Most European leaders have failed us terribly in my opinion. China have bought us time and showed the dangers (WHO report from China have been available two weeks prior to current lockdown). But most European leaders had been reluctant to introduce necessary measures (closing borders, quarantines, partial lockdown, getting supplies)... In March people from all over Europe stiil had been going for skiing in North Italy..
But saying that - begining is always chaotic and politicians are playing catch up with events. It is the middle part of the crisis that matters now.