The European Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly voted in favor of redirecting some EU funding toward addressing the coronavirus crisis.

The Parliament — with many members voting remotely by email — approved amendments to existing regulations that would allow the implementation of the European Commission's proposed €37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative.


That’s set to give extra cash to countries to spend, including on health care or financing for small and medium-sized businesses, by freeing up unused cohesion funds as well as advancing future payments. MEPs voted 683 in favor and one against the plan, while four abstained.