Higher guaranteed loans
The state loan guarantee, which is already in place, was extended by one year. This instrument aids businesses who need more liquidity, with the state acting as a guarantor. As of 1 December, 15 loans were granted within the framework of the current law, with a total amount of €18 million. The state guaranteed a total of €16 million.
Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot specified that the sums will increase substantially.
The Left was the only party to abstain, as no guarantees for employees are provided for in the text. CSV deputy Laurent Mosar further underlined that it would be more difficult for companies, who are already suffering from rising electricity prices, to apply for a loan. He supports the state in providing a guarantee, but increasing interest rates would only lead to more costs for companies.
Energy subsidies
In the second bill, which passed 58-2 in favour, the state helps subsidise rising energy costs. The European Union already agreed that these subsidies do not violate EU competition law.
Sven Clement of the Pirate Party welcomes these measures, but calls for more focus to be placed on sustainability.
From road to rail
Lastly, a bill calling for rail and sea transport to be favoured over road transport was presented. The goal is to move more shipping goods from trucks to trains or ships. Politicians argued that trucking not only adds to traffic jams, but is also a severe pollutant. The bill was unanimously accepted.
