One year on. We shall emerge stronger

One year ago we woke up to the news that the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Malta. We had seen it land in one neighbouring state after another hoping against hope that our islands might be spared after all. Since then the virus turned into a pand

Irecall the apprehension of the first days and weeks. The shared sentiment of uncertainty that reigned in every household and the trust rightfully placed in health authorities, notwithstanding the unprecedented situation, the novelty of the disease and the lack of cure.

I also recall the atmosphere of those early days when everyone found newfound family time and when workers bored of daily commuting started getting familiar to working from home.

Nobody predicted the length and intensity we were to endure. When the death toll sprawled in many a region, fear took over and drastic measures were taken.

Governments responded, at first not in the most ideal manner. Decisions were taken unilaterally more in response to the shock of the local population than with a bigger picture approach. Border closures halted travel, disrupting whole value chains as the dark side of the European Union emerged with signs of economic patriotism leading to limitations on exportation of essential medical supplies.

It was at that point that a resolute decision was taken at European level that such mistakes in times of crisis will not be repeated. Succeeding developments were diametrically opposed with the initiation of joint procurement of medical devices and essential supplies and the coordination of trans-border logistics that ensured that the sick were treated everywhere and food reached all corners of the Union.

The European response to the crisis triggered by the pandemic started by facilitating national governments’ immediate actions to ensure safety and financial assistance. Besides the relaxation of the State Aid framework, member states were afforded more flexibility in their use of cohesion funds as this was the most efficient and effective way to employ European resources to address national difficulties.

What followed was a decisive drive towards finding a cure to the disease that has taken away millions of lives. Investment and action in research and development ensured Europe was a frontrunner in the race to a vaccine.

A vaccine strategy was put into action with the European Union committing to ensure an equitable and affordable access to all member states. Considering the exceptional demand and the pressures on supply, the latter is no easy task. The strategy covers an effective rollout in all member states, first identifying the physically vulnerable elements in society and the frontliners in the pandemic.

Pragmatically we came together at European level to prepare for a robust economic recovery. The lockdown’s immediate effects already shrank the EU’s economy in the short-term as medium to long-term effects are expected. Effects we are duly preparing for with the largest ever stimulus package. On top of the multi-annual budget intended to guide Europe in its green development and digital growth, an instrument of €750bn in the Next Generation, the EU will help address the economic and social damage incurred by European citizens. Grants and loans are available to support member states’ reforms in this direction on the basis of national recovery plans targeting each member state’s priorities. The novel React-EU instrument provides access to €47.5bn available through the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the European Fund for Aid to the Most Deprived. These will induce the cohesive development and protection of communities across European regions.

The pandemic made us more resistant in the face of adversity but the need for resilience is the greatest lesson derived. This spurred the strengthening of the Civil Protection Mechanism equipping Europe to face future crises more rapidly and decisively and led to the conception of a European Health Union.

As a country, we also faced the loss of loved ones, isolation and loneliness. Our hearts may be broken but our drive to emerge stronger out of this pandemic remains intact. Prioritising national health reaped benefits and the sustainment to workers and businesses proved a lifeline to our standard of living through these hard times.

Our commitment to safety is seeing us lead in the vaccination process to protect the whole population.

One year on, the pandemic has dealt us a blow. Our reasoned approach, unwavering protection of those in need and collective courage will propel the country, help it endure and we will emerge stronger than before.

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi – Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds at the Office of the Prime Minister