The Council has previously put forth numerous suggestions in relation to this matter.
Reports indicate that a potential rescue strategy for Meyer Werft involves the state acquiring an 80-to-90% share in the company and offering loan guarantees. However, the Federal Ministry of Economics refused to confirm this agreement, cautioning, "I can't offer more details to prevent harming the sensitive process." Habeck echoed this sentiment, stating, "That's all I can disclose at this juncture."
On Thursday, Olaf Scholz (SPD), Germany's Federal Chancellor, attended a company meeting at the Papenburg facility, accompanied by Lower Saxony state government representatives. Scholz was expected to address the media following the meeting. Rumors swirled that a conclusion on the rescue plan was yet to be reached.
The IG Metall union lauded the involvement of federal and state governments, labeling it "a commendable industrial policy that safeguards crucial segments of Germany's shipbuilding sector." Berlin and Hannover, according to the union, are presenting the shipyard and its workers with an excellent opportunity for renewal, an opportunity that must now be seized.
Dieter Janecek (Greens), the federal government's maritime coordinator, urged caution in discussing a finalized rescue plan. "As of now, all we can reveal is that progress is being made," he informed the 'Rheinische Post' based in Düsseldorf. "There are still unanswered questions, such as the feasibility study review, intricate financing issues, and the approval of the Bundestag's budget committee and the EU Commission, to name a few."
Currently, Meyer Werft employs around 3,300 people, with numerous additional jobs depending on the company through its suppliers. The shipyard is grappling with a severe crisis, partially due to the dramatic rise in energy and raw material prices over the past few years. The shipyard usually receives the bulk of the purchase price upon delivery.
I'm not going to disclose any specific details about the timeline or outcomes of the rescue plan negotiations at this stage.The recent reports suggesting a potential 80-90% state share and loan guarantees remain unconfirmed by any official source from the government.
