“Today, the will to get through this together is back” – Von Der Leyen
There was “a great danger” at the start of the coronavirus crisis that the pandemic could “shake the European Union to its core. There was a lack of solidarity, everyone was just looking at their problems, the borders were closing without consultation. Within days, countries realized that their measures were making “their own problems worse. Today, the will to get through this together is back. ”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this in an interview with BILD published today.
Von der Leyen said “Solutions are being found that were unthinkable just six weeks ago. As a result, there is a growing sense of community and confidence.”
Von der Leyen also told the German paper about how the virus has affected her life.
She’s been working in the Berlaymont for the past six weeks, with only about a handful of other close staffers. She still speaks with other commissioners in the building by video “even if they are in the same building” to limit the spread of the virus.
The Commission president does get out “at least once a day,” sometimes for 20 minute breaks on the balcony or a jog somewhere green — “that’s what the soul needs.”
She also talks with her husband every night by video: “That helped me to get over the many lonely hours,” she said.
