Parliament greenlights

European Parliament greenlights coronavirus funding plan

MEPs voted 683 in favor and one against the plan, while four abstained.

By LILI BAYER

The European Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly voted in favor of redirecting some EU funding toward addressing the coronavirus crisis.

The Parliament — with many members voting remotely by email — approved amendments to existing regulations that would allow the implementation of the European Commission's proposed €37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative.

That’s set to give extra cash to countries to spend, including on health care or financing for small and medium-sized businesses, by freeing up unused cohesion funds as well as advancing future payments. MEPs voted 683 in favor and one against the plan, while four abstained.

MEPs also approved an amendment to the EU Solidarity Fund, extending its scope to cover major public health emergencies. A total of 671 lawmakers voted in favor, three against and 14 abstained.

The Council of the EU cleared the plans last week.