European politicians have long known there was a real danger of a second wave hitting the continent, but few predicted it would hit with the speed and ferocity seen in recent weeks.
The coronavirus resurgence that has forced European countries into new lockdowns is being exacerbated by multiple failures, including premature lifting of restrictions, behavioural relaxation and poor communication by authorities, officials and experts say.
Countries including France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Greece and Belgium have announced tougher social curbs in response to soaring Covid-19 case numbers, but all face a formidable task stemming the infection’s spread as winter drives people indoors.