We are probably going through the first synchronised, global challenge in human history, at least in peace time. Both the direct and the reflexive effects of that condition are unique by their scale and aggregated impact. As a journal that claims to keep its finger on the pulse of Europe, we thought that we should rise to that challenge. During the summer, we published a Call that would do that by inviting articles based on promising research related to the COVID pandemic, with very demanding deadlines: submissions between mid-June and the end of July; 3 weeks submission-to-publication time.
The response of sociologists in Europe, and in some cases beyond Europe, was really overwhelming. The editors of this volume worked closely and tirelessly throughout the summer to handle our standard double-blind review of the articles and we are happy to present you with this volume of 58 papers and 900 pages. As you will see in the thorough introduction to the volume, its editors have made sure to address the broadest possible spectrum of the social impact of the pandemic.
I would like to thank the editors of this volume for their commitment and efficiency. They offered a great service to the European sociological community.
I would also like to thank Agnes Skamballis for her unwavering support at all stages of processing the volume. Without her generous effort, we would have not succeeded.