The EU’s institutions are having to get used to a new routine – just like every other workplace

Fortunately, officials have had plenty of practice getting video conferencing to work smoothly, writes Jon Stone

The European parliament’s seat in Brussels. Officials have had to adjust to a new reality (Getty)

Coronavirus has probably shut down your workplace’s offices: the same is true of the EU institutions. Each is taking different approaches to keep the bloc’s administration running.

In the European parliament, MEPs have been told to stay away – and have this week been logging in and voting from home, a perk made possible by the parliament’s electronic systems.

It’s a far cry from the House of Commons, where MPs have to physically go and stand in a crowded room if they want to take part in a division. This system may have its charms, but it’s not ideal for a pandemic.