The Coronavirus pandemic has had a severe impact on the member states of the European Union (EU). In addition to the health impact, the Union’s economies will fall into recession as a result of the lockdown and other measures taken to contain the virus. After an uncertain initial reaction, the EU’s main institutions have coordinated deliveries of medical aid and provided a substantial financial package to assist the recovery of the European economies. Nevertheless, the crisis poses many questions about the Union’s future role in the world. Based on a complex legal order, the EU’s external relations reflect the economic power of the world’s largest single market. However, although the Union has used trade to great effect in deals with third countries, the member states still have much to do to develop effective EU foreign and defense policies. Most crucially, the Union’s global strategy depends on maintaining the current multilateral order in cooperation with other great powers. The EU’s influence as an international actor also depends on the member states’ ability to maintain their cohesion and overcome the current crisis together.
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