Fear Contagion
Worrying trends are emerging of xenophobic signals across the globe as COVID-19 continues to take its toll on humanity. The “European Union Times”, which proudly proclaims a fondness for the Axis powers, alleges that Turkey intends to send refugees with COVID-19 across the border into Greece. Meanwhile, “Voice of Europe” has published several articles, suggesting intentional export of defective personal protective equipment from China to Spain. In another article, the site claims that a Serbian opposition politician was arrested and poisoned due to releasing information on faulty “Chinese” test kits.
The increasing Sinophobic rhetoric emanating from the White House, as well as calls by conservative think tanks to investigate China for its alleged role in COVID-19, is further fueling xenophobic sentiments at a time which unity in addressing the global pandemic is much needed.
The situation in Europe is equally distressing. The recent impasse over Corona Bonds within the virtual corridors of power, has narrowed opinions on the continent. Italy, arguably the hardest hit by COVID-19 in Europe, has seen public sentiment turn significantly against the EU in general, and the Dutch in particular. A nation, under quarantine for months, may have lost its faith in the European project. COVID-19 has been a God-send for Matteo Salvini, proclaiming “First, we defeat the virus, then we think back to Europe. And if we have to, we say goodbye”.
While President von der Leyen has offered an apology to the Italian nation for Europe’s absence at the beginning the COVID-19 crisis, Italy continues to insist that it is alone and is insisting that Corona Bonds are the only way to confirm European Unity. While Cuba and Albania, as well as China, have been sending teams of medical doctors to Italy, no reports of Dutch doctors assisting their fellow Europeans has been cited.
European solidarity needs action to thrive – real human contribution from the Netherlands is needed at this immensely important time.
Image Courtesy: Facquis / CC BY-SA