Enlarge image
Secretary of State Giegold: It's about how much was paid out
Photo: FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS / AFP
In the dispute over the possible simplification of state aid for companies, Berlin criticizes misleading statistics from the EU Commission.
"Unfortunately, we have seen that misleading figures have recently been published," said Sven Giegold, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, on Tuesday in Stockholm.
The EU Commission recently published figures according to which more than half of the state aid in the EU approved by the EU Commission, which was intended to cushion the effects of the crisis such as high energy prices, came from Germany.
"But it's not about what the European Commission approved, it's about how much was paid out," Giegold said.
So far, this is only part of what has been approved.
It is not yet certain whether as much money will actually be spent as approved.
The Green politician did not name a specific number.
According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, Germany is by far the largest economy in the EU with a gross domestic product of 3.6 trillion euros (2021).
France is second with 2.5 trillion euros and Italy third with 1.7 trillion euros.
The EU is also considering relaxing state aid rules in response to huge subsidy packages from countries like the US and China.
However, smaller EU countries in particular fear that this could lead to large, financially strong countries such as Germany and France being able to give their companies disproportionate advantages.
mik/dpa-AFX