EU Solidarity and Policy in Fighting Infectious Diseases: State of Play, Obstacles, Citizen Preferences and Ways Forward

27 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2020

See all articles by Anniek de Ruijter

Anniek de Ruijter

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Roel Beetsma

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Brian Burgoon

University of Amsterdam

Francesco Nicoli

University of Amsterdam - Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)

Frank Vandenbroucke

University of Amsterdam

Date Written: 2020

Abstract

In this paper we confront the role the EU traditionally plays in the domain of health with the urgent need for collective action triggered by the corona virus pandemic. In the face of such a crisis, we argue that the joint procurement, stockpiling and allocation of medical countermeasures is a key component of true European solidarity, besides maintaining the integrity of the Single Market. We present the first results of a survey experiment taken before the current crisis on citizens' attitudes towards centralizing at the EU level of policies to combat infectious diseases, which indicates considerable support. We conclude that a more robust policy framework with substantial centralization of procurement, stockpiling and allocation is warranted.

Keywords: Covid-19, medicines, European Union, centralization

JEL Classification: I100, I180

Suggested Citation

Ruijter, Anniek de and Beetsma, Roel and Burgoon, Brian and Nicoli, Francesco and Vandenbroucke, Frank, EU Solidarity and Policy in Fighting Infectious Diseases: State of Play, Obstacles, Citizen Preferences and Ways Forward (2020). CESifo Working Paper No. 8222, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3578256 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3578256

Anniek de Ruijter (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Roel Beetsma

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Brian Burgoon

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

Francesco Nicoli

University of Amsterdam - Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) ( email )

Amsterdam Roeterseilandcampus
Nieuwe Achtergracht 166
Amsterdam, 1018 WV
Netherlands

Frank Vandenbroucke

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1012 WX
Netherlands
+31 (0)20 525 6037 (Phone)

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