Therefore, the German pandemic management became a success 

When the corona pandemic broke out this spring, Germany was quick to shut down several parts of society.

They introduced restrictions and at the same time massive financial support measures.   

- VAT was reduced to get more people to consume more.

It came unannounced and surprised many economists, says Christoffer Wendick, SVT's former European correspondent at Ekonomibyrån.  

Earmarked start-up

Ninni Löfgren Tischer, who works as business area manager at the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, agrees:   

- It has been seen that the VAT reduction has had an effect.

There have been some unusual measures, she says.   

Another such example is earmarked money for start-up companies, which is an important part of the business community, she says.

Even companies that are forced to stay closed due to the pandemic and thus have a large loss of income receive help with several billion.   

- EUR 10 billion is now being launched for sales protection for companies such as cafés, restaurants and shops.

They will receive 75 percent of the lost revenue.

And it is strong, states Eva Häussling, trade expert at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise.   

Important for the entire European economy  

But even though Germany has done better than many other European countries, the country's economy is shattered by the pandemic.

Germany experienced the worst quarterly decline in GDP ever in the second quarter of this year with a fall of 11.7 percent.   

- Everyone agreed that major measures needed to be taken this spring.

Not only for Germany but also for Europe.

Germany has an important role in the internal market.

Not least now that Germany holds the presidency of the EU, says Eva Häussling.  

Heavy player

Germany accounts for a fifth of Europe's entire economy and is one of the world's largest industrialized countries.

The fact that they continue to import and export goods is absolutely crucial for several of Europe's countries.   

- In the spring when the borders were closed, the companies were hit hard, they did not receive their deliveries.

What they have learned now is to keep the borders open because otherwise there will be a standstill in the economy, says Christoffer Wendick.   

- Yes, Germany is the engine of Europe's economy, adds Eva Häussling at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. 

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