Support for the EU has fallen during COVID-19 pandemic

According to a survey by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, citizens in three European countries believe that the recent pandemic has weakened support for the European Union.

The survey involved 4500 participants from three EU countries – France, Germany, and Italy.

It found that a large number of respondents believe the EU hasn’t provided enough support during the crisis.

Of the Italians surveyed, 61% said the pandemic has lowered support for the bloc. In France and Germany this was 47% and 40% retrospectively.

In addition, 70% of Italians said the EU had failed to provide enough help to their country. In France and Germany, this was 60% and 57%.

Italy and France are two of the most affected countries in Europe – and in the world. Only the US and the UK have recorded higher death tolls.

So far, there have been over 100,000 deaths in the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s predicted that the EU will need to provide 500 billion euros in funding for an economic recovery.

Overall, most of the respondents said countries in Europe acted separately, rather than as a bloc, during the crisis. They also said that having national borders were essential, as most borders have been shut to control the spread of the virus.

It’s been suggested that some borders could being reopening next month. But, this has not been confirmed and would heavily depend on the slowing of new cases and deaths.

Financially, many countries have seen a huge economic impact. Italian leader Guiseppe Conte has called for more EU support.

However, most respondents feel that there hasn’t been enough funding from the EU for struggling countries, businesses, and individuals.

The Commission is due to reveals its recovery plan in the coming weeks, which it hopes will boost the economy of struggling member states – even though it’s likely to be opposed by several EU members.