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statement

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The 2020 coronavirus pandemic is keeping the world in suspense. It is consuming vast quantities of resources and has led to sweeping political interventions in the life of societies. Especially in fragile regions of the world, there is a danger of socio-economic turmoil and political unrest. A global pandemic requires a global response – in terms of both geography and design. The EU has a particular responsibility here. If the current crisis can be dealt with via cooperative means, this also creates opportunities for the post-corona world. In the shadow of the pandemic, it is also all too easy for other threats to peace to fall off the radar or run out of control. They, too, have to be kept in view and dealt with.

Recommendations

Combating coronavirus without abandoning the pursuit of peace

In the shadow of the pandemic, there is a growing danger that violent conflicts and humanitarian emergencies could escalate, and new conflicts emerge. The EU and the German government should intensify their efforts at promoting peace and managing conflicts.

Europe must grasp the opportunities provided by the pandemic

Rarely has the need for international cooperation been clearer than in the coronavirus pandemic. For the EU, which threatens to be crushed between great power rivalries and self-serving interests, the crisis provides an opportunity to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

Strengthen EU crisis management capabilities immediately

National governments have been left to deal with COVID-19 for too long. Yet the pandemic reveals just how vital international institutions are. Germany should support both the EU’s efforts to combat the virus worldwide and assistance for European states.

Continue to prioritize climate action while shaping it to promote peace

The climate emergency must not be forgotten about in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. Even under the present circumstances, measures need to be taken to ameliorate the long-term negative consequences of climate change on peace and human security.

No unconditional support for authoritarian regimes

The German government supports regime stabilization in many countries. Germany should rather make its support conditional on the easing of restrictions on civil society. This is all the more urgent in view of the increase in repression we have seen during the coronavirus pandemic.

Provide large-scale support to fragile societies

German development cooperation should provide support for medical and social infrastructure in crisis regions affected by COVID-19 and should do so without excessive bureaucracy. Economic conditionalities imposed by the International Monetary Fund and debt restructuring measures need to be relaxed.

Take responsibility for the protection of civilians

The German government should reverse the suspension of humanitarian measures and work with European partners on diplomatic initiatives where the pandemic threatens to cause a humanitarian catastrophe. The priorities should be the closure of overcrowded refugee camps and a ceasefire in northern Syria.

Strengthen defensive cybersecurity

The German government should lobby for a global prohibition of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Germany’s own strategy should focus on strengthening cyber resilience. Offensive cyber activities should remain the absolute exception.