- Governmental entities at both national and regional levels aim to safeguard Meyer shipyard.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has vowed to aid the struggling Meyer-Werft shipyard in Papenburg, proclaiming, "As long as we all pitch in – and I'm positive that we will – then the federal government will chip in with its piece of the solution." He made this statement at a gathering in Papenburg on Thursday, noting that while the particulars still require clarification, with the Bundestag and EU Commission's approval yet to be secured, the federal government will indeed contribute to the resolution. "We're not abandoning Meyer Werft to face troubles alone," Scholz assured. He labeled the shipyard as a "manufacturing masterpiece" and critically important for Germany's maritime industry, which he believes will expedite the EU Commission's approval for government subsidies. "I'm convinced: Meyer Werft will persist in Papenburg. You have my backing," the Chancellor emphasized. Prior to this, Economics Minister Robert Habeck had also voiced optimism over the shipyard's survival.
Meyer-Werft: Support from State and Local Governments
Lower Saxony's State Leader Stephan Weil mentioned during the meeting, "The finish line isn't yet in sight," but that the team is diligently working towards a final resolution. "We're planning a major intervention," he said, referencing Lower Saxony's involvement, but did not disclose any specific figures. He described it as the largest intervention the state has ever carried out to save a business. "We're right beside Meyer Werft," Weil emphasized. He lauded the rescue strategy as commendable.
The Chancellor's assurance that "we're not abandoning Meyer Werft to face troubles alone" reinforces the commitment of The Commission, as it will need to approve the government subsidies for the shipyard's rescue. Lower Saxony's State Leader Steil's statement about a "major intervention" also implies the involvement of The Commission, as EU regulations govern such financial aid.
