Collection

How Europe copes with lockdown

Solutions Journalism Network

I am the only Europe-based staff member at SJN. Being in close contact everyday with my US-colleagues, I see how unique, and sometimes similar, our situations are from one side of the Atlantic to another. I clearly see the advantages of being European (my husband is paid to stay at home, taking care of our kids, while I'm working), and how people (including journalists!) and governments are trying to adapt, as fast as they can.

I also see our weaknesses, like I never did before. Europe has not shown consistency in its response to the crisis. Every country has come up with its own response to the pandemic. Several borders have closed. Despite this lack of unity, thousands of local initiatives have flourished to support people during self-isolation and to deal with the impact that lockdown measures have on the economy, access to healthcare, our social lives, and more broadly, our routine. This collection explores these initiatives, but also digs into how the social European system might serve as a model for others. For example, in one story, France pays their workers to stay home, while another one looks at what Denmark is doing to avoid mass layoffs.

We see now more than ever why we should keep our universal health care system. It has lessons for the world.