The plenary on Thursday backed a proposal to mobilise European funds to assist Spain after the devastating floods of October 2024.
With 622 votes in favour, 10 against and 3 abstentions, MEPs backed 946.1 million from the Solidarity Fund to deal with the consequences of the October 2024 floods, which mainly affected the Valencian Community.
In their request for assistance, the Spanish authorities estimated the total direct damage caused by the disaster at 20.28 billion, which the Commission reduced to ¤18.08 billion. Spain requested an advance of €100 million, which the Commission has already paid.
The money will be used for the recovery of energy, water, waste water, telecommunications, transport, health and education infrastructures, as well as for clean-up operations, temporary accommodation and rescue services.
The same aid package also includes assistance to France following the cyclones that hit the islands of Mayotte (‘89.6 million) in December 2024 and La Réunion (‘21.2 million) in February 2025.
Context
The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), the Union’s main instrument for disaster relief, has provided over ¤9.6 billion since its creation in 2002 in response to 136 major crises, including 116 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies, in 24 EU countries (plus the UK) and four candidate countries.
More information: European Parliament
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