In June last year, the European Union (EU) finally reacted to the pandemic. Citizens were left to fend for themselves for no less than three months, and many came to believe that shipwreck was inevitable. Indeed, the lack of coordination and the absence of a joint response marked the first phase of the European management of the coronavirus, sowing uncertainty and despair in every corner of the Union.
Inequality was lurking, because, at the beginning, lack of coordination and chaos had prevailed, perhaps as a result of fear of the unknown. Do you remember? The acquisition of masks, hydroalcoholic hand sanitizing gels and gloves had become an expensive adventure and exorbitant prices and requisitions arrived. Pure speculation.
Fortunately, the Union authorities learned from their mistakes and took action. But it was not until June that a joint bidding system was proposed to avoid competition between member states in the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine, thus preventing states with greater purchasing power from monopolizing the offer. “We must act quickly and invest in advance to ensure that vaccines are produced in sufficient quantities,” said the Health Commissioner at the time.
The centralized acquisition of the vaccine and a distribution proportional to the population and the needs of the different member states was agreed. However, Brussels made it clear that the vaccine should also be available to third countries. On December 27, the first vaccine was administered in Spain in a residence in Guadalajara. Araceli, 96 years old, was the first vaccinated, followed by Mónica, a health worker from the same center.
Likewise, the economic response has been forceful. The European Council agreed in July on a recovery fund worth 750,000 million that will contribute to repairing the immediate economic and social damage caused by the pandemic. We all hope that the post-COVID-19 Europe will be greener, more digital, more resilient and better adapted to current and future challenges.
Therefore, it is beyond question that a strong and cohesive EU only generates advantages, not only for European citizens, but for humanity as a whole, given the very rich cultural and democratic heritage that encourages European institutions. By acting together and in a coordinated manner, the countries of the Union better serve the demands of their populations and offer security and confidence.
However, what has been said is perfectly compatible with decentralization, co-responsibility and co-governance. An example of this is the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, the cooperation body of the health services of the autonomous communities among themselves and with the State administration, which has given ample evidence of its need and value in these last dramatic months, showing that together we are stronger.
Fco. Manuel Fajardo Palarea, PSOE senator for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
