Brussels, 23 August 2023 (TDI): The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to allocate nearly €455 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to aid Romania, Italy, and Türkiye in their recovery efforts following recent natural disasters.
The proposal underscores the European Union’s commitment to standing together in times of crisis and assisting member and partner countries in times of need.
The aid package encompasses relief measures for three distinct natural disaster events that have severely impacted these nations:
For Romania, a sum of €33.9 million is designated for Romania to address the aftermath of a severe drought that ravaged the country during the summer of 2022.
The funds will contribute to restoring affected infrastructure, protecting the population, securing essential preventive structures, safeguarding cultural heritage sites, and facilitating cleanup operations.
On the other hand, Italy is set to receive €20.9 million in support, specifically directed towards countering the damages inflicted by floods in the Marche region in September 2022.
This allocation will assist Italy in repairing damaged infrastructure, safeguarding citizens, and embarking on necessary cleanup and recovery operations.
Lastly, the most substantial portion of the aid, totaling €400 million, is earmarked for Türkiye, which endured the devastating impact of two major earthquakes in February 2023.
This financial assistance will go towards critical emergency response measures, the repair of infrastructure, the protection of citizens, the reinforcement of preventive infrastructure, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
The funds will also cover cleanup initiatives essential for the nation’s recovery.
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, emphasized the significance of such solidarity and support during times of escalating climate-related challenges and recurring natural disasters.
She stressed that while proactive measures for climate adaptation and mitigation are pivotal, the EUSF plays a crucial role in aiding countries during the aftermath of major catastrophic events.
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Ferreira underlined that this spirit of solidarity extends beyond EU borders, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to this important principle.
The forthcoming steps involve the finalization of the respective Commission Implementing Decisions to formalize the allocation of assistance to each beneficiary state.
Once approved by the European Parliament and the Council, the financial aid will be disbursed in a single instalment to the requesting countries’ general budgets.
In the case of Türkiye, which is an accession country, the process includes not only parliamentary and council approval but also the signing of a Bilateral Agreement with the Commission, outlining the detailed utilization of the aid.
