As the COVID-19 pandemic swept over the continent, the EU’s communication efforts had to adapt to challenging new circumstances. The crisis required clear and consistent messaging at a time when member states were pulling in different directions, conspiracy theories were proliferating, and measures such as social distancing guidelines were rapidly changing. As the focus shifts from an immediate healthcare emergency to a long-term economic recovery, the EU now faces the task of bringing together a continent shaken by the year’s experiences and reassuring its citizens that their uncertain futures are in good hands.
How did the European institutions, the member states, and the media respond to the unique circumstances presented by COVID-19? What steps is the EU taking now to spread the word about the recovery plan? Will the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe be an opportunity to boost communication with European citizens? And after seven months of changing regulations, stimulus packages and developing science, what have communicators learned about how to keep the public informed?
The panel will discuss these and other issues.