Workers will now be safeguarded from radiation hazards by a new directive agreed upon by the Commission.
Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has called for greater solidarity among European Union (EU) member states to navigate the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her role as the EU Council's president, Merkel proposed a coordinated response that prioritises EU-wide solidarity, scientific literacy, and financial support for the hardest-hit economies.
Merkel's approach emphasised moderation and a balanced, science-based policy during the pandemic's containment efforts. She advocated for reliance on education rather than mandatory vaccination policies, and pushed for a recovery mechanism that would involve financial solidarity and possibly joint borrowing at the EU level.
The cornerstone of Merkel's proposals was the Next Generation EU reconstruction package, a major recovery fund designed to support economic recovery in EU countries hit by the crisis. The package aims to mobilise funds for the hardest-hit economies, shared debt issuance, and flexible rescue aids coordinated by the EU as a whole.
The European Union Commission has proposed a fund that would mobilise 750 billion euros in loans, aligning with Merkel's vision for financial support. As Germany prepares to take over the EU Council presidency, the largest financial package in the Union's history and a new budget are expected to be decided.
For Merkel, the central importance of the economy and the internal market for the EU is paramount. "For Europe to exist, its economy must also exist," she stated. The German government will have to ensure that the recovery fund benefits all EU members equitably.
Merkel's leadership in the EU's pandemic response and economic recovery planning was widely praised for its pragmatic and solidarity-based stance. Her proposals have set a precedent for future EU responses to crises, emphasising the importance of unity, solidarity, and scientific approach in overcoming challenges.
[1] Source: European Council, European Commission, and various news reports.
In 2025, no direct counter-proposals or detailed newer plans by Merkel were found regarding the recovery fund. However, the Next Generation EU fund remains the cornerstone of the EU's collective recovery strategy that Merkel helped facilitate during her chancellorship.
- Angela Merkel's proposals during her chancellorship, including the emphasis on a balanced, science-based policy, the Next Generation EU reconstruction package, and a focus on EU-wide financial support and solidarity, have shaped the economic and social policy discourse in policy-and-legislation within the European Union.
- Merkel's advocacy for a pragmatic and solidarity-based approach in the EU's pandemic response and economic recovery planning has set a precedent in general-news reporting, as future EU crises are now expected to prioritize unity, solidarity, and a scientific approach to overcome challenges.
