EU Bytes Glenn Cezanne B
ars and restaurants are opening across Europe, countries are opening their borders, and casinos are following suit. Slowly but surely a level of normality is
creeping in, with people reacting within the full spectrum of continuous caution and crowd surfi ng. For those looking to strike a balance in this new social paradigm, it is not the easiest task to calibrate health, personal needs and entertainment, and economic activities. It is something governments across Europe – well, most – seem to understand, and it is no surprise. I. The state needs a healthy population; of
course, unless you believe, for example, that fl uoride is being strategically poured into your water system for population control. II. Without going into details of personal needs and entertainment, let me just raise the question: How do you think voter mood would change if lockdowns would be strengthened again or re-imposed?
III. After the fi nancial crisis facing an
increasing economic downturn is a heavy hit for any policy-maker to have to face. Businesses small and large are affected to various degrees with some obvious examples of certain industries benefi tting from a shift in consumer behaviour. But, even there, erratic movements in profi t and loss accounts can be noticed. What might have been gold is now creating an income gap. I was recently alerted about the fact that the toilet paper industry is suffering a defi ning slump. No surprise with the fact that home storages are packed with the stuff. Don’t worry, I am not pointing fi ngers. The European Union, or more specifi cally the
European Commission, has taken action, one of which is to facilitate the injection of money into the economic ecosystem. This includes facilitating loans for SMEs and loosening state aid regulations. And, most recently the Commission has put forward a set of proposals for the European Union’s budget, the Multi Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
Glenn Cezanne looks at the EU response to coronavirus, and how the bloc is encouraging recovery
with more than noticeable additions to combat the impact of COVID. At this point it should be noted that the Commission under Ursula von der Leyen’s direction is seeking more than resilience for the European economy. It is seeking to defi ne the current crisis into an opportunity to come on top as global powerhouse through green tech and digitalisation. Von der Leyen: “The recovery plan turns the immense challenge we face into an opportunity, not only by supporting the recovery but also by investing in our future: the European Green Deal and digitalization will boost jobs and growth, the resilience of our societies and the health of our environment. This is Europe’s moment.” Good intentions but maybe at a too high cost for business at the moment, some argue. There obviously are those that will benefi t, and those that won’t. Will casinos benefi t? That is a very good question. Casinos are not mentioned in any of the documents. Nonetheless, tourism,
30 MAY/JUNE 2020
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