The impact of COVID-19 in policy contexts

Abstract

This chapter examines the ways in which EU member states dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic by setting information about the spread of the virus and the mitigation strategies adopted by governments at international, national and local levels in the context of their policy environments and the policymaking process. The chapter looks behind the headlines and statistics to explore the relationship between state power and public attitudes towards government interventions, drawing on data about public trust in politicians and scientists, to identify similarities and differences in policy responses and their impact on social and economic life. Fluctuations in public opinion and perceptions of government interventions are found to affect policy outcomes. The chapter shows how knowledge about the diversity of policy environments, administrative cultures and legislative frameworks in different countries can contribute to a better understanding of the performance of national governments and EU institutions in dealing with COVID-19 and preparing for future outbreaks of the pandemic. The conclusion reviews the impact of the pandemic on administrative structures and legal processes in different policy contexts.