DISINFO: After the COVID-19 pandemic Italy or Germany may leave the EU
SUMMARY
After the coronavirus the only way to prevent Italy from leaving the EU will be to buy it. Is Germany ready to pump tens of billions, possibly trillions into this? If Germany starts saving the EU too enthusiastically, social pressures within the country will lead to the regime change. There is no sense for Germany to remain in the EU as well, it is only beneficial for poor countries. If Italy receives a lot of money from the EU, then it is worth for it to stay it, but is it worth for Germany to drag Italy on its shoulders?
RESPONSE
Baseless speculation consistent with a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the imminent collapse of the EU. The European Union is taking steps to cushion the blow of the pandemic to people’s livelihoods and the economy. The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. Read more about the EU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic here.