The recent coronavirus crisis threatens the health, economies and societies of all countries. In Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries, the fight against the pandemic is even more complicated. Cooperation and EU-Med strategies in key sectors are needed. Therefore, the Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI) and FEMISE join forces and launch their joint series of Policy Briefs called “COVID-19 MED BRIEFS” to pave the way for thematic analyses and policy relevant recommendations.
The ninth COVID-19 MED BRIEF, entitled “Economic Policy Responses to COVID-19: the case of EU and non-EU Mediterranean Countries” by Gokce Basbug and Ceyhun Elgin is available here
Summary: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not only led to human casualties but also generated a severe global economic downturn. Governments have responded with economic stimulus packages to mitigate the adverse effects of this downturn.
In this Brief, we analyze the economic policy responses adopted by 21 Mediterranean countries. Our analysis shows that the packages that were introduced were strikingly different among EU member and non-EU member Mediterranean economies. Particularly, the ones by non-EU member Mediterranean countries are insufficient to address the needs of households and individuals. We make specific policy recommendations to improve pandemic recovery in Mediterranean region.
This Policy Brief is produced as part of the series of Policy Briefs on « Responding to the Challenges of COVID-19 in the Mediterranean » that is undertaken in partnership between FEMISE and the Center for Mediterranean Integration (CMI).
The views expressed in this Brief are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of CMI or FEMISE. The contents have not been subjected to verification by CMI or FEMISE and their publication does not reflect ownership by CMI or FEMISE.