The EU is sometimes accused of acting too slowly and not consistently enough in the corona crisis. Now her highest representative admits mistakes.
Rome (dpa) - EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has admitted the European Union's mistakes in dealing with Italy in the corona crisis and promised billions in aid for short-time workers.
"The Union will provide up to a hundred billion euros in aid to the hardest hit countries, starting with Italy, to compensate for the reduction in short-time workers' wages," von Leyen wrote in an article for La Repubblica (Thursday). "All member countries will help make this new instrument (...) possible."
Italy reported more deaths than any other country in the crisis, followed by Spain. The economic damage caused by the strict curfews is enormous.
"It must be recognized that in the early days of the crisis, given the need for a common European response, too many thought only of their own problems," wrote von der Leyen. "It was harmful behavior that could have been avoided." Meanwhile, Europe has changed the pace.
"We have done everything possible to get European countries to act like a team and ensure a coordinated response to a common problem," wrote the German politician.
Von der Leyen wants to present her plan to support short-time workers in the European Union. The "Sure" initiative is intended to benefit countries particularly affected by the Corona crisis, such as Italy and Spain. Loans are planned to be financed with the help of guarantees from all Member States.
Link to the article in "La Repubblica" (payment barrier)