Ukraine emergency loan increases to 1.4 billion euros

Created: 2022-11-24Updated: 2022-11-24 13:31

View of the plenary hall of the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament.

© Axel Heimken/dpa

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has far-reaching consequences, for example on energy prices in Germany.

Schleswig-Holstein reacts with an increase in the Ukraine emergency loan.

Kiel – The Schleswig-Holstein state parliament has cleared the way for further debt of up to one billion euros.

Due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its effects on the energy markets, the deputies noted on Thursday an exceptional emergency situation, which allows borrowing beyond the limits of the debt brake.

The Ukraine emergency loan decided in April in the state parliament increases with the decision supported by the CDU, Greens, SPD and SSW from 400 million to a maximum of 1.4 billion euros.

The FDP parliamentary group voted against the motion.

People and the economy in the country were worried, said Finance Minister Monika Heinold (Greens).

"We are the ones who have to give answers, who have to give security and orientation." The emergency loan will provide direct help for citizens and the economy.

The country is also investing in the energy transition.

"Every euro that we invest in the energy transition will pay off twice over."

CDU faction leader Tobias Koch acknowledged that the black-green coalition and the opposition factions of the SPD and SSW are pulling together.

"It distinguishes Schleswig-Holstein that we stand together politically in times of crisis." The decision to accept this sum is not easy.

"But it is necessary in the current situation." Schleswig-Holstein is in a financial emergency that can only be averted by taking out an emergency loan.

"No one can say what burdens we will have to face." The increase will ensure that the country remains able to act.

All expenditures are subject to approval by the Finance Committee.

"So the Ukraine emergency loan is not a blank power of attorney."

Greens parliamentary group leader Lasse Peterdotter pointed out that the emergency loan was also needed to support the federal aid programs.

“Debts of this magnitude must be well considered and well justified.

They are.” Schleswig-Holstein has renewed its promise that the reception of refugees will not fail because of money.

The country must also continue its investments.

Opposition leader Thomas Losse-Müller (SPD) said that the federal and state governments had shown their ability to act in times of crisis in the past few months.

"We are very aware that you did not need our votes," he said in the direction of the black-green coalition. "It is a good sign that the coalition, despite its own two-thirds majority, has sought cooperation with the opposition.

"What we agree on is that we shouldn't cut costs in the state budget in the current crisis," said Losse-Müller.

Now important investments must be pushed in order to be able to achieve the climate protection goals.

FDP MP Annabell Krämer criticized that only part of the Corona emergency loan of 400 million euros had been issued by the end of September in connection with cushioning the burden of the war.

The coalition wants to spend around 300 million euros for other purposes, such as energy projects.

Kramer doubted that the expansion of the credit authorization was covered by the constitution.

"The FDP thus remains the last bastion against escalating state finances," said Krämer.

The state must now be there for everyone beyond the normal level, said SSW parliamentary group leader Lars Harms.

"We are all aware of the gigantic sums we are dealing with here." However, it has not been decided that the 1.4 billion euros will ultimately be spent in full.

The billions of euros in the Corona emergency loan were also not fully spent.

dpa