EU reaches ‘historic’ deal on post-pandemic recovery – Gulf Today

EU reaches ‘historic’ deal on post-pandemic recovery – Gulf Today

France says up to 500 virus clusters but no second wave yet

"This agreement sends a concrete signal that Europe is a force for action," Michel said at a dawn news conference

"It is about a lot more than money. It is about workers and families, their jobs, their health and their well-being. I believe this agreement will be seen as a pivotal moment in Europe's journey, but it will also launch us into the future."

European leaders interact while wearing face masks during the last roundtable discussion in Brussels on Tuesday. Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron said the deal was "truly historic" and that he was convinced the recovery plan and budget could meet the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This was a summit whose conclusions are truly histroric. We have put in place the capability to borrow collectively, to put in place a collective recovery plan, for the first time," Macron said. "With this recovery plan, we will reach a near doubling of the European budget over the next three years."

Officials said the deal, which came after Michel presented compromises on a 750 billion euro recovery fund, is critical to dispel doubts about the bloc's very future.

Michel proposed that within the 750 billion