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REPORT (COM(2026)7001 – C100226/2026 – 2026/0284(BUD))

On the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Malta and Italy regarding the storm Harry in January 2026 and to Portugal and Spain following the storms in January and February 2026

A-10-2026-0274

Committee on Budgets · Rapporteur: Lucia Yar

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 21 Oct 2026

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Parliament's motion for a resolution backs the Commission's proposal to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain after storms in January and February 2026. It approves the decision annexed to the resolution and calls for the aid to be released urgently and reach final recipients quickly. It asks the Commission and member states to invest more in prevention, resilience and adaptation, with targeted support for islands and vulnerable groups. It calls for synergies with other Union funds, simpler and faster EUSF procedures, transparent use of money, and better public communication of the fund's benefits.

Committee position. The rapporteur supports swift adoption of the Commission proposal and rapid release of the assistance as a sign of European solidarity, and calls on the Commission to deliver the contribution with particular urgency.

Key points

  1. Expresses solidarity with the victims and affected people in Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain and with the authorities involved in relief efforts.
  2. Welcomes the decision as a visible form of Union solidarity and says EUSF aid complements member states' own efforts under subsidiarity.
  3. Calls on member states and the Commission to invest more in prevention, resilience, adaptation and mitigation, and says EUSF actions should stay adequately financed under the next multiannual financial framework.
  4. Highlights the vulnerability of islands and calls for targeted adaptation measures, adequate funding, simplified procedures and technical assistance for them.
  5. Stresses that the EUSF is only a curative instrument and urges continued action on climate adaptation and disaster prevention, including under the Paris Agreement commitments.
  6. Invites member states to build risk-assessment and adaptation structures, says EUSF-funded reconstruction must be climate-resilient, and calls for protection of critical infrastructure.
  7. Calls on the Commission to help member states share information on preventive and health measures in extreme weather, with attention to older people, persons with disabilities and people with chronic illnesses.
  8. Encourages use of digital tools, satellite data such as Copernicus, artificial intelligence and early-warning systems, and welcomes Copernicus support to Portugal.
  9. Calls for coordination between the EUSF and other Union funds to avoid gaps and double funding, and for cooperation with Union agencies.
  10. Says EUSF aid must not reduce other Union funding, stresses transparent use of resources, and calls for temporary measures for businesses in damaged coastal and port areas.
  11. Welcomes advance payments, urges the Commission to speed up and simplify EUSF procedures, and calls for prompt release of aid to Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
  12. Calls for simpler internal procedures while preserving Parliament's rights, and for better communication of EUSF benefits to the public.

Who is affected

  • Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain: the four member states receiving EUSF assistance after the January and February 2026 storms.
  • Islands and island member states: called to receive targeted adaptation measures and adequate, simply administered funding.
  • Vulnerable people, including older people, persons with disabilities and people with chronic illnesses: attention to their care in extreme weather.
  • Businesses in damaged coastal and port areas, including concession holders: temporary measures to help them resume activities.
  • Final recipients such as businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, families and citizens: aid should reach them promptly.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 489 148 220: amount the Commission proposes to mobilise from the EUSF.
  • EUR 132,97 million: total direct damage estimated by the Maltese authorities.
  • EUR 2 995,4 million: total direct damage estimated by the Italian authorities.
  • EUR 5 351,97 million: total direct damage estimated by the Portuguese authorities.
  • EUR 4 839,53 million: total direct damage estimated by the Spanish authorities.
  • 18 fatalities: deaths reported in Portugal from the storms.
  • Over 150 roads: roads closed in Spain because of the storms.
  • 25% of the annual EUSF allocation must remain available on 1 October; in 2026 this corresponds to EUR 297.6 million.