The Commission proposes to allocate €144 million from the EUSF to Spain, Romania and Cyprus following weather-related disasters

The European Commission has proposed the mobilisation of €144 million fromthe European Union Solidarity Fund(EUSF) to assist Spain, Romania and Cyprus in their recovery following the devastating weather-related disasters that occurred in 2025. This financial support underlines the EU’s commitment to supporting its Member States in times of crisis, ensuring that affected communities receive the assistance needed to rebuild and restore essential services. 

In determining these amounts, the Commission took into account the scale of the damage caused by each disaster, as reported by each country, in accordance with therules of the EU Solidarity Fund, as well as its financial availability.

Spain: reconstruction following devastating wildfires

In 2025, Spain suffered a series of extreme weather events, including a prolonged drought, intense heatwaves and three major forest fires. The most devastating wave of fires began on 8 August, forcing mass evacuations and tragically claiming eight lives. The Commission is proposing a total of €120.4 million, including an advance of over €30 million already granted, to support recovery efforts, including the restoration of critical infrastructure such as water, sanitation, telecommunications, education, transport and cultural heritage. Funds will also be allocated for temporary accommodation and emergency rescue services.  

Romania: repair of infrastructure damaged by flooding

In May and June 2025, Romania suffered severe flooding in the Centru, Sud Muntenia and Nord Est regions following several days of heavy rain. The Praid salt mine sustained considerable damage when the swollen River Corund eroded part of its bed, compromising the hydroelectric infrastructure and causing widespread power cuts. The Commission proposes to allocate €14.3 million to help restore the affected areas and ensure that essential services are restored as soon as possible. 

Cyprus: recovering from unprecedented forest fires

Cyprus suffered two catastrophic forest fires in July 2025, mainly in the Limassol and Pafos regions. Thousands of residents were displaced, two people lost their lives and around 900 private properties were destroyed. Schools and health centres were forced to scale back their services due to the fires. The Commission is proposing a total of €9.2 million, including an advance of €2.3 million already paid to Cyprus, to support the restoration of energy, water, sanitation, telecommunications and transport infrastructure.  

Next steps

Spain and Cyprus have already received advance payments to support their initial recovery efforts. The total amount proposed will require the approval of the European Parliament and the Council before it can be disbursed. Once approved, the funds will be paid in a single instalment to each Member State. 

Fund

Since its creation in 2002, the EU Solidarity Fund has provided over €10 billion in assistance for 147 disasters, including 127 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies, in 25 Member States and six candidate countries. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the Fund remains a vital tool for ensuring collective resilience. The 2025 wildfire season was themost destructiveon record to date. Consequently, in March 2026, the Commission presented anintegrated approach to wildfire risk management.  

The European Social Fund (ESF) forms part of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve, a special instrument within the EU budget that operates outside the usual spending limits. Its mobilisation requires the approval of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. 

More information: European Commission.