国际英语资讯:EU commission chief defends recovery package in German newspaper op-ed_时事

国际英语资讯:EU commission chief defends recovery package in German newspaper op-ed

She also explained that Europe should repay the funds through "new own resources" to "avoid sending a higher bill to Member States in the future."

Responding to questions that "why Germany should raise or repay money with another country thousands of kilometers away," von der Leyen wrote:" Europe's prosperity lies in its unity, its community and its single market. So for us solidarity is actually self-interest and a euro invested in one country is actually a euro invested for all."

She said the long and difficult summit is not a sign of hesitation or weakness, but "the ultimate sign of Europe's unique strength" by being able to finance the recovery and future together.

"And now we need to keep it that way for all by working with governments and parliaments to bring this recovery to life," von der Leyen wrote.

The proportion of the loans and non-payable grants for the 750-billion-euro recovery program was one big sticking point during the talks. Germany and France previously wanted the grants to be 500 billion euros, but were met with opposition from Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden, nicknamed "Frugal Four."

In the agreed version, the recovery fund comprises 390 billion euros in grants and 360 billion euros in loans.

As "net contributors" to the EU budget, the "Frugal Four" will be granted higher budget rebates compared with a pre-summit version of the budget proposal, seen as a trade-off.