EU to adopt coronavirus rescue package

BRUSSELS

Eurozone finance ministers agreed on a 540 billion-euro ($590 billion) coronavirus rescue package Thursday after nearly 20 hours of discussions.   

The rescue plan has three pillars, Eurogroup President Mario Centeno said at a press conference after the ministers concluded their teleconference. 

The plan will help workers, businesses and member states’ healthcare systems, Centeno said. 

A €100 billion ($109 billion) short-term employment scheme is meant to prevent millions from losing their jobs. 

The European Investment Bank will lend €200 billion ($218 billion) to European small- and medium enterprises. 

Member states can also ask for credit of up to 2%