Common Crisis: How Germany and Sweden are Responding

As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, governments are seeking to implement policies and strategies to mitigate immediate public health risks while balancing the long-term repercussions. European countries have taken different approaches. Germany recently announced that it will begin to ease restrictions. Sweden has allowed more flexibility throughout. And the European Union has stepped up its efforts to coordinate responses and support the most affected states. Transatlantic allies and partners continue to exchange medical expertise, supplies, and equipment. Looking ahead, it is clear that the current crisis will have long-term implications for collective security, democratic institutions, and the transatlantic alliance.

CEPA hosted a discussion with the German and Swedish Ambassadors to the United States to address how their countries are approaching the pandemic, how members of the transatlantic community can support each other through this crisis, and where allies can cooperate moving forward to emerge from this crisis as a cohesive unit.