“Something new has happened. There are no longer first and second-class passengers on the European train. For the first time we are responding to a crisis not individually, with states acting alone, but together, as the European Union and all on an equal footing.

“This is in the interest of citizens, a Europe that makes instruments available to its states to be used freely, without restrictions and unpleasant conditions. Yesterday, the Eurogroup took the right path, the one that will lead to the establishment of a fund for economic and social reconstruction, which can be financed on the market with new instruments, sharing all the costs necessary for our recovery.

“Heads of state and government must be courageous and act on the ECB’s forecast - that more than 1.5 trillion Euros will be needed for reconstruction.

“The conversion of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is also positive: from a member state rescue fund to a health emergencies fund, available for everyone and without conditions. This is a useful tool to finance our hospitals, staff, equipment, support regions, and research.

“Of course, no country is forced to use it, but it is an additional option. For example, countries such as Italy, have already paid 14 billion into this fund and can now receive as much as 37 billion. European solidarity has moved forward. National selfishness is losing ground. The journey has begun. There is still so much to do. This is only the beginning, but everyone has understood - we will only get out of this with a more supportive Europe."

The full video statement is available here