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The role of the European Union in global health: The EU’s self-perception(s) within the COVID-19 pandemic

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  • Bergner, Susan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the international system and the regional order in which the European Union (EU) aims to re-define its role in global health. The article seeks to tease out the role of the EU amidst the COVID-19 crisis by outlining three key dimensions: self-perception, external perception and performance. The paper contributes to the broader understanding of the EU's role in global health through a focus on its self-perception. This is examined by the conduct of interviews with EU representatives in 2021 and the analysis of EU press releases with reference to global health from 2014 to mid-March 2021. The results show that the EU mainly draws from a donor and provider role leaving a facilitating, partner or normative role underdeveloped – except for the EU's leading role in the context of the World Health Organisation. The COVID-19 pandemic is a driver for a more ambitious global political role. However, the main challenges identified by EU representatives constitute a lack of capacities and resources, insufficient backing by EU member states and a lack of coordination. The strongest EU conception in global health is seen when policy actions are based on multiple roles ranging from a provider and partner to a facilitating or normative role.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergner, Susan, 2023. "The role of the European Union in global health: The EU’s self-perception(s) within the COVID-19 pandemic," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 5-11.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:127:y:2023:i:c:p:5-11
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.10.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bergner, Susan & Voss, Maike, 2020. "EU global health policy: An agenda for the German Council Presidency," SWP Comments 12/2020, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    2. Rudolf, Moritz, 2021. "China's health diplomacy during Covid-19: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in action," SWP Comments 9/2021, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    3. Dröge, Susanne & Rattani, Vijeta, 2019. "After the Katowice climate summit: Building blocks for the EU climate agenda," SWP Comments 9/2019, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    4. Bergner, Susan & van de Pas, Remco & van Schaik, Louise G. & Voss, Maike, 2020. "Upholding the World Health Organization: Next steps for the EU," SWP Comments 47/2020, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    5. Tanja A. Börzel & Thomas Risse, 2009. "The Transformative Power of Europe: The European Union and the Diffusion of Ideas," KFG Working Papers p0001, Free University Berlin.
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