COVID-19 strengthens EU drive for economic sovereignty
Subject EU economic sovereignty. Significance COVID-19 is increasing momentum within the EU to enhance the bloc’s economic and strategic sovereignty by substantially reducing dependence on non-EU powers, particularly China. While the immediate concern is to become more self-sufficient in medical and pharmaceutical production, leaders are also set on strengthening European sovereignty in critical sectors including technology and automobiles. Impacts A strong economic recovery will be important in determining an EU consensus view concerning the bloc’s main economic competitors. Public investment in the private sector will provide greater economic stability, but more state influence on supply chains and investments. Scepticism of China will become a growing feature in European politics.