Solidarity at the Time of COVID-19: A Conversation with Arnaud Mentré, Consul General of France in Boston
We’re delighted to share the latest interview in our ongoing series of conversations on Solidarity at the Time of COVID-19.The series explores the response to the coronavirus emergency in various European countries through the lens of privileged observers: the Consuls General assigned to represent their home countries in the City of Boston. Earlier today, Vivien Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration at Boston University and founding director of the Center for the Study of Europe, spoke with French Consul General Arnaud Mentré. Consul General Mentré spoke about the need for transparency and information sharing among affected countries. He noted the solidarity exhibited by French citizens in response to the strict measures imposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, and placed particular emphasis on intergenerational solidarity. He commended the response of the EU to date, especially in comparison to its response to the financial crisis of 2008, despite the EU’s lack of competence in matters of health policy. Among other things, Consul General Mentré noted how all the states in the Schengen area consented to close the area’s external borders to all non-essential travel. In light of this and other manifestations of convergence, Mentré expressed his optimism for the future of Europe.