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 Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France relating to six natural disasters occurred in 2023.

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

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 Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France relating to six natural disasters occurred in 2023.

(COM (2024)0325 – C100088/2024 – 2024/0212(BUD))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM (2024)0325 – C100088/2024),

– having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund,

– having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027, and in particular Article 9 thereof,

– having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources, and in particular point 10 thereof,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund,

– having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2024 on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027,

– having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2021 on the effectiveness of Member States’ use of EU Solidarity Fund money in cases of natural disasters,

– having regard to its resolution of 18 May 2021 on the review of the European Union Solidarity Fund,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A100000/2024),

A. whereas between 1 and 17 May 2023, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy experienced extremely intense rainfall which led to flooding resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Italian authorities at EUR 8.5 billion;

B. whereas between 3 and 6 August 2023, Slovenia was impacted by heavy rainfall which led to floods across the country resulting in total direct damages of EUR 7.3 billion according to the Commission;

C. whereas between 3 and 6 August 2023, Austria was impacted by heavy rainfall which led to floods in southern Austrian regions resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Austrian authorities at EUR 208 million;

D. whereas between 4 and 11 September 2023, Greece was impacted by the Mediterranean storm “Daniel” which caused heavy rainfall and led to floods in multiple locations in central Greece, particularly in the Thessaly region, resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Greek authorities at EUR 2.3 billion;

E. whereas between 25 October and 10 November 2023, the Tuscany region of Italy experiences intense rainfall which led to flash floods resulting in total direct damages estimated by the Italian authorities at EUR 2.7 billion;

F. whereas between 2 and 9 November 2023, the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of the Hauts-de-France region of France was impacted by heavy rainfall which caused floods resulting in total direct damages estimated by the French authorities at EUR 1.9 billion;

1. Expresses its deepest solidarity with all the victims, their families and all the individuals affected by the destructive floods in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France as well as with the national, regional and local authorities involved in the relief efforts;

2. Welcomes the decision as a tangible and visible form of the Union’s solidarity with its citizens and the regions in the affected areas in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France;

3. Reiterates the importance of communicating to the public the tangible benefits brought about by the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), also to further increase citizens’ awareness of Union tools and programmes;

4. Highlights the increasing number of severe and destructive natural disasters in Europe and considers that the budget of the EUSF should be expanded; urges the Commission to increase the budget of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR);

5. Stresses that the EUSF is only a curative instrument and that the Union should also continue to address climate change adaptation and mitigation by supporting European and national policies to prevent natural disasters; recalls in this regard the need for effective synergies with other Union policies and programmes and underlines that Member States should make best use of funding opportunities of the European Regional Development Fund; underscores however that assistance provided under the EUSF should not be to the detriment of European funding received by Member States under other Union programmes or policies;

6. Recalls the importance of rapid and solid damage assessment that takes due account of the economic repercussions and calls for increased operational efforts to be made in order to reduce the average time for the release of advanced payments, while ensuring the Union budget is protected;

7. Stresses the urgent need to release immediate financial assistance through the EUSF to ensure that support can reach the affected regions in a timely manner;

8. Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

9. Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

ANNEX: DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France relating to six natural disasters occurred in 2023

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027, and in particular Article 9 thereof,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation on budgetary matters and on sound financial management (IIA) as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources, and in particular point 10 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The European Union Solidarity Fund ('the Fund') aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by major or regional natural disasters or major public health emergency.

(2) The Fund is not to exceed the ceilings as laid down in Article 9 of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2020/2093, as amended by Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765.

(3) On 24 July 2023, Italy submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in Emilia-Romagna in May 2023.

(4) On 20 October 2023, Slovenia submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in August 2023.

(5) On 19 October 2023, Austria submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in August 2023.

(6) On 20 November 2023, Greece submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in September 2023.

(7) On 19 January 2024, Italy submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in Tuscany in October and November 2023.

(8) On 24 January 2024, France submitted an application to mobilise the Fund following the floods in November 2023.

(9) The above mentioned applications meet the conditions for providing a financial contribution from the Fund, as laid down in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.

(10) The Fund should therefore be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France.

(11) In order to minimise the time taken to mobilise the Fund, this Decision should apply from the date of its adoption,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the general budget of the Union, the European Union Solidarity Fund shall be mobilised as follows in commitment and payment appropriations in relation to natural disasters:

(a) the amount of EUR 378 833 540 shall be provided to Italy in relation to floods in the Emilia-Romagna Region in May 2023;

(b) the amount of EUR 428 405 059 shall be provided to Slovenia in relation to the flood in August 2023;

(c) the amount of EUR 5 199 245 shall be provided to Austria in relation to floods in August 2023;

(d) the amount of EUR 101 528 949 shall be provided to Greece in relation to floods in September 2023;

(e) the amount of EUR 67 811 826 shall be provided to Italy in relation to floods in the Tuscany Region in October and November 2023;

(f) the amount of EUR 46 763 069 shall be provided to France in relation to floods in the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region in November 2023.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from [the date of its adoption]*.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Commission proposes to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 (EUSF regulation) for an amount of EUR 1 028 541 689 to provide assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France in relation to the natural disasters (floods) that took place in these countries in 2023.

Italy – major disaster: flood in the Emilia-Romagna region

Between 1 and 17 May 2023, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy was impacted by heavy rain and the resulting flooding. The event affected seven provinces in the central-eastern sector of the Region, with extremely intense rainfall and large cumulated depths recorded especially in the hilly and mountainous areas. The total cumulative rainfall recorded during the entire event ranged between 200 and 500 mm. The consequences of the subsequent floods were severe. On top of the extensive economic losses due to the destruction of infrastructures and damages to both public and private assets, 14 people lost their lives. More than 1500 landslides were triggered by the extreme meteorological condition, causing extensive damage to roads and buildings, network infrastructure and watercourses.

The Italian authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 8.5 billion. This amount exceeds the ‘major natural disaster’ threshold for Italy set at EUR 3.8 billion in 2023. Therefore, the disaster qualifies as a ‘major natural disaster’ according to Article 2(2) of the EUSF Regulation.

Slovenia - major disaster: flood

Between 3 and 6 August 2023, a strong low-pressure system caused extensive rainfall. Heavy rainfall and torrential downpours triggered large-scale flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Most precipitation was measured in the northern half of Slovenia with up to 150-200 mm of rain. The flood event was exceptional in that it involved the three largest Slovenian rivers. The high waters destroyed roads, bridges, water supply infrastructure, sewerage, electricity, numerous houses and urban areas and agricultural land.

According to the Commission, the total direct damage caused by the disaster was EUR 7.3 billion. This amount exceeds the ‘major natural disaster’ threshold for Slovenia of 0.6% of its Gross National Income, which was EUR 308.8 million in 2023. Therefore, the disaster qualifies as a ‘major natural disaster’ according to Article 2(2) of the EUSF Regulation.

Austria - neighbouring country disaster: flood

Between 3 and 6 August 2023, heavy rain caused numerous damages to public and private infrastructures in southern Austria, especially in Lower Carinthia and Styria. The rain flooded buildings, cellars, garages, forests, fields and triggered over 900 mudflows and landslides. More than 120 communities were impacted by the storm damages, including isolated power outages due to high groundwater. Additional damages were reported in neighbouring federal states such as Salzburg and Burgenland.

The Austrian authorities submitted the application under the “neighbouring country” disaster criterion as laid down in Article 2(4) of the EUSF Regulation, which stipulates that assistance from the EUSF may also be mobilised for any natural disaster in an eligible State that is also a major natural disaster in a neighbouring eligible State. Austria estimates the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 208.0 million. As the same natural disaster qualifies as a “major natural disaster” in Slovenia, a neighbouring eligible State, the application from Austria is eligible for a contribution from the EUSF pursuant to Article 2(4) of the EUSF Regulation.

Greece - major disaster: cyclone

Between 4 and 11 September 2023, an intense and extensive meteorological-hydrological event characterized by high and persistent rainfall occurred, which resulted in catastrophic flooding in multiple locations in central Greece, particularly in the Thessaly region. The total cumulative rainfall recorded during the entire event ranged between 400 and 1000 mm in the affected regions. During the event, most of the region received an amount of precipitation comparable to the average annual total rainfall. The torrential rain generated major flooding in central Greece, causing extensive regions to be inundated. The flooding wreaked massive destruction on infrastructure, turning streets into rivers, tearing down buildings and bridges, and leaving whole villages submerged. On top of the extensive economic losses due to the destruction of infrastructures and damages to both public and private assets stepping from the agricultural and livestock industries as well as SMEs, 17 people lost their lives.

The Greek authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 2.3 billion. This amount exceeds the ‘major natural disaster’ threshold for Greece of 0.6% of its Gross National Income, which was EUR 1.1 billion in 2023. Therefore, the disaster qualifies as a ‘major natural disaster’ according to Article 2(2) of the EUSF Regulation.

Italy - regional disaster: floods in Tuscany Region

Between 25 October and 10 November 2023, the Tuscany region of Italy was impacted by an extreme amount of rainfall within a relatively short amount of time, particularly in the provinces of Prato, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, and Livorno. The rain and the accompanying strong wind triggered flash floods and landslides. The consequences of the subsequent floods were severe. The event caused substantial economic damage, killed seven people and forced thousands to leave their homes.

The application presented the event as a “regional natural disaster” as laid down in Article 2(3) of the EUSF Regulation, which is any natural disaster in a region at NUTS level 2 of an eligible State resulting in direct damage exceeding 1.5% of that region's gross domestic product (GDP). The Italian authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 2.7 billion. This amount represents approximately 2.4% of the Tuscany region’s GDP and exceeds the indicated applicable threshold for “regional disaster”, which for the Tuscany region is EUR 1.7 billion in 2024.

France - regional disaster: flood

Between 2 and 9 November 2023, the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais region within the Hauts-de-France region of France was hit by significant rainfall, reaching 271 mm in some areas. These circumstances led to a rapid increase in river levels within a short period of time and the overflow of major rivers. The consequences of the event were severe, leading to numerous mudslides and subsequent road closures. The disaster caused considerable economic damage, and forced thousands to leave their homes.

The application presented the event as a “regional natural disaster” as laid down in Article 2(3) of the EUSF Regulation, which is any natural disaster in a region at NUTS level 2 of an eligible State resulting in direct damage exceeding 1.5% of that region's gross domestic product (GDP). The French authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 1.9 billion. This amount represents approximately 1.64% of the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais region’s GDP and exceeds the indicated applicable threshold for “regional disaster”, which for the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is EUR 1.8 billion in 2024.

Conclusion

The methodology for calculating the aid was set out in the 2002-2003 Annual Report on the EUSF and accepted by the Council and the European Parliament. The Commision therefore proposes to the budget authority to mobilise the following amounts for all six applications:

Council Regulation 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 split the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR) in two separate instruments: the European Solidarity Reserve and the Emergency Aid Reserve. The European Solidarity Reserve with an annual amount of EUR 1 016 million (in 2018 prices, corresponding to EUR 1 144.2 million in 2024 prices) will be used for assistance to respond to emergency situations covered by the EUSF.

In order to avoid an early depletion of the annual allocation, Article 3(7) of the EUSF Regulation and Article 9(2), second subparagraph, of the amended MFF Regulation stipulate that 25% of the annual EUSF allocation (i.e. EUR 286 million for 2024) shall remain available on 1 October of each year.

Finally, according to the Article 4a(4) of the EUSF Regulation, the amount of EUR 50 000 000 has been already inscribed in the EU general budget 2024 (in commitments and payments appropriations) for the payment of possible advances.

Therefore, the maximum amount that can be used by the EUSF from the 2024 European Solidarity Reserve allocation at this stage is EUR 808 135 764 which allows covering the payment needs of this mobilisation.

The Rapporteur recommends the swift approval of the Commission proposal for a decision annexed to this report, leading to the rapid mobilisation of the aforementioned amounts, as a sign of European solidarity with Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France. The rapporteur calls on the Commission that this financial contribution should be delivered with particular urgency.