EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 27.8.2024

COM(2024) 325 final

2024/0212(BUD)

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

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.Context of the proposal

This decision covers the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (hereinafter referred to as ‘the EUSF’) in accordance with Council Reglation (EC) No 2012/2002 1 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the 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.

This mobilisation is accompanied by DEC No 08/2024 that proposes to transfer the amount of EUR 796 760 300 from the European Solidarity Reserve (hereinafter referred as ‘the ESR’) reserve line to the EUSF operational budget line, both in commitments and payments appropriations. In addition to the transferred appropriations from the ESR reserve line, this mobilisation is financed trough the use of an amount of EUR 37 073 004 in commitments and payment appropriations already inscribed in the EU general budget 2024 and EUR 194 708 385 from appropriations of the EU general budget 2023, already paid as advances, in accordance with Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation.

2.Information and conditions

2.1Italy – major disaster: flood in the Emilia-Romagna region

Between 1 and 17 May 2023, the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy experienced extremely intense rainfall which led to flooding.

Subsequently, Italy applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 24 July 2023, Italy submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in May 2023.

(2)Italy applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occurred on 1 May 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)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.

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)Italy requested the payment of an advance on the anticipated contribution pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation. On the basis of the preliminary assessment, the Commission concluded that the conditions for paying an advance from the EUSF were met. Therefore, an advance of EUR 94 708 385 was awarded by Commission Implementing Decision C(2023) 7823 of 13 November 2023. The advance was paid to Italy on 29 November 2023.

(7)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.

(8)The Italian authorities requested assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Italy asked for four High-Capacity Pumping modules. After the activation of the UCPM, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, and Belgium provided support in the flooded areas. The European Copernicus Emergency Rapid Mapping and Risk & Recovery systems and the national ASI-COSMO-Skymed system were activated to identify the affected areas.

(9)Italy estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 681.8 million and presented the costs broken down by type of operation. The largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns securing the preventive infrastructure and measures of protection of cultural heritage amounting to over EUR 293.7 million. The second largest share of cost concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of energy, water, waste water, telecoms, transport, health, and education amounting to EUR 220.5 million. The third largest share of cost concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 85.7 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services amounting to EUR 82.0 million.

(10)Italy has transposed the Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (“Directive 2007/60/EC”) 2  through the Legislative Decree of 23 February 2010, n. 49. The Legislative Decree n. 49/2010 states that flood hazard maps and flood risk maps need to be adopted for areas identified according to the same piece of legislation.

(11)At the date of submitting the application Italy was not subject to infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster.

(12)The Italian authorities did not indicate any insurance coverage of eligible cost. 

2.2Slovenia – major disaster: flood

Between 3 and 6 August 2023, Slovenia was impacted by heavy rainfall which led to floods across the country.

Subsequently, Slovenia applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 20 October 2023, Slovenia submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in August 2023.

(2)Slovenia applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occurred on 4 August 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)The Slovenian authorities estimate the total direct damage caused by the disaster at close to EUR 10.0 billion. The Commission accepted EUR 7.3 billion as plausible total direct damage. 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.

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)Slovenia requested the payment of an advance on the anticipated contribution pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation. On the basis of the preliminary assessment, the Commission concluded that the conditions for paying an advance from the EUSF were met. Therefore, an advance of EUR 100 million was awarded by Commission Implementing Decision C(2023) 8168 of 23 November 2023. The advance was paid to Slovenia on 11 December 2023.

(7)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, electicity, numerous houses and urban areas and agricultural land.

(8)The Slovenian authorities requested assistance through UCPM, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and NATO through the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). Assistance was offered by 12 EU Member States and a number of third countries.

(9)Slovenia estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 6 786.0 million and presented it broken down by type of operation. The largest share of cost concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of water, waste water, telecoms, transport, health, and education amounting to EUR 5 089.0 million. The second largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 853.2 million. The third largest share of cost concerns securing the preventive infrastructure and measures of protection of cultural heritage amounting to EUR 816.2 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services amounting to EUR 27.2 million.

(10)Slovenia transposed the Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council through the Slovenian Water Act in 2008 (Article 1(4)(4)). 

(11)At the date of submitting the application Slovenia was not subject to infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster.

(12)The Slovenian authorities indicated that it is estimated that up to 4.7% of the estimated damage could be recovered by insurance.

2.3Austria - neighbouring country disaster: flood

Between 3 and 6 August 2023, Austria was impacted by heavy rainfall which led to floods in southern Austrian regions.

Subsequently, Austria applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 19 October 2023, Austria submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in August 2023.

(2)Austria applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occurred on 3 August 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)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.

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)Austria did not request the payment of an advance pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation.

(7)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.

(8)Austria did not request assistance through the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

(9)Austria estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 76.5 million and presented it broken down by type of operation. The largest share of cost concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of energy, water, waste water, and transport amounting to EUR 65.6 million. The second largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns securing the preventive infrastructure amounting to EUR 9.7 million. The third largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services EUR 0.8 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 0.4 million.

(10)Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council was transposed into Austrian law by the 2011 amendment to the Water Law Act (Federal Law Gazette I no 14/2011).  

(11)At the date of submitting the application Austria was not subject to infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster.

(12)The Austrian authorities did not indicate any insurance coverage of eligible cost.

2.4Greece - major disaster: cyclone

Between 4 and 11 September 2023, Greece was impacted by the Mediterranean storm “Daniel” which caused heavy rainfall and resulted in flooding in multiple locations in central Greece, particularly in the Thessaly region.

Subsequently, Greece applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 20 November 2023, Greece submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in September 2023.

(2)Greece applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occured on 4 September 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)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.

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)Greece requested the payment of an advance on the anticipated contribution pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation. On the basis of the preliminary assessment, the Commission concluded that the conditions for paying an advance from the EUSF were met. Therefore, an advance of EUR 25 382 237 was awarded by Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 505 of 23 January 2024. The advance was paid to Greece on 8 February 2024.

(7)Between 4 and 11 September 2023, an intense and extensive meteorological-hydrological event characterized by high and persistent rainfall occured, 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, 17 people lost their lives.

(8)The Greek authorities did not request assistance through the UCPM.

(9)Greece estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 1 941.0 million and presented it broken down by type of operation. The largest share of cost concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of energy, water, waste water, telecoms, transport and education amounting to EUR 1 657.0 million. The second largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 230.6 million. The third largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services amounting to EUR 42.8 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns securing the preventive infrastructure and measures of protection of cultural heritage amounting to EUR 11.4 million.

(10)Greece has transposed the Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council through the Joint Ministerial Decision ΚΥΑ 31822/1542/Ε130/2010 (ΦΕΚ Β΄ 1108/21.07.2010) to the internal legal system.

(11)At the date of submitting the application, Greece was  subject to two infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster. INFR(2021)2254 in relation to the update of flood risk and flood hazard maps as required by Directive 2007/60/EC was closed on 24 April 2024. INFR(2022)2191 has been referred on 13 March 2024 to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to finalise the revision of Greece’s river basin management plans as required under the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) and flood risk management plans as required under the Floods Directive (Directive 2007/60/EC).

(12)The Greek authorities did not indicate any insurance coverage of eligible cost.

2.5Italy - regional disaster: floods in Tuscany Region

Between 25 October and 10 November 2023, the Tuscany region of Italy experienced intense rainfall which inevitably led to flash floods.

Subsequently, Italy applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 19 January 2024, Italy submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in October and November 2023 in the Tuscany Region.

(2)Italy applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occured on 29 October 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)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.

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)Italy did not request the payment of an advance pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation.

(7)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 trigerred 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.

(8)The Italian authorities did not request assistance through UCPM. However, the Italian Civil Protection Department has kept the ERCC of the Directorate-General for Europen Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission updated on the progress of disaster management activities.

(9)Italy estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 175.6 million and presented it broken down by type of operation. The largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of energy, water, waste water, telecoms, transport, health, and education amounting to EUR 74.3 million. The second largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services amounting to EUR 49.0 million. The third largest share of cost concerns securing the preventive infrastructure and measures of protection of cultural heritage amounting to EUR 26.4 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 26.0 million.

(10)Italy has transposed the Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council through the Legislative Decree of 23 February 2010, n. 49, regarding the implementation of Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risk. The Legislative Decree n. 49/2010 states that flood hazard maps and flood risk maps need to be adopted for areas identified according to the same piece of legislation.

(11)At the date of submitting the application, Italy was not subject to infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster.

(12)The Italian authorities did not indicate any insurance coverage of eligible cost.

2.6France - 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 impacted by heavy rainfall which caused floods.

Subsequently, France applied for financial assistance from the EUSF.

(1)On 24 January 2024, France submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EUSF to finance emergency and recovery operations following the floods in November 2023.

(2)France applied for a contribution from the EUSF within the deadline of 12 weeks after the first damage caused by the disaster occurred on 2 November 2023. The application contains all the information required under Article 4 of the EUSF Regulation.

(3)The disaster is of natural origin and therefore falls within the field of application of the EUSF.

(4)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 3 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 4 .

(5)The total direct damage is the basis for the calculation of the amount of the financial contribution from the EUSF. The financial contribution may only be used for essential emergency and recovery operations as defined in Article 3 of the EUSF Regulation.

(6)France requested the payment of an advance on the anticipated contribution pursuant to Article 4a of the EUSF Regulation. On the basis of the preliminary assessment, the Commission concluded that the conditions for paying an advance from the EUSF were met. Therefore, an advance of EUR 11 690 767 was awarded by Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 3873 of 6 June 2024. The advance was paid to France on 14 June 2024.

(7)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. Thee 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.

(8)The French authorities requested assistance through UCPM. Assistance was offered by the Netherlands.

(9)France estimated the cost of operations eligible under Article 3(2) of the EUSF Regulation at EUR 160.2 million and presented it broken down by type of operation. The largest share of the cost of emergency operations concerns the restoration of the working order of infrastructure and plants in the fields of energy, water, waste water, telecoms, transport, health, and education amounting to EUR 120.1 million. The second largest share of cost concerns the cleaning up of the disaster-stricken area amounting to EUR 19.3 million. The third largest share of cost concerns securing the preventive infrastructure and measures of protection of cultural heritage amounting to EUR 10.8 million. The fourth largest share of cost concerns temporary accommodation and rescue services amounting to EUR 10.0 million.

(10)France has transposed the Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council through Legislative Decree 2011-227 of 2 March 2011, regarding the implementation of Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risk.

(11)At the date of submitting the application, France was not subject to infringement proceedings concerning Union legislation relating to the nature of the disaster.

(12)The French authorities did not indicate any insurance coverage of eligible cost.

2.7Conclusion

In light of the considerations set out above and following the assessment of the submitted information, the Commission concludes that the disasters referred to in the applications submitted by Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France meet the conditions set out in the EUSF Regulation for mobilising the EUSF.

3.Financing

Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 5 (hereafter the “MFF Regulation"), allows for the mobilisation of the EUSF in the context of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve (SEAR). Point 10 of 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 6 (IIA) as well as on the new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources, lays down the modalities for the mobilisation of the EUSF in the context of the SEAR.

As solidarity was the main justification for the creation of the EUSF, the Commission takes the view that aid should be progressive. Consequently, the portion of the damage exceeding the “major natural disaster” threshold for mobilising the EUSF (i.e. 0,6 % of GNI or EUR 3 billion in 2011 prices, whichever is the lower amount, cf. Article 2(2) EUSF

Regulation) should give rise to higher aid intensity than the portion of the damage below the threshold. That means that the aid amount for a country affected by disaster complying with the conditions for a ‘major natural disaster’ is calculated by adding up two amounts: 2.5% of the total direct damage under the threshold and 6% for the part of the total direct damage above the threshold.

The rate applied for defining the aid amounts for ‘regional natural disasters’, which remains below the national threshold, is 2.5% of total direct damage. In addition, according to Article 2(4) of the EUSF Regulation, 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. When applying for the EUSF assistance based on the ‘neighbouring country’ criterion, there are no thresholds for the sustained total direct damage. The rate applied for defining an aid amount for a disaster under ‘neighbouring country’ criterion is the same as in case of a ‘regional disaster’, i. e. 2.5% of the total direct damage. The contribution may not exceed the estimated total cost of eligible operations.

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 budgetary authority to mobilise the following amounts for all six applications:

Council Regulation 2024/765 7 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.

For information purposes, in 2024, out of the EUR 50 000 000 already inscribed in the 2024 EU general budget for advance payments, the Commission has already paid an advance to Greece regarding floods from cyclone “Daniel” in amount of EUR 25 382 237 and an advance to France regarding the floods in the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in amount of EUR 11 690 767. Accordingly, the remaining available amount for advances is EUR 12 926 996.

2024/0212 (BUD)

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

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 8 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 9 , 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 10 (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 11 .

(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] 12*.

Done at Brussels,

(1)    Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/2012/oj) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/661/oj) and by Regulation (EU) No 461/2020 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/461/oj).

(2)    OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2007/60/oj.

(3)    Nord-Pas de Calais is NUTS level 2 region which corresponds to one of the two former regions (Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardie regions) which were merged into the Hauts-de-France region in 2016.

(4)    The application was submitted in 2024 therefore the applicable threshold is the 2024 threshold

(5)    OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 11, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2093/oj.

(6)    OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 28, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_interinstit/2020/1222/oj.

(7)    Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (OJ L, 2024/765, 29.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/765/oj).

(8)    OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/2012/oj.

(9)    OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 11, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2093/oj. 

(10)    OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 28 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_interinstit/2020/1222/oj.

(11)    Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2024/765 of 29 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (OJ L, 2024/765, 29.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/765/oj).

(12) *    Date to be inserted by the Parliament before the publication in OJ.