BRUSSELS - The Eurogroup has reached a definitive agreement on the Mes . This is what is learned from EU sources. Already in the early afternoon the news of a close agreement on an extremely broad interpretation of the healthcare costs that can be financed, a 10-year loan maturity and a very low interest rate, just above 0.1% per year. The credit line can be used for healthcare costs up to 2% of GDP and ministers agree to define these expenses as a whole, not only for respirators or intensive care.
"All euro area states are eligible to ask for" the Mes, "they will be able to take 2% of their GDP, deadlines and interests will be very favorable, and surveillance will be simplified": said EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis. "Today's main objective is to find an agreement", so that "it can be formally adopted next week by the board of the Mes governors".
The new Mes credit line, after today's agreement, to the Eurogroup, "will be fully operational starting from mid-May": said the President of the Eurogroup Mario Centeno. "Everyone will be able to borrow up to 2% of GDP, on very favorable terms and with long maturities. This will cover direct and indirect healthcare costs, which have risen," he added.
