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Coronavirus Update: MEPs urge EC to come up with proposals aimed at helping countries deal with the ramifications of the virus

MEP Tamás Deutsch said the European Parliament’s aid package of EUR 37 billion, passed on Thursday, would only benefit “some one third, fewer than half” of European Union members.

MEPs from Hungary’s ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats coalition have urged the European Commission to come up with proposals aimed at helping countries deal with the social and economic ramifications of the coronavirus.

Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch said the European Parliament’s aid package of EUR 37 billion, passed on Thursday, would only benefit “some one third, fewer than half” of European Union members. “For us, Hungarians, this proposal will not mean a single cent in extra funding,” he insisted.

According to MTI, Deutsch said the Fidesz-Christian Democrat group in the European People’s Party has asked the party group’s leadership to forward its own package to the Commission, aimed at helping “the other two thirds” of countries.

Concerning details, Deutsch said the EC should provide pre-financing in areas where a member state has not yet tied up allocated community funds. “This would result in extra resources for Hungary,” he said.

Finally, Deutsch called it important that EU funds should not only be used in economically underdeveloped regions because “the virus is not selective” and better-off regions, such as central Hungary, could also require assistance.

A call center set up for advice on the coronavirus can be reached on +36-80-277-455 and +36-80-277-456 or by email koronavirus@bm.gov.hu