EU opens to flexibility on funds for extreme weather events

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 28 - 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." #IMCAP Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
    (ANSA).