How The Covid Surge Throughout the European Union Jeopardizes An Economic Comeback

As the WHO warns that Europe’s Covid death toll could surpass 2 million by spring, the European Union’s recovery from the economic collapse caused by the pandemic has been jeopardized. With nearly 4,200 COVID-related deaths happening in Europe per day, the virus has become the primary cause of death on the continent.

The EU recently anticipated the economy recovering from the tribulations of the pandemic. However, the bloc’s Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said Wednesday that the optimistic outlook was looking bleak with infections rising and health officials considering instituting lockdowns and vaccine mandates.

Recent spikes in infections contradict what was expected for this upcoming holiday season, as it was thought that Covid restrictions would be relieved, and Europeans would be able to spend what they weren’t able to in the previous year.

The WHO recently confirmed that only 54% of Europe's population are fully vaccinated.

“Our only message is: Take the situation very seriously,” Gentiloni said, “but without thinking that the economic impact will be the same one as one year ago.”