The crisis caused by the coronavirus raises serious questions: what exactly is the European Union? Clearly, it is nothing like the United States of Europe, as Eurosceptics have often assumed. Far from it!

Currently, the government of every EU country is acting to protect its citizens: their jobs, health and economy. Wealthy countries such as Germany are still not digging deep into their pockets to help relatively poorer Italy and Spain. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, West Germany has felt a sense of responsibility towards East Germany.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen keeps repeating that "the only effective solution to the crisis in Europe is based on cooperation, a flexible approach and, above all, solidarity!"

But EU countries are making their own decisions! Deciding independently!

The open border principles of the EU's Schengen Agreement are currently in tatters, even looking at the travel restrictions between Germany and Austria, Belgium and France, France and Italy, and many places besides.

Finland, which has implemented strict social distancing rules, is considering the possibility of closing its border with Sweden entirely; closing it for the first time since such a border has even existed. Why? High levels of Covid-19 infection have been observed in the Swedish border region. Such a decision by Finland could significantly impact the Swedish healthcare system, which relies heavily on medical staff from Finland.