Coronavirus

Oh dear


The EU is stumbling through this crisis as it has done through previous ones like the migration and the financial crises. The bloc is not about to disintegrate but scars will remain in countries that felt the chilly absence of EU solidarity in their hour of coronavirus need.

"This has not been our finest moment," a diplomat from an influential EU country told me. "Our response has come late and has been marred by nationalism. Solidarity went out the window with the first coronavirus victim."

The diplomat spoke of France and Germany's initial refusal to export medical protective equipment, meaning Italy was forced to beg for some.

He complained of the damage done to the whole of the single market as EU countries shut borders with one another in an attempt to protect themselves from the spread of the virus.

Then there's the recent ugly and very public debate about coronavirus debt-sharing. Spain and Italy demanded it, in the forms of coronabonds. Wealthier, cautious Germany and the Netherlands gave a flat no.

Again, each country prioritised national concerns over the EU as a whole. Understandable, but hardly a poster child for European cohesion.

 

Skyes starting to have problems with her back left hip, so waiting for results coming back from the vets

She’s fine in herself though Jasper

 

If our owner is anything like his father was, yes ...

 

She will be ok mate . If she needs treatment , they can do loads these days . Sometimes too much IMHO .

Stay safe and well and enjoy your days ( and years ) with her

 

It believed to be over 40K have died

 

You know what these little guys are like. I’d genuinely be lost without Skye, she’s just an extension of me now.

Hope you’re all keeping well. Stay safe mate.

 

Sadly , that doesn't surprise me .

 

We're fine Mate . Nothing will EVER replace Toby , but the three new ones are Very Lovable in their own Different ways

 

Desperate.

 

That is funny .

Not sure it is the Mum though.....

Though looking at the picture again I am not sure !

 

Some of your posts have got wittier. Less political.

 

A bit bizarre given today’s news.

 

Indeed. Also bit bizarre to find it funny.

 

Its ****ing unbelievable!

 

My captain @Tel

 

Most estimates put the figure required at 1 trillion, but a few countries simply couldn't agree to it.

 

Of course.

 

This is my local beach. Usually on good Friday this place would be absolutely thronging with tourists.

amazing to see it like this.

 

That's a nice view