EU: Some see solidarity deficit in face of coronavirus

By Cindi Cook

PARIS (AA) - As coronavirus spreads across the continent in dramatic fashion, European countries are struggling to both contain the virus and give the best information possible to an anxious public.

In light of these efforts, rumblings abound from both industry and government officials of the best approach, and the consequences they might bring.

Appearing on news channel France24 late Tuesday, Andre Loesekrug-Pietri, the founder of private equity firm Acapital, remarked on the lack of solidarity he sees as possibly unfolding in the EU.

"Italians will be quick to remind their European partners of the lack of solidarity they are being shown right now," he said.

Italy has been the hardest-hit European country, with 10,149 reported cases and 631 dead as of Wednesday morning. The entire country has been put on lockdown by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Cafes and public establishments have been ordered shuttered by 6.00 p.m. to prevent further spread of the disease.

"It's time for leadership, and I don't see that leadership coming from Berlin," he added.

But European Union commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured the public this week that the Union is strong: On Tuesday, she announced the EU's €25 billion ($28.2 billion) commitment toward combating the virus in the form of an investment fund targeted to the healthcare sector, labor market, and SMEs. Of the sum, €7 billion is to be distributed immediately.

Moreover, von der Leyen said that the EU's "coronavirus response team" of five commissioners is meeting weekly.

Despite Loesekrug-Pietri's strong words, multiple countries have seen fit to steer clear of Italy for the foreseeable future. Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Britain, and even Hong Kong are urging their citizens to leave, and major carriers like Air Canada and British Airways have suspended flights.