The ratification process for the national guarantees for the SURE instrument to support national short-time working schemes is “close to finalisation”, confirmed the European Commission on Monday 14 September.
“We still need a couple of formal steps on our side to make this (the finalisation of the ratification) happen”, said Marta Wieczorek, spokesperson for social affairs, at the midday press briefing. She therefore confirmed and qualified the announcements made by the Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, who had announced on Friday 11 September that the process had been completed.
The Bulgarian Parliament ratified the guarantee last week, but has yet to formally notify the European Commission. After that, the Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, will be able to sign the full national guarantees. Once this formality has been completed, the European Commission will then notify the EU Council of the availability of the instrument. The process is due to be completed this week.
So far, 16 national requests have been submitted by the European Commission to the EU Council, with a total amount of more than 87 billion euros (see EUROPE 12545/11). Hungary's request is being processed, according to the European Commission, and it is still awaiting clarification on how the funds will be used within the country.
Ireland and Estonia are reportedly also in the process of formulating their own request for assistance. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)