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

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.