EU Parliament Approves Use of EU Funds for Natural Disaster Recovery
- Date: December 17, 2024
Brussels, Belgium – The European Parliament has voted in favor of a proposal to allow for the use of European Union (EU) funds to finance recovery efforts following natural disasters. The proposal, which was introduced earlier this year by the European Commission, aims to provide EU member states with much-needed financial assistance in the event of major natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.
The proposal was approved by a large majority of MEPs, with 567 votes in favor and 98 votes against. The vote follows a growing recognition of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters across Europe in recent years, which have caused significant loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption.
Under the new rules, EU member states will be able to access funding from the EU’s Solidarity Fund to cover the costs of emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction after a natural disaster. The Solidarity Fund, which was established in 2002, provides financial assistance to EU member states and candidate countries that have been hit by major natural disasters.
The proposal also includes provisions to streamline the process for accessing Solidarity Fund assistance, making it easier and faster for member states to receive the funding they need. Additionally, the proposal strengthens the coordination between the EU and member states in responding to natural disasters.
The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, welcomed the Parliament’s vote. “This is a significant step towards ensuring that EU member states have the resources they need to respond effectively to natural disasters,” Lenarčič said. “The Solidarity Fund is a vital tool for supporting recovery efforts and helping affected communities rebuild their lives.”
The proposal will now go to the Council of the EU for final approval. If approved by the Council, the new rules will enter into force in 2025.
Key Points:
- EU Parliament approves use of EU funds for natural disaster recovery.
- Solidarity Fund will provide financial assistance for emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction.
- Proposal streamlines access to Solidarity Fund assistance and strengthens EU-member state coordination.
- New rules expected to enter into force in 2025.
Press release – Parliament paves way for the use of EU funds to finance natural disaster recovery
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