European solidarity and the protection of fundamental rights in the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic poses grave challenges for societies in Europe and all around the world. Many lives have already been lost, and many more people fear for their own health and that of their loved ones. Moreover, the economic impact of the pandemic has cost people their jobs and livelihoods, and has started to impact people’s wellbeing and mental health. The effects of this public health emergency will impact an entire generation.

The challenges and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic affect every person and every region differently. What we have in common, in Europe and beyond, however, is that this crisis confronts us acutely with our own vulnerability and reliance on each other. We are stronger if we confront the threat posed by COVID-19 together, and not alone. In this spirit we recommend that:

1. The protection of human health is accorded a much higher priority in the system of values of the European Union than economic interests. EU member states should jointly pursue the protection of health of EU citizens and assist in strengthening and maintaining the integrity of health care systems and other public infrastructures.

2. Measures undertaken by many governments to provide immediate financial and other support for individuals, families, and community businesses are continued and strengthened, and we suggest that additional measures should be undertaken to improve housing security in particular across Europe.

3. Member States with sufficient resources for healthcare share their resources with those who lack necessary resources in an attitude of solidarity.

4. Saving lives is the most important and urgent goal. Restrictions of rights and freedoms that are imposed in order to save lives in an emergency situation, however – including those implemented through technological surveillance through mobile devices through to drones and surveillance cameras – need to be removed, and data need to be destroyed, as soon as the emergency is over or infringements are no longer proportionate. The public health emergency must not be abused to usurp power, or to permanently suspend the protections of rights and liberties.

5. Once the crisis is over, European societies should work together to implement lessons learned during COVID-19. A common strategy to deal with a pandemic and similar threats should be elaborated and implemented at the European and the global level. Any strategy needs to be mindful not only of health threats but also of threats to our democracies, individual rights and economic sustainability. COVID-19 has shown, once more, that the most socio-economically deprived are most vulnerable to disease and illness.

We must live through this pandemic, and after it. We must face this situation with strength, care and solidarity – a social vaccine that accompanies our search for a COVID-19 vaccine, which has an enduring character. One that provides resilience, lasting social and economic solidarity and lasting immunity against indifference.