EU proposes €1b aid for flood recovery

The European Union (EU) has proposed over €1 billion in financial support from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and France in recovering from severe floods in 2023.

The aid package includes €378.8 million for Italy, covering damages in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany; €428.4 million for Slovenia; €5.2 million for Austria; €101.5 million for Greece; and €46.7 million for France.

The funds will support emergency and recovery operations, including infrastructure repairs, cultural heritage protection, and clean-up efforts.

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira emphasised the importance of this aid in aiding recovery and building resilience against climate change.

The proposal awaits approval by the European Parliament and Council before funds can be disbursed.

Since its establishment in 2002, the EUSF has provided over €8.6 billion for 130 disasters across Member States and accession countries.