Stop and go
Stuck in traffic. In COVID-19 times we almost forgot about that. It is nice that relaxed regulations as of May 1 also makes collective jamming in masks possible. We waited very disciplined, almost "British", in "the queue", in front of Nordic furniture stores (you know, the ones with instructions for professional carpenters only).
Finally shopping again - the domestic prison has left its traces: things that stood idle in some corner for years have been disposed of, but when the corner is empty, the corner has to become round again. The people around us gradually show themselves groomed again. But it takes a few more weeks until the professional haircut reaches everyone. Who would have thought that hairdressers will become critical infrastructure.
Turbulence
Other industries are grounded. Turbulence in the airy ride. Top-level talks between Lufthansa management and leading politicians in D-A-CH and Belgium. How much state is acceptable in exchange for emergency aid? With guarantees to maintain business sites on top. And then trade-off ideas in an alternative scenario of planned insolvency. And tourism - with a voucher to domestic tourists when the real guests stay away until the virus takes a holiday? Competitiveness COVID-19.0.
The state has for sure an important role to play in times of crisis. There is much good to do. Financial resources need to be distributed quickly and without bureaucracy. Economy demands so, and national politicians want it as well. The European Commission, however insists on compliance with EU state aid law. The temporary framework reverses the prohibition of state aid into an obligation to grant aid anyway within the provided frame. In the case of high-volume state aid and (ad-hoc) state aid to large companies, however, the room narrows down. Not without good reason, since major distortions of competition must be avoided in any case.
Ode to joy
On the eve of Europe Day (May 9), one could also reflect on the blessings of European state aid control, but the limits of national omnipotence are obviously hard to bear. For its part, the European Commission has announced a recovery fund of EUR 1,500 billion. A lot of dry powder. Do we want to reactivate the pre-viral old economy or break new ground (green, digital, and other words that sound nice but have to arrive in reality as of yet)?
Nationalism should also 'close down' with the opening around the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The negotiations for the seven-year EU budget framework continue and are dragging on. Let`s give it a try. The future can only be achieved together in Europe („ ... deine Zauber binden wieder“).
But please, let us continue to play soccer against each other. The ball must roll, even if that means a second quarantine for well-paid pros in the German Bundesliga. They will handle it.
The lawyers at Binder Grösswang have now returned - at least for the most part - to their offices and share relevant information on our website and on social media.
Please note: This blog merely provides general information and does not constitute legal advice of any kind from Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH. The blog cannot replace individual legal consultation. Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH assumes no liability whatsoever for the content and correctness of the blog.