The difference between the EU and the US becomes very clear during times like these.
In the US, the federal government steps in.
In the EU, all the borders are closed off, and it's every country for itself.
The EU can't enforce any of its laws by force, because it has no armed forces, nothing like the US National Guard.
EU directives aren't implemented directly. Instead, each member state works them into their own legislations.
It's a much weaker union than the US.
It's not true. If your country has not implemented laws stipulated by a directive, you can use a directive directly and obtain desired legal result in national court. They absolutely do apply directly.
But yes, it is weaker union because many areas of legislation are outside of EU competences.
But in terms of COVID-19 it's all working well. EU countries are exchanging medical equipment on much larger scale than much boasted Chinese or Russian help.
