Commission proposes EU Solidarity Fund assistance for Cyprus and Portugal

In 2016 Cyprus has been subject to severe drought which caused forest fires cyprus and scarcity of water for the population. Cyprus is set to receive nearly €7.3 million from the EUSF to alleviate the financial burden of the damage.

The Portuguese Island of Madeira was affected by wildfires in August 2016. Almost €4 million from the EUSF will help cover the costs of emergency measures, clean-up operations and of the restoration of vital public infrastructure.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu i said: "Our thoughts are still with the people of Cyprus and Madeira; these tragedies showed once again how important EU solidarity is in times of need. Today we are moving from words to action with financial assistance to help affected communities, revitalise economic activity and support reconstruction efforts."

The financial assistance package now awaits the approval of the European Parliament and Council.

In November 2016, both Cyprus and Portugal received a first disbursement of aid worth €730 000 and €392 500 respectively.

Background

The EU Solidarity Fund was set up to support EU Member States and accession countries by offering financial assistance after natural disasters. The Fund was created in the wake of the severe floods in Central Europe during the summer of 2002.

Upon request from a Member State, EU Solidarity Fund assistance supplements public expenditure to finance essential emergency operations undertaken by public authorities, such as:

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  Restoration to working order of infrastructure for energy, water, transport, telecoms, health and education;
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  Temporary accommodation and emergency services to meet the immediate needs of the population;
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  Securing of preventive infrastructure such as dams and dykes;
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  Measures to protect cultural heritage;
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  Clean-up operations.

The annual allocation available for the EUSF in 2017 is €563 million. Adding the remainder of the allocation from last year, the total amount of the EU Solidarity Fund available during 2017 is over €1 billion.

More information

EU Solidarity Fund

EUSF interventions since 2002

@EU_Regional @CorinaCretuEU

IP/17/112