EU offers 'maximum' bugdet flexibilty to fight virus

The EU on Friday offered member states "maximum flexibility" to boost spending and subsidies beyond normal rules to help fight the coronavirus.

"The shock is temporary, but we must work together to ensure that it is as short, and as limited as possible," EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said.

"Therefore member states should be encouraged and they should feel comfortable to take all the necessary measures to support the most effective sectors."