EU Solidarity Fund appropriations for repairing flood damage in Arta, Thesprotia and elsewhere in mainland Greece

Heavy rainfall, extreme weather conditions and flooding over the last few days have caused unprecedented damage in Arta, Thesprotia and elsewhere in mainland Greece.

Dozens of villages had to be evacuated. The Pournariou hydroelectric dam overflowed, while water levels elsewhere rose dangerously destroying the Plaka historic bridge and causing enormous damage to nearby homes and property.

The disaster has already reached massive proportions in the affected areas, serious flood damage having been sustained by 60% of the road network, along with cultivated areas, shops, homes and businesses.

In view of this:

What funding can be provided and when by the EU Solidarity Fund to repair the flood damage fully and without delay and provide financial assistance for the local residents, farmers, professional people and businesses affected in Arta, Thesprotia and elsewhere in mainland Greece?

Source: European Parliament

Answer given by Ms Creţu on behalf of the Commission

The EU Solidarity Fund could provide financial assistance provided that the Greek authorities submit an application to the Commission within 12 weeks of the occurrence of the disaster. The Solidarity Fund can be mobilised for a so-called major (national) disaster if total direct damage exceeds 0.6% of Greece’s gross national income (currently EUR 1.091 billion) or for a so-called regional disaster if total direct damage exceeds 1.5% of the GDP of the region(s) affected. The Commission is in contact with the Greek authorities, who are currently assessing whether the conditions for submitting an application are met.

The amount of financial assistance from the Solidarity Fund would be determined depending on the amount of damage — usually 2.5% of total direct damage for a regional disaster — and would require the approval of the European Parliament and the Council. The assistance could be used to help cover the costs of public emergency operations including measures of protection of cultural heritage. The Fund may not compensate private losses of local residents, farmers, professional people and businesses.

Source: European Parliament