DISINFO: Coronavirus epidemic confirmed that the EU’s values are not the values of the Italian people
SUMMARY
Italy was completely unprepared for the coronavirus crisis. The terrible consequences of constant cuts in the health budget made by Italy’s left-wing governments over the years became clear when the coronavirus epidemic exploded, and Italy urgently needed not only advanced medical equipment, such as ventilators, but also simpler products such as face masks or simply beds in hospitals. It also became clear that the values of the Germany-dominated EU are not the values of the Italian people, and that the EU’s economic recipes have been lethal for Italy.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. See a similar disinformation case claiming that the lack of solidarity against COVID-19 may cause the end of the EU. EU countries are showing solidarity with the countries, most affected by the coronavirus pandemic by helping to treat the patients and protect health workers. Critically ill patients from Italy and France are treated in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg; millions of medical masks and other protective equipment have been sent to Italy. Read more here. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU's fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. The Commission is further increasing its response by proposing to set up a €100 billion solidarity instrument to help workers keep their incomes and businesses stay afloat, called SURE. It is also proposing to redirect all available structural funds to the response to the coronavirus. To support scientific research into COVID-19, the European Commission earmarked 47,5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU also created the first ever stockpile of medical equipment. Read more about the EU's response here.