Today, the European Commission has proposed to allocate €280 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to aid in flood recovery for Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova.
This action responds to the severe floods impacting these countries in September and October 2024. The proposed aid distribution is: €42.8 million for Austria, €114 million for Czechia, €76 million for Poland, €2.1 million for Slovakia, €45.7 million for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and €195,200 for Moldova.
The EUSF, as the EUs primary post-disaster relief tool, will fund various recovery aspects, including repairing damaged infrastructure, protecting affected populations with temporary housing, and enhancing preventive infrastructure. It will also support safeguarding cultural heritage sites and cleanup operations.
The 2024 Central European floods, triggered by storm Boris, resulted in unprecedented rainfall, causing extensive flooding starting in Austria and Czechia in September and expanding to Poland and other regions. In early October, severe flash floods and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused significant damage and losses.
At the crisiss peak, the EU provided additional assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism at the requests of Czechia and Poland. During a visit to the devastated areas in September 2024, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EUs unwavering support for the affected communities.
Next Steps
Todays proposal requires approval from both the European Parliament and the Council, after which the Commission will finalize necessary decisions to release the financial aid in one installment.
Background
The EU Solidarity Fund is a crucial tool for supporting disaster recovery in both Member States and candidate countries. Since its inception in 2022, it has distributed over €9.6 billion in response to 137 disaster events, including 117 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies, across 24 Member States (plus the UK) and 4 accession countries. Emergency and recovery operations conducted by Member States may be funded retroactively by the EUSF from the disasters first day.
Given the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, coupled with limited EUSF resources, the recently adopted RESTORE legislation allows Member States to supplement EUSF assistance with Cohesion Policy funds.
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