Stability and Growth Pact I

Question for written answer  E-000582/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Moritz Körner (Renew)

Regulation (EC) No 1175/2011 states that: In the case of an unusual event outside the control of the Member State concerned which has a major impact on the financial position of the general government or in periods of severe economic downturn for the euro area or the Union as a whole, Member States may be allowed temporarily to depart from the adjustment path towards the medium-term budgetary objective, provided that this does not endanger fiscal sustainability in the medium term.

On 20 March 2020, the Commission informed the Council that it considered the conditions for the activation of the general escape clause to be fulfilled. The Commission has announced its intention to apply the necessary flexibility for as long as it is necessary to allow Member States to implement the necessary measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its negative socio-economic impact.

According to the Commission 2020 autumn forecast, the EU economy is expected to grow as follows: in the euro area by 4.2% in 2021 and by 3% in 2022, and in the EU by 4.1% in 2021 and by 3% in 2022.

• 1.What vaccination coverage does the Commission consider sufficient to contain the COVID-19 pandemic?
• 2.In the event that this forecast proves accurate, when would the Commission conclude that the conditions for the general escape clause are no longer met?