Economic Affairs Minister Altmaier and EU Economy Commissioner Gentiloni discuss efforts to strengthen the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis

Economic Affairs Minister Altmaier talked today about shared priorities and measures to strengthen the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis with Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy of the European Commission.

Both sides agreed that the recovery plan adopted by the heads of state and government in July must be used to advance reforms and investment in Europe’s future.

Economic Affairs Minister Altmaier said: “We should deploy the European funding for the economic recovery in such a way that we stimulate growth in the European Union and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Member States. It is crucial to press ahead with structural reforms, to support the digital and ecological transition, and to strengthen research and innovation, especially in industry and in SMEs. These are also key priorities of our ongoing EU Council Presidency.”

Economic Affairs Minister Altmaier and Commissioner Gentiloni also touched on the key principles of future European economic policy, the importance of tax policy for the economic recovery in the Single Market, and about ways to prevent the relocation of production, investment and jobs to countries outside the EU with lower carbon costs. 

Paolo Gentiloni is the Commissioner for Economy of the European Commission and covers issues of the Economic and Monetary Union and tax policy. He is responsible within the Commission for the macroeconomic aspects of the efforts to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.