In this paper, we examine how Greece, Ireland, and Spain responded to the global financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 crisis drawing on sensemaking theory. We see evidence of bricoleurs who turn to readymade available solutions to inform their actions which have consequences on sustainability. To operationalize sustainability, we use data regarding EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our findings suggest that sustainability considerations as an integral part of policy planning can reshape public finance in the post-pandemic world.