The head of the EPP group in the EU Parliament, Manfred Weber, warns of border closings and explains how free trade agreements should help the economy in the Corona crisis.
The Corona crisis has been shaking Europe up for a year - due to border closings, the anger about the vaccine, but also the massive economic consequences.
A conversation with Manfred Weber (CSU), head of the conservative EPP group in the EU Parliament, about the right ways out of the crisis.
Mr Weber, as a staunch European: How annoyed were you that the EU Commission produced almost only negative headlines when it came to purchasing the vaccine?
Manfred Weber
: First of all: The fact that we are tackling this on a European basis is a success story.
Biontech has received massive EU funding for 15 years - without this support, the vaccine would not exist.
One should not forget that, even if unfortunately everything does not always run ideally at European level.
Europe is spending 750 billion euros on the aid fund, but is skimpy on the vaccine. Shouldn't one have just ordered more?
That is exactly the deficit.
The EUR 2.7 billion that the Member States provided was far too little.
It was recognized too late.
But that's looking back and doesn't help us now.
Well. What should I do?
The contracts have been readjusted, more than enough has been ordered.
The delivery bottleneck remains a problem.
We have to invest an additional ten billion euros in order to expand the production infrastructure even better - in addition to the investments in Marburg and Belgium.
In addition, research must be broadened, keyword drugs.
There is already a debate about privileges for vaccinated people. You are asking for a European vaccination certificate. What does that mean?
The chaos of the tests, which are not recognized everywhere in Europe, must not be repeated.
With the digital vaccination pass everyone should be able to prove that they have been vaccinated across Europe.
Each country can decide for itself whether this will result in advantages.
Europe gets a big debate when the first countries say in spring: We only allow tourists with vaccinations - especially if millions have to wait in Germany.
A problem can arise during the transition phase.
But the general rule is: Anyone who gets vaccinated and thus makes their contribution to the fight against Corona must not be restricted in their basic rights in the long term.
This must be discussed with the necessary sensitivity.
You mentioned the European idea: the introduction of new border controls is currently being discussed again. . .
I warn against this reflex that border closings would have a positive effect.
In the spring they mainly caused major economic damage.
We need intelligent methods, for example through regular tests of commuters, as they are in Bavaria.
Keyword economy: How great will the damage be in Europe?
We are currently experiencing a massive shift in power.
China got through the crisis with a black eye and zero growth and is taking off in 2021.
Europe lost almost eight percent economic growth in 2020, Germany lost five.
These are historical setbacks!
The world weights are being redistributed - we Europeans should be aware of this.
What is the answer?
The economic issue will be decisive for the federal election.
We as the CSU secure jobs and pensions, not the Greens.
We Europeans have to believe in trade.
Our continent lives from the fact that it can sell its products, especially us Germans and Bavaria.
That is why we need to concentrate on free trade agreements this year.
Also with the USA?
Absolutely.
We shouldn't ponder tax increases like the SPD, but stimulate the economy.
Cooperation with the world's largest economy is essential for this.
Anyone who wants to support the new administration under Joe Biden in their fight against populism and strengthen the social market economy must do their part - with more understanding for one another, with trade talks, but also with more European commitment in defense.
Does trade mean TTIP? Or is something new coming?
We need a fresh start.
Especially because we have learned from the mistakes of TTIP.
In terms of transparency, but also in consumer protection.
But the basic approach to collaboration is more important than ever.
When we discussed TTIP ten years ago, the US and Europe still represented almost 50 percent of the global economy.
Today it is around 40 percent.
That is a dramatic shift in ten years.
The USA and Europe must find a common way - against system rival China.
The interview was conducted by Mike Schier.
