92002E3247

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3247/02

by Antonio Di Pietro (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 November 2002)

Subject: Aftermath of the earthquake in Molise

On 31 October 2002, the Molise region was struck by a violent earthquake measuring eight on the Mercalli scale, which had its epicentre in the area north-east of Campobasso and was felt throughout the region.

Twenty-nine people died as a result of the earthquake, and hundreds were injured. In many municipalities there was also serious damage to homes, business premises and public facilities. In some municipalities around 80 % of the built surface area was destroyed.

The damage caused by the earthquake will inevitably impact on the economy of the entire region. Many families have found themselves homeless and having to disburse huge sums, while large numbers of family-run firms and various facilities have been destroyed and it will take many years to restore the villages and the activities carried on there to normal.

Considering that a state of calamity and emergency has been declared in the region, and in view of the serious economic repercussions confronting the local population, does the Commission feel that the circumstances dictate that Molise should be granted the benefits applicable to an Objective One region?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2003)

The Honourable Member is informed that Molise, classed as an Objective 1 region (transitional support) for the 2000-2006 period, already enjoys the same opportunities as the other Objective 1 regions. An Operational Programme for EUR 605 million (Community contribution EUR 115 million) is helping promote sustainable economic development. One of its measures is concerned with restoring agricultural production potential affected by natural disasters and putting suitable means of prevention in place.

The provisions on aid from the EAGGF also include the possibility in the rural development framework of a measure for renovation and development of villages and rural heritage conservation.

The Commission is prepared to examine any proposal from the regional and national authorities for adjustment of the Operational Programme in progress in order to concentrate available resources on existing or new measures that will help overcome certain problems following the earthquake.

The Commission also refers the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Questions E-3258/02 by Mrs Muscardini and Mrs Poli and E-3434/02 by Mrs Angelilli(1), which indicates the various Community-level measures that can be brought into play when natural disasters occur and the conditions under which they apply.

(1) See page 78.