Aid of 120 million has been approved for Spain following the fires in August 2025

MEPs backed the proposal to release funds from the EU Solidarity Fund by 642 votes in favour, 13 against and one abstention. The lion’s share, €120.55 million, will go to Spain.

Last August, the country suffered its third and most destructive wave of severe forest fires following a summer marked by a prolonged drought, extreme heatwaves and multiple outbreaks of fire. The fires affected sixteen autonomous communities, causing significant environmental, social and economic damage, as well as loss of life. The national authorities estimated the total direct damage at €4,318.27 million, which exceeds the threshold for classification as a major natural disaster under the Solidarity Fund Regulation.

Spain has already received an advance payment of 30 million euros to support initial recovery efforts. The aid will help to fund emergency response measures, including the restoration of essential infrastructure and public services, the clearance of areas affected by the disaster, and the provision of temporary accommodation, rescue services and other urgent recovery measures.

Romania will receive 14.34 million euros following the severe floods in May and June 2025. Cyprus, for its part, will receive 9.21 million to address the damage caused by two major forest fires in July 2025.

Background

The European Union Solidarity Fund is the EU’s main instrument for providing aid in the wake of a disaster. Since its creation in 2002, it has mobilised more than 10,000 million euros to respond to 147 disasters, comprising 127 natural disasters and 20 public health emergencies, across 25 EU Member States and six candidate countries. The 2025 wildfire season was the most destructive on record.

More information: European Parliament.