Southeast Europe COVID-19 Bulletin No 3: International Chessboard
In this third bulletin, we provide an update on the latest developments on the rates of infection and mortality arising out of the pandemic in the region, the general easing of restrictions, as well as the range and extent of international assistance.
As most EU member states embark on a gradual lifting of lockdown measures, and focus on efforts to mitigate the economic fallout from the pandemic, the SEE countries are facing increased challenges from a worsening economic situation combined with in some cases electoral pressures and a rise in Covid-19 infections.
The support and direct assistance already announced by the EU for the SEE countries will play a critical role in helping to mitigate the worst effects of the pandemic at a time when EU related reforms have in most cases taken a back seat.