BRUSSELS (ChatnewsTV) — The European Union will provide more than €1 billion in aid to five countries hit by severe floods in 2023, following approval by the European Parliament’s Budget Committee on Monday. The funds, totaling €1,028,541,689 from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), will support recovery efforts in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and France.
Italy will receive €378.8 million for the Emilia-Romagna region, which was heavily affected by floods in May, and an additional €67.8 million for damages in Tuscany from flooding in October and November. Slovenia is set to receive €428.4 million to recover from August floods, while Austria will get €5.2 million for similar damages. Greece will be allocated €101.5 million following floods in September, and France will receive €46.7 million to address damages in the Hauts-de-France region caused by November floods.
The EUSF assistance will help cover the costs of emergency operations, including infrastructure repairs, safeguarding cultural heritage, and clean-up efforts.
“We express our deepest solidarity with all the victims, their families, and the authorities involved in relief efforts,” said members of the Budget Committee, noting the increasing frequency of severe natural disasters in Europe. They urged the expansion of the EUSF’s budget, anticipating an upcoming proposal by the European Commission on the new Multiannual Financial Framework.
The aid package was approved by a wide margin, with 30 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention.
The full European Parliament is expected to vote on the aid during its plenary session from October 7-10 in Strasbourg. Once approved by Parliament and the Council, the funds will be disbursed without delay.
Since its creation in 2002, the EUSF has provided over €8.6 billion in aid for 130 disasters across 24 member states and four accession countries, including Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Türkiye.
