Germany receives €4.6 billion from EU's Covid-19 recovery fund

Germany has received a disbursement of €4.6 billion ($5.4 billion) from the European Union's Covid-19 recovery fund, the European Commission said.

The payment is the third instalment paid to Berlin from the fund and is meant to support "reforms for a more efficient and digital public administration," investments in energy-efficiency and low-emission transport infrastructure as well as hydrogen research projects, the commission said.

In total, Berlin has received so far 80% of the €30.3 billion in grants that are earmarked from the fund for Germany.

Disbursements from the EU's Covid-19 recovery fund are tied to the implementation of reforms focused on improving the bloc's economic resilience, reducing climate-damaging emissions and accelerating digitalization.

So far, €400 billion have been disbursed from the fund filled with up to €577 billion in grants and loans to help EU countries overcome the economic fall-out caused by the pandemic. The fund is set to conclude at the end of the year.

"We are building a Union that is greener, more competitive, and fairer for all," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement.

"As we enter the final phase of this historic programme, our focus remains clear: delivering results that secure Europe’s resilience, leadership in the global green transition, and prosperity for generations to come," she said.