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| 14 jun 2017 |
22:02 |
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EP proposal to increase EU financial support following natural disasters
Yesterday the European Parliament gave its green light to the Commission's proposal to provide special EU support to disaster-stricken regions, by covering up to 95% of the costs of the reconstruction works.
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Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu said: "Natural disasters can occur anywhere and anytime and EU citizens need to know that in times of need, the EU cares and is ready to step up its support. I very much welcome the vote of the European Parliament, as it means the proposal will soon enter into force and Member States will be able to activate this mechanism as soon as they need it." The Commission proposed this amendment to the Cohesion policy Regulation in the wake of the earthquakes which struck four regions in Central Italy in 2016. President Juncker had announced that the EU would stand by Italy and its citizens, and help fully reconstruct the areas damaged, including the Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia. But with this proposal, any Member State affected by a natural disaster will be able to activate this form of EU support. Member States struck by earthquakes, floods or severe droughts and forest fires can activate this special EU support from day one of a disaster, and for disasters that have occurred since the beginning of the current programming period, i.e. 1 January 2014. This would supplement EU Solidarity Fund assistance and provide a quick and efficient EU assistance to regions in distress. The proposal now has to be formally approved by the Council before entering into force.
Commissioner Crețu issued a statement when the European Parliament and the Council had reached a provisional agreement on the proposal.
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