"COVID-19 Spreads. Close Ski Resorts"…Germany-Originated 'Europe Ski War'

Merkel "EU Should Close Ski Resorts at the EU Level" Claim
Austria "Cannot Close... Can Operate Safely" Rebuttal
Conflicts Arise Over Ski Resorts by Country and Region
Swiss Media "Must Prepare for Ski War"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As German Chancellor Angela Merkel insists on closing ski resorts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Europe appears to be entering a 'ski war.' Austria, a country with many mountainous areas, has reacted angrily to Chancellor Merkel's remarks, saying that the economic impact would be significant if the winter ski season were to be halted due to COVID-19.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 26th (local time), Chancellor Merkel appeared before the German Bundestag and said, "The ski season is approaching," and proposed, "The German government will put to a vote the proposal to close all ski resorts within the European Union (EU)." Chancellor Merkel suggested closing ski resorts because ski resorts were the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries, including Germany, earlier this year. She believes that ski resort usage must be restricted to prevent a similar situation from recurring.

However, the issue is that she called for participation not only from her own country but from all EU countries. In Europe, people travel to countries in the Alps such as Austria and Switzerland to enjoy winter skiing. Chancellor Merkel's remarks are measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but are essentially equivalent to a ban on winter travel.

This is closely related to the opposition from German local governments. If only ski resorts in Germany close, tourists may be diverted to other countries, resulting in economic damage without effective quarantine. Therefore, German local governments responded that if ski resorts are to be closed, there must be consistent measures at the European level. Markus S?der, Minister-President of Bavaria, said, "If ski resorts in Germany have to close, then ski resorts in Austria must also close."

The country most strongly opposing the German Chancellor's proposal is Austria. Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Chancellor, drew a line by saying, "This issue is not something the EU should intervene in." The ski resort-related industry in Austria accounts for about 4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), which is relatively large. In particular, employment directly or indirectly related to skiing accounts for 8% of the total. The Austrian government assured in a statement that "winter holidays in Austria will be safe." The ski resort controversy between Germany and Austria is spreading to countries bordering the Alps. Depending on each country's situation, support varies. For example, Italy, which suffered great damage from COVID-19 this spring and still has many deaths, sympathizes with the closure of ski resorts. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte insisted that "we do not have the luxury (to keep ski resorts open)" and that ski resorts should remain closed until January 10 next year. However, even within Italy, voices from the northern regions with ski resorts are stronger in favor of keeping them open. Italian ski resorts generate 11 billion euros (about 14.5 trillion won) annually.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the other hand, France, which borders the Alps, is leaning toward opening ski resorts. Switzerland, a mountainous country that is not an EU member, is closely monitoring the responses of various countries. Swiss media showed sensitive reactions to the growing moves by EU countries to restrict visits to areas around the Alps. One newspaper reported that Switzerland must prepare for a ski war with European countries.

The EU appears to have taken a step back from Chancellor Merkel's proposal. The European Commission said, "Whether to open ski resorts or not is a matter for each country to decide, not the EU." However, it warned that countries must cooperate in COVID-19 prevention measures and that there is a possibility of resurgence if social distancing and other measures are relaxed too early.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.