Brussels is putting forward its
proposal to governments to ensure greater flexibility in the use
of EU funds and to strengthen their capacity to respond to
severe weather and climate disasters.
The proposal, initially mentioned by Ursula von der Leyen in
late September during a visit to areas affected by the floods
that crippled Poland and Central Europe, comes as Italy once
again grapples with floods impacting Emilia-Romagna, Liguria,
Sicily, and Calabria.
There will be increased advance payment ceilings, greater EU
coverage for reconstruction expenses, and quick access to
resources: at the request of many capitals — including Rome.
Brussels is proposing to revise the management of EU Cohesion
Policy and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds (which alone
account for two-thirds of the EU's long-term budget) to repair
infrastructure and support businesses and farmers.
"When climate disasters strike, Europe is stronger when united,"
commented von der Leyen, highlighting her commitment to support
the efforts of the 27, battered by unprecedented disasters,
including wildfires and floods.
Within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund
(ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), Brussels aims
to introduce an additional 30% of pre-financing to ensure
immediate liquidity for the 27, alleviating pressure on their
national budgets.
The EU is also offering to cover up to 100% of the supported
measures, without requiring — as is customary — national
co-financing.
Up to 10% of the current Cohesion funds allocated to Member
States until 2027 could be used by countries for reconstruction
and immediate aid.
Assistance will also be extended to agriculture: von der Leyen's
administration proposes amending the Rural Development Fund
(EAFRD) under the CAP to give States more flexibility to support
farmers, foresters, and businesses impacted by natural
disasters, with EU support up to 100%.
"Climate disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and
severe, and farmers are among the first to be affected,"
recalled European Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski,
promising that "protecting the livelihoods of farmers and their
resilience must always remain a key objective."
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