outbreak. Rome turned to China for help instead, though Germany has since sent 400,000 masks to Italy.
A poll by Monitor Italia last week showed 88% of Italians believe the EU has not done enough to help their country, underscoring how a lack of solidarity can hurt sentiment.
The same poll showed those who believe EU membership is a disadvantage to Italy has risen to 67% from 47% in November.
Those figures will be of concern to Germany and France, whose agreement is normally needed if policy proposals are to win pan-European backing.
“It would be devastating if by the end of this crisis, countries like Italy conclude they’ve been let down by Europe,” a source close to Macron told Reuters.