Regional responses to COVID-19: A comparative analysis of EU and ASEAN policies to counter the pandemic

COVID-19 has posed several challenges at the national level with governments adopting various policies to counter its spread. Nonetheless, the transnational nature of pandemics requires a coordinated regional response and cross-border cooperation. This article aims to examine the initial responses and the development of regional policies of the two most successful examples of regional organisations; EU and ASEAN. This comparative analysis accounts for the different forms of integration and the varying COVID-19 spread levels between them. The documentation of the respective policies highlights the different approaches and mechanisms employed. The study also showcases the divergence in perceptions and acts of solidarity while dealing with COVID-19 as a communicable disease. The findings further indicate that both organisations need to acquire a more proactive role in health and crisis management.