- Federal and related administrative bodies aim to preserve the Meyer shipyard.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised assistance to help the struggling Meyer-Werft shipyard in Papenburg. "If everybody chips in – and I've no doubt they will – then the federal government will chip in its share to the solution," Scholz mentioned during a gathering in Papenburg on Thursday. The specifics still need to be ironed out, as approval from the Bundestag and the EU Commission is still required. "Nonetheless, the federal government will chip in its share to the solution," the Chancellor affirmed.
The federal government, Lower Saxony, and the shipyard's owners have been in talks with creditors in recent weeks, the Chancellor noted. "We won't leave Meyer Werft hanging." The shipyard is more than just a typical business; it's an "industrial treasure," with its issues not stemming from its product quality. Scholz also considered the shipyard crucial for Germany's maritime economy, which is a key factor in the EU Commission approving state aid. "I'm positive: Meyer-Werft will carry on in Papenburg. You've got my backing," the Chancellor emphasized. Economics Minister Robert Habeck had expressed optimism earlier that the shipyard could be saved.
Lower Saxony's Minister President Stephan Weil spoke at the assembly: "The ball hasn't crossed the finish line yet," Weil, an SPD politician, stated during the gathering in Papenburg on Thursday. But progress is being made for the final resolution. "We're planning a major intervention," he noted, referring to Lower Saxony, but did not provide any figures. This would be the largest intervention that Lower Saxony has ever undertaken to save a company. "We're with Meyer-Werft every step of the way," the Minister President emphasized. The rescue plan is solid.
In the gallery: Fashion retailers, tour operators, product manufacturers: Numerous well-known German companies have recently gone out of business. Many have a long history – and now face an uncertain future.
The economic stability of Meyer-Werft is crucial for Germany's maritime economy, as mentioned by Chancellor Scholz, highlighting its importance in the EU Commission's consideration of state aid. The federal government, along with Lower Saxony and the shipyard's owners, is collectively committed to supporting Meyer-Werft, ensuring it continues its operations in Papenburg.
