FACTBOX-EU solvency support plan for virus-hit strategic companies

The European Commission unveiled on Wednesday a plan to borrow and disburse 750 billion euros ($827 billion) in grants and loans to help EU countries recover from their coronavirus slump. One of the elements of the proposal is a solvency support instrument to help companies hit by losses which the Commission estimates will run between 720 billion euros and more than 1.2 trillion euros by the end of 2020.

OBJECTIVE The new tool is to help strategic companies fend off foreign takeovers and level the playing field between wealthy EU countries with the capacity to bail out firms and those with the less fiscal room. It does not specify which companies count as strategic.

WHO BENEFITS? Funds will be channeled to companies in vulnerable sectors - notably wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food services, and transport - and to regions and countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHEN? It could be operational later this year with a budget of 31 billion euros ($34 billion). That amount would aim to unlock over 300 billion euros in matching funds from the private sector for solvency support, possibly through borrowing from banks or debt from the market, though the plan is short of such details.

GOING DIGITAL AND GREEN The scheme will prioritize digital and green investments. ($1 = 0.9074 euros)