EU debates over economic stimulus package Merkel: negotiations are difficult

　　China News Service, July 18 (Xinhua) According to the European Union News Agency, on July 17, local time, the leaders of the 27 EU member states met in Brussels to discuss the 750 billion euros economic revitalization plan proposed by the European Council President Michel. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the negotiations were very difficult.

On July 17, local time, in Brussels, Belgium, French President Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the EU face-to-face summit.

　　According to reports, the economic stimulus plan proposed by Michelle includes 500 billion euros of unrelieved bailout funds and 250 billion euros of loans, which is intended to help member countries get rid of the economic crisis brought about by the epidemic. The plan has won the support of Germany, France and southern European countries, while the four Nordic countries of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark require strict conditions for any bailouts and loans to ensure that borrowing countries implement economic reforms.

　　In addition to the above two camps, the Eastern European countries headed by Poland and Hungary refused to accept any conditional assistance or loans. The Prime Minister of Hungary made it clear that he refused to accept aid and must commit to abide by the operating rules of a society ruled by law.

　　German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the EU’s rotating chairman, said that there is still great disagreement among countries on this issue. She cannot predict whether this meeting can reach consensus, and negotiations will be very difficult.

　　French President Macron said on the 17th that the future of the EU will depend on the summit. Macron said he will make every effort to work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Council Michelle to promote the final agreement of 27 member states.

　　The Dutch Prime Minister Rutte believes that the chance of reaching a consensus at the weekend summit is less than 50%.

　　Due to the deeper differences among the EU countries, the summit is expected to continue until the 18th or 19th, and may even be held again later this month.

　　According to reports, affected by the new crown epidemic, the European Union is experiencing the worst economic recession in its history. The 19 countries in the euro zone are expected to shrink by 8.7% this year. The summit will test whether the EU member states can unite and overcome difficulties at the critical moment.