Glimpses at the Possibilities and Challenges in a Post-Pandemic Europe: From a Portuguese Perspective
Cristina Zhou
University of Coimbra
Abstract
Moving into a next phase of the coronavirus crisis, with an eased lockdown restriction to allow economies to reopen, the EU is showing steady and positive signs of recovery, having recently injected a significant stimulus to its state-members. Although uncertainties are still lurking, aggravated by a serious second wave of infection in the main urban centers, as well as by an increasing weariness of the general public, after months of strict control. Undoubtedly, the coming Winter will be extremely important for combat against the pandemic. Meanwhile, it is a time to rethink and to readjust. In this paper, firstly, we will observe Portugal’s plan to tackle the social and economic problems caused by this global health crisis, underlining its valuable insights. Secondly, we will present, with first-hand information, the main ideas and inspirations encountered by the Chinese community in Portugal, facing the challenges and hope of a post-pandemic world. In the end, we propose to review the Sino-Portuguese relations during the pandemic, up until now, stressing the obstacles and ambiguities, as well as some potential opportunities.