The German chancellor and France's president want a € 500 billion rescue fund for the EU countries suffering from the corona crisis. For Germany, it is also about its own role in the world. A comment by Merkur editor-in-chief Georg Anastasiadis.
- Bargaining for money in the European bazaar is also a sign of normalization after the corona lockdown .
- However, this alone does not do justice to the historical significance of the Merkel-Macron reconstruction plan for Europe.
- Merkur editor-in-chief Georg Anastasiadis comments on the development plan for Europe and Germany's role .
The corona virus has not yet been defeated, but the signs of normalization are increasing. In addition to the opening of the inns, the most unmistakable signals include the reopening of the European bazaar. From now on, there is haggling again for money. And right in the middle: the Chancellor. You might call it the return of European routine with a little mockery. But that would not do justice to the historical importance of the Merkel-Macron reconstruction plan for Europe. By borrowing the huge sum of 500 billion euros and distributing it to the countries particularly devastated by the corona virus, is the EU entering the "debt union through the back door", as Austria's chancellor warns? Yes. But what would be the alternative, especially from a German perspective? For example, wait for China to make one European country after another compliant?
Corona crisis: Salvation for Europe will not come from America this time
After the worst economic devastation since the war, Europe needs a rescue plan, but this time it won't come from America. In the end, the United States will emerge victorious from this global crisis as the undisputed digital superpower, as will the oppressive trade giant China. If Germany does not want to become a meaningless appendage in the world, it must take care of its suffering European partners (and sales markets) together with the Northerners, as a European hegemon it must not remain in the role of chief accountant. For Berlin, it's about investing in your own future. Germany is heard because it speaks for Europe.
The Chancellor knows that. Nevertheless, as a practiced negotiator, the letter of protest from the "frugal four", who want to set tighter limits on the debt union, should suit her in the tug of war now beginning under the German Council Presidency. The focus of poker is the question of which part of the 500 billion is given as a loan and which part as a grant and on what terms. Just as Europe's north cannot deny solidarity to the south, Italy, Spain and France should not expect to be able to turn the money on for themselves in the future.
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