Angela Merkel fears economic crisis is being underestimated in EU

Leaders clash over coronavirus recovery funds, with Germany pushing for swift resolution

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Angela Merkel voiced fears that people do not appreciate what it will mean to slump into the deepest recession since the second world war", as EU leaders clashed over a recovery fund for the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

During a video conference call among the 27 heads of state and government, the German chancellor gave her backing to the French president, Emmanuel Macron's call for agreement before the summer holidays on a 750bn rescue package.