EU's crucial tourism sector decimated by COVID-19
Jerome Hughes
Press TV, Brussels
In a number of European Union countries tourism normally accounts for up to 30% of economic activity. In Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Croatia 15% of the workforce were employed by the industry.
COVID-19 has changed all that. EU tourism ministers have just concluded an emergency videoconference. Also on Monday the European Parliament's finance committee held a meeting in Brussels.
There was criticism of the EU's response to crisis thus far. Lawmakers relayed the wishes of citizens. EU unemployment levels will break all previous records this year. Some estimates suggest it could reach between 20 and 30 per cent. Economists say high unemployment creates a vicious circle.
In other developments it has been widely reported that the EU watered down criticism towards China in one of its reports on the use of disinformation during the COVID-19 crisis. It is claimed this happened following pressure from Beijing.
Much of the focus in the EU now is on lifting lockdowns. Member states appear to be adopting very different approaches which is raising concern.
The European Commission warns the lifting of restrictions must be coordinated across the bloc and happen based on the advice of epidemiologists. The commission insists easing lockdowns needs to be phased, gradual and coherent.
Paris march in support of Palestine women
ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
Struggles of Palestinian women amidst war, displacement
VIDEO | Paris march in support of Palestine women
VIDEO | ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
120 Palestinians perish as Israeli war machine keeps ravaging Gaza
VIDEO | Struggles of Palestinian women amidst war, displacement
VIDEO | Hezbollah rains attack drones down on elite Israeli brigade
VIDEO | US biased mediation fails
Leader: All captains of criminal, Zionist, terrorist gang must be prosecuted
Iran further raises its oil prices for Chinese buyers: Report
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
