“This is Not the Time for Panic”: An Essay on the European Commission’s Framing of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Beginning of the Crisis
2025 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis examines the European Commission’s framing of the Covid-19 pandemic during its early stages, focusing on the narratives and strategies used to define the crisis and promote policy responses. Employing qualitative text analysis, the study analyses speeches and statements from EU Commissioners between February and May 2020. Framing, as a political tool, is used to create meaning, guide perceptions, and legitimize actions. The analysis reveals that the Commission framed the pandemic as an unprecedented crisis, emphasizing urgency, transboundary challenges, and the necessity of unified action. While the EU was positioned as a leading crisis actor, member states were depicted as requiring coordination and support. The findings highlight how the Commission utilized framing to enhance its role, justify new policies, and reinforce existing political agendas. This study contributes to the discourse on framing and crisis management by demonstrating how the European Commission utilized framing to shape political narratives, reinforce its institutional role, and legitimize its responses during a global emergency.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 44
Keywords [en]
European Commission, Framing, Covid-19, Pandemic, Crisis
Keywords [sv]
Europeiska kommissionen, Framing, Covid-19, Pandemi, Kris
National Category
Political Science
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-13437OAI: oai:DiVA.org:fhs-13437DiVA, id: diva2:1931297
Subject / course
Political Science with a focus on Crisis Management and Security
Educational program
Swedish Defence University’s Bachelor Program
Uppsok
Social and Behavioural Science, Law
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-01-272025-01-262025-09-29Bibliographically approved