Merkel: 'By agreement EU open to compromises'

Angela Merkel is once again calling for a swift agreement in Europe on the Recovery Fund, stressing that "the road is rough and a lot of willingness to compromise will be needed", in view of the European Council on 17 July. "In the face of the current economic situation, time is pressing and counting every day," added the chancellor, who reiterated the need for an agreement as soon as possible "perhaps even within the summer break". Merkel also reiterated that "the situation is extraordinary and an extraordinary effort is needed". The exceptional measures proposed by the commission are therefore adequate, also because they are "limited in time and goal-oriented".