Impact of the “First Wave” of the Pandemic on Social Rights in the Countries of the European Union

Abstract

While news of successful vaccine trials is encouraging, the prospect of long-term restrictions underscores the magnitude of a number of problems and challenges faced by all EU member states during the first wave of coronavirus infection. European leaders have come together in a series of measures and policies to support the European economy and society at the time of the declaration of the emergency. This situation underlines the particular importance of respecting the social rights of citizens. Social rights offer protection in many of the areas that most define our daily lives, including legally binding standards in education, employment and health care. This gives EU citizens the right to education, fair working conditions and access to preventive health care. The article traces the practice of how European countries apply the lessons learned from the first wave in order to minimize the negative impact on human rights. Several European governments have decided to expand income support schemes. To date, the authorities have expanded access to testing for COVID-19 in nursing homes, migration camps and other institutions. The authors highlight how the pandemic has affected fundamental rights, especially the social rights of society as a whole. The article describes some of the measures that EU member states have taken to protect the most vulnerable segment of society as Europe faces the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.