How could Covid-19 transform the Brussels Bubble?

By Pelle Geertsen

The Covid-19 outbreak is dominating the European agenda and decision-making. From the issues raised to the special procedures being employed, it is all about the virus.

So what happens when the outbreak passes and how might this experience transform the way things are done in Brussels?

One big takeaway is an increased use of video conferencing. We should not underestimate the consequences of having more interested parties able to access policy conversations even if those parties are not physically present in Brussels.

This new normal could have significant consequences in a variety of fields — and it may even imply a potential to hasten the democratization of Europe.

Greater media pluralism

One example maybe the media. What if journalists who are based outside Brussels are given greater scope in future to ask questions by email or video conference? This could open the EU institutions to many more journalists than was the case pre-outbreak.

In practice, specialist journalists from all across the Union might “dial-in” more regularly when their specific area is in focus if they are allowed to pose questions.

National healthcare journalists could attend briefings on pharma-legislation while reporters specialising in development aid from neighbouring continents could cover EU development issues in a different way, and so forth.

More demand from journalists would generate extra work for the EU institutions’ press services. Press freedom advocates might object to allowing the EU institutions to continue deciding which questions to accept, and which to reject. But the greater scope for remote access could bring the EU and its neighbourhood closer.

Such initiatives might even help with bridging the gap that remains between ordinary citizens and the decision-making machinery in Brussels.

Enhanced involvement

Remote access also could deepen and widen the opportunities for civil society organizations (CSOs) to interact with the institutions and representatives of businesses and organisations across Europe.

That would go some way toward answering demands by CSOs to participate on a more equal footing with those organisations, companies and institutions with offices in Brussels. Concretely, more CSOs from even the most remote parts of the EU could be granted a greater opportunity to share their views and knowledge before European legislation is drafted.

The acute phase of the Covid-19 crisis in Europe is only a few weeks old but there already are signs that its effects could be transformational — and be felt for years to come. Already some are asking; if remote participation is done now, why not continue it in the future?