DISINFO: EU and NATO countries are hostile towards Russia because they fail at showcasing unity
SUMMARY
Unfortunately, a wave of hostility has emerged [against Russia], but we prefer not to draw attention to it. We believe that this situation is caused by the failure of the Western countries, that is, the European Union and the NATO, to showcase a spirit of unity within their bloc.
RESPONSE
A recurrent narrative, consistent with suggestion that “Russophobia” is a driving force behind European policies. More on Russophobia here.
The COVID-19 outbreak constituted a serious challenge to Europe's readiness for a crisis. But the claim that "EU has failed in showing unity" is false.
The European Commission has approved a €50 million Italian aid scheme to support the production and supply of medical devices, as well as to help Italy provide the necessary medical treatment to those infected.
On the 13th of March, the EU proposed a Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, envisaging EUR 835 million for Italy. On the 26th of March 26, the European Parliament unanimously approved the initiative.
The European Central Bank announced a 750 billion euro ($820 billion) asset purchase programme in an effort to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, as the death toll in Europe continued to rise. As part of the programme, investors will purchase Italian securities to help the country counter the serious risks of the coronavirus.
Individual EU members have also provided assistance to Italy specifically, including access to a hundred intensive care beds (Austria and Germany), 500 mobile medical units (Greece), 2.5 million masks (Austria and France), 30,000 protective suits (Czechia and France), 300 ventilators (Germany), as well as 50 medical personnel (Poland, Romania, and non-member Norway).
On the 26th of April Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said that a recovery fund to help EU countries weather the coronavirus’ economic impact should be worth €1.5 trillion and be available by mid-September.
Read similar cases claiming that Italy is alone defending itself from coronavirus, without any help from hypocritical EU and that the EU left Italy face to face with an invisible and terrible enemy.