- Title: 309 AT COVID-19 Kurz aid proposal
- Date: 23rd May 2020
- Description:Chancellor Kurz presents coronavirus emergency aid proposal of Austria, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands An emergency aid limited to two years for EU countries that are particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis is suggested by Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz together with his counterparts from Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. This concept is an alternative to the proposal of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, who want to borrow another 500 billion euros in reconstruction loans. Chancellor Kurz presented with Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands - the states call themselves the "Economical Four" - a counter-proposal to the plan presented by Merkel and Macron last week. There should be cheap loan supports instead of grants. The volume of this aid remains open in the proposal, but a volume of 500 billion euros is conceivable, according to Chancellor Kurz. The money must be used to rebuild health systems and the economy of the affected countries. The EU Commission plans to present its compromise plan for reconstruction next Wednesday. Shotlist - SOUNDBITE (German) Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Chancellor: “There are different proposals and demands: from the southern countries that are most affected by the crisis, from Germany and France together, positions from the Eastern European countries, and yes, there is a group of small, economically strong and economical countries, namely Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria. And we also have a position on this question. Our goal is that we show solidarity, that we help, and above all that we help quickly. This aid should have three goals: namely investments in greening, digitalization and in the health sector, always with the aim of creating as many jobs in Europe as possible. It is important to us, however, that this help is a one-time immediate help and not an entry into a debt union.” 00:58 - SOUNDBITE (German) Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Chancellor: “This compromise must be found. It is clear that the economically strong countries - Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and we - naturally prefer loans instead of direct payments. But, as I said, in the end we need a compromise.” 01:15 -SOUNDBITE (German) Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Chancellor: “In the end, a compromise is needed. This is the only way the European Union works. But we have a clear position and that is important to us, namely that this help must be an immediate Corona help. Fast, intensive and free from bureaucracy. But we don't want a debt union and we don't want to enter the debt union through the back door. And so the most important point for us is that there is a time limit.” - MS Kurz being interviewed by ORF journalist
- Collection: ORF
- Genre:News
- Producer:ORF
- Transmission Date:23/05/2020
- Decade: 2020s