When the global emergency of the Covid-19 pandemic arose, the European Union organized itself and put in place mechanisms to help member states overcome the challenges posed by the disease, either through direct funding or through the procurement of millions of vaccines, including other support .
The Cohesion Fund was one of the instruments that initially supported emergency but absolutely necessary spending to solve a problem that had assumed global proportions. “We used the envelopes that countries received to build bridges, roads, basic sewer systems, pay part of the salaries of those who could not work, and much more. We allowed them to use this money for what was needed,” recalls Commissioner Elisa Ferreira. “Europe has a very small budget and [na altura] I had no money. After so many discussions in the past trying to get Europe’s permission to fill its budget with public debt, at this point, with the Covid-19 crisis, permission was granted and Europe strengthened its budget. He almost doubled this figure and that is why he launched the Recovery and Resilience Plans,” explains Elisa Ferreira.
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Elections save racism
The organization says the European election result represents a democratic and humanitarian failure and leaves several EU countries in the hands of the far right. The NGO emphasized that across the board, conservatives and social democrats consistently accept proposals of a far-right agenda.
Tomorrow in Brussels
EU leaders, including Portugal’s prime minister, will meet tomorrow at an informal dinner to discuss the next institutional cycle.