DISINFO: Coronavirus is a nail in the coffin of the EU
SUMMARY
This (the situation caused by the coronavirus) is certainly the nail in the coffin of the European Union as an idea and a system. Where is the mutual assistance between EU states? Where are the measures that should quickly and effectively stop the spreading of this pandemic from one country to another? Italians are so furious. They hoped that EU neighbours would help them, but they are being stamped down. They were put in a position where doctors must choose who lives and who dies. (…) Eastern Europe is simply left to its own devices.
RESPONSE
This claim exploits the coronavirus pandemic to push a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU's alleged imminent collapse. It also aims to pit EU member states against each other in an attempt to undermine European solidarity - another recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation tactic. There is no evidence to support the doomsday claim that the pandemic is resulting in the death or obsolescence of the EU. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission has earmarked 47,5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created first ever stockpile of medical equipment. EU Member States are also helping each other in this crisis, for example German hospitals offering to treat critical coronavirus patients from France as well as taking in patients from Italy, and the Czech Republic sending masks to Italy. Read more about the EU's response here and here.