The Commission pays an advance of EUR 100 million to Spain for the recovery after the DANA

The Commission paid on 31 March an advance of EUR 100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to help finance its recovery efforts following the October 2024 DANA storm in Valencia. This is the maximum amount allowed under the EUSF as an advance payment.

The Commission is currently assessing the formal application for compensation under the EUSF submitted by Spain in January 2025. Once this assessment is completed, the Commission will make a proposal on the total amount to be granted to Spain under the EUSF.

Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President in charge of Cohesion and Reforms, said: “The DANA has caused severe devastation in Valencia, with hundreds of lives lost and the destruction of many homes and infrastructure. Our commitment to support the people and the region during this difficult recovery remains unwavering.

The EU Solidarity Fund is a post-disaster relief instrument providing financial support to EU Member States and candidate countries for their recovery efforts following major natural disasters.

The funding can be used to restore essential infrastructure such as energy, water, health, education or telecommunications systems, as well as for measures to protect cultural heritage or for clean-up operations. The granting of an advance does not prejudge the final amount of EUSF assistance to be granted, as this will depend on the Commission’s assessment of Spain’s request and budgetary availability.

More information: European Commission