European Right-Wing Centrism in the Face of the Coronavirus Crisis

The article examines the reaction of European right-centrist politicians to the threats associated with the spread of coronavirus infection. At the same time, the political context of the perception of the problem is analyzed, especially vividly expressed in approaches to understanding the current crisis and its consequences for the European integration project. The close relationship that exists between the actualization of the national-state identity of Europeans and the increasing requirements for their security is stated. According to leading representatives of the European People’s Party, today fear plays a more prominent role in politics, prevailing over other social emotions. In such conditions, the fundamental need for people to identify themselves as part of a larger community through language, religion or a common understanding of history becomes a critical political factor.

According to the author of the article, the viral danger acts as a factor of spontaneous exacerbation of contradictions between national sovereignty and loyalty to all-European structures. At the same time, the emergency actions of national governments forced to deal with the viral threat do not pose a direct threat to European institutions, but raise doubts about their effectiveness. The leadership of the European Union will have to find the right solutions and make extraordinary efforts to maintain a common integration vector with the increased relevance of national competencies.

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