Europees solidariteitsfonds geeft 18 miljoen aan Italië voor overstromingen in Toscane (en)

Over €18 million in European Solidarity Fund (ESF) aid to help repair flood damage in Italy's Tuscany and Liguria regions was approved by the Budgets Committee on Thursday. The decision still needs to be endorsed by the European Parliament as a whole.

The aid, approved in committee by a show of hands, is to be used to repair extensive damage caused by the October 2011 floods to businesses, homes and infrastructure.

Italy applied to the ESF for help in October 2011. The Italian authorities estimated the total cost of the direct damage at €772.5 million.

The ESF aid, totalling €18,061,682 is to be used to help rebuild industry, transport links and homes. This is the first ESF mobilisation in 2012.

The ESF was set up in November 2002 to help victims of natural disasters in regions in need of financial support. It has an annual ceiling of €1 billion.

Next steps

The Council approved the ESF support on 15 May, and Parliament as a whole is set to give its final approval on 12 June.

REF. : 20120529IPR45940