Food Labeling Harmonization Proposal Approved by Commission Across EU States
In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ingrid Hartges, CEO of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), has put forth a series of proposals aimed at ensuring the safe reopening of the hospitality industry after January 10.
Hartges has suggested organizing rapid tests for events before the new year, urging for a reevaluation of the timing and amount of advance payments in the federal government's aid package to better support businesses, and calling for a reassessment of the advance payments to ensure they are substantial enough to support businesses with high monthly rent obligations.
In a statement, Hartges emphasized the struggle faced by businesses with high monthly rent obligations and the need for more substantial aid. She stated that advance payments of 10,000 euros would not be sufficient for businesses with monthly rent obligations of 50,000 or 100,000 euros.
To accelerate vaccine distribution, rapid testing, and contact tracing, Hartges proposes several key approaches. These include enhancing vaccine rollout speed and coverage, expanding rapid testing capacity and accessibility, improving digital and manual contact tracing infrastructure, coordinating legal and policy frameworks, and engaging the hospitality sector in the public health response.
In addition, the Dehoga CEO has expressed concern about the timing of aid payments for businesses, suggesting they should be made earlier to provide more immediate support. Hartges has also called for a faster pace in vaccine distribution and contact tracing.
Moreover, Hartges has appealed to prevent the disappearance of the event and culture industry, as well as the public living rooms from the market. She has also suggested using the time before January 10 to distribute the vaccine quickly and efficiently.
The hospitality sector, a significant contributor to Germany's economy, has been severely impacted by the pandemic. With these proposals, Hartges aims to ensure that the industry can reopen safely and sustainably, providing much-needed support to businesses and revitalizing the economy.
[1] German Government, "Coronavirus: Vaccination Strategy," accessed October 20, 2021, https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/themen/coronavirus-vaccination-strategy-1737574
[2] German Government, "Coronavirus: Contact Tracing," accessed October 20, 2021, https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/themen/coronavirus-contact-tracing-1737573
Economic and social policy reforms are necessary to support businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, reevaluating the timing and amount of advance payments in the federal government's aid package, and ensuring they are substantial enough for businesses with high monthly rent obligations, can contribute to the sustainability of the industry. Moreover, as the industry is a significant contributor to Germany's economy, a faster pace in vaccine distribution and contact tracing is essential to revitalize the business sector, finance, and commerce.
