Safeguarding democracy in critical times

The epidemiological and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have quickly become top priority for policymakers the world over. But as governments have responded to the crisis, deeper societal issues have also bubbled to the surface which must be urgently addressed in the weeks and months to come. These issues were discussed during an online debate with European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica held on 5 May.

“We talk a lot about COVID-19’s impact on health. We talk a lot about the politics of COVID-19. We talk about the economic devastation that has been caused. But lost in all this noise is often the societal impact – how it is impacting our societies and solidarity systems,” said Shada Islam, Director for Europe & Geopolitics at Friends of Europe.

For a continent already beset by an ageing population and shrinking economies, the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges.

“We have to think about the elderly, about people who are more isolated and lonelier than ever before, and the subsequent impact on their health,” said Šuica. “The crisis demonstrates the need for an effective approach towards demographic change. We must look into the needs of our ageing society. Loneliness more than ever before needs to be addressed as a substantial part of our health, social and economic policies.”

“In addition, we can look at building solidarity not just at the European level, but also between generations. Remember that by disproportionately losing our elderly to this virus, we also lose a part of our precious living wisdom and history.”

Going forward, European leaders will have to consider the linkages between pre- and post-COVID challenges – preparing healthcare systems for the future, ensuring quality long-term care, the effects on Europe’s shrinking workforce, and addressing the long-term effects of anxiety and loneliness.

At the other end of the spectrum, the crisis has laid bare existing issues faced by children – from domestic abuse to online bullying. It has also left well over one billion children out of school.

The Commission was already working to develop a comprehensive strategy on the rights of the child, but current events have highlighted more than ever its importance. “As we take our work on children’s rights forward, we need to ensure that children grow up in enabling and safe environments,” said Šuica.

Addressing these issues will be key as plans for the Conference on the Future of Europe forge ahead in an increasingly challenging context. Originally set to be launched on Europe Day (9 May), the Conference should be an opportunity for citizens to have a greater say and to be involved in European politics more often than every five years when European Parliament elections are held.

The Commission is committed to this exercise being open, inclusive and transparent. As such, it will only be successful if all citizens see the concrete effect on EU policymaking – this means ensuring inclusion and wide representation of all of Europe’s diversity so that they are able to highlight their priorities.

As the world has changed due to the pandemic, so too have citizens’ concerns which will guide the Conference’s content. “With millions of citizens still confined and the global recession looming, the perspective has radically changed,” said Šuica. “But our determination to engage with citizens and ensure their voices are heard in Europe has not changed.”

Healthcare and European leaders’ response to the pandemic are expected to be top of the agenda.