Page - 14 - in Friedensgutachten 2020 - Im Schatten der Pandemie: letzte Chance für Europa

↓ RECOMMENDATIONS 1 Combating coronavirus without abandon- ing the pursuit of peace In the shadow of the pandemic, there is a growing danger that violent conflicts and humanitarian emergen- cies could escalate, and new conflicts emerge. The EU and the German government should intensify their efforts at promoting peace and managing conflicts. 2 Europe must grasp the opportunities pro- vided by the pandemic Rarely has the need for international cooperation been clearer than in the coronavirus pandemic. For the EU, which threatens to be crushed between great power rivalries and self-serving interests, the crisis provides an opportunity to strengthen multilateral cooperation. 3 Strengthen EU crisis management capabili- ties immediately National governments have been left to deal with COVID-19 for too long. Yet the pandemic reveals just how vital interna- tional institutions are. Germany should support both the EU’s efforts to combat the virus world- wide and assistance for European states. 4 Continue to prioritize climate action while shaping it to promote peace The climate emergency must not be forgotten about in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. Even un- der the present circumstances, measures need to be taken to ameliorate the long-term nega- tive consequences of climate change on peace and human security. 5 No unconditional support for authoritarian regimes The German government supports regime stabilization in many countries. Ger- many should rather make its support condi- tional on the easing of restrictions on civil society. This is all the more urgent in view of the increase in repression we have seen during the coronavirus pandemic. 6 Provide large-scale support to fragile soci- eties German development cooperation should provide support for medical and social infra- structure in crisis regions affected by COVID-19 and should do so without excessive bureaucra- cy. Economic conditionalities imposed by the International Monetary Fund and debt restruc- turing measures need to be relaxed. 7 Take responsibility for the protection of civilians The German government should reverse the suspension of humanitarian measures and work with European partners on diplomatic initiatives where the pandemic threatens to cause a humanitarian catastro- phe. The priorities should be the closure of overcrowded refugee camps and a ceasefire in northern Syria. 8 Strengthen defensive cybersecurity The Ger- man government should lobby for a global pro- hibition of cyberattacks on critical infrastruc- ture. Germany’s own strategy should focus on strengthening cyber resilience. Offensive cyber activities should remain the absolute exception. 14 2020 / In the Shadow of the Pandemic: Europe’s Last Chance / STATEMENT