“He who does not know his history is doomed to repeat it”. This famous phrase by Napoleon Bonaparte explains that we must look back and keep in mind the lessons learned as we move ahead. The current health crisis will not be the last one we face; but it can be a lever of change.
Work: telework has finally arrived to stay. The current crisis not only has an astonishing propensity to accelerate history, but also helps highlight our incredible adaptability. Job flexibility has been restored thanks to these innovations.
Civil liberties: Data protection has been widely discussed during this crisis. The debate will now extend to our individual freedoms and to what extent to allow “dad” to control our communications, our travel and other aspects of our lives. A balance must be struck between controls that prevent the resurgence of the pandemic and respect for the individual sphere.
Science and research: Scientific research have been mobilized like never before, either to develop a vaccine and treatments, or to advise governments on the measures to be taken to protect their people. We are witnessing a great return of science to a position of authority that is sometimes difficult to maintain, as we face a new virus around which many uncertainties still loom.
Environment: we are at a very critical time in defining our model of society. In 2019, political, economic and civil society communities have expressed a real desire for change on the climate issue. This could lead to a real transformation rather than a simple return to normality. We don’t have to go back to the past. This crisis must have a green exit.
International relations: COVID-19 certified the importance of international cooperation in combating a pandemic. While the WHO’s credibility is an issue to discuss separately, many international initiatives show that multilateralism is essential to regulating the collective problems we face.
The European Union: the European Union will play a large part of its destiny in the coming months. Its member states must demonstrate their ability to act collectively; the European project today more than ever at stake. With the German free axis fading, a new Dutch-led group emerges on the north axis and Portugal on the south axis.
In short, we now have, more than ever, the opportunity to question who we are and what kind of society we want.
