The Intelligence from The Economist New bid on the bloc: Europe and vaccine mandates
Nov 23, 2021
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, and Wendelin von Bredow, a European affairs writer based in Berlin, dive into the complexities of vaccine mandates in Europe. They discuss Austria's decision and the resultant public unrest in Belgium and the Netherlands. The conversation shifts to the troubling situation of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, raising concerns about her safety amid censorship. Additionally, they touch on the ambitious Guggenheim project in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its cultural significance and the UAE’s growing role in the global art scene.
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Vaccine Mandates in EU
- Austria is the first EU country to mandate COVID-19 vaccines starting in February.
- Other European nations with lower vaccination rates and rising cases may follow suit.
Regional Differences
- Europe's COVID-19 situation varies regionally.
- Eastern Europe has low vaccination rates, Central Europe struggles with middling rates, and Southern Europe fares better with high rates.
Shifting Public Opinion
- Austria's chancellor admitted that encouraging vaccinations wasn't enough.
- Germany is considering a similar mandate, with some states and industry leaders already supporting it.