Von der Leyen announces €10 billion in aid for flood-hit areas in Central Europe

(Patria) - European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Wroclaw aid of €10 billion for Central European countries affected by catastrophic floods.

- We could mobilise €10 billion from cohesion funds for the countries affected by the floods - said Von der Leyen in Wroclaw, Poland, where she toured flooded areas together with the prime ministers of Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria.

She stressed that all available resources should now be used. First and foremost, there is the Solidarity Fund, which can be used for the reconstruction of infrastructure, such as roads, railways, bridges and the like.

- But, I think that will not be enough given the enormous scale of the damage - said Von der Leyen.

The EU Solidarity Fund can cover parts of the damage.

We can also use the flexibility of the existing cohesion policy rules to mobilise up to €10 billion.

And help communities in 🇵🇱🇨🇿🇸🇰🇦🇹🇷🇴 recover.

Europe stands by your side. pic.twitter.com/hE88RU8qBY

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 19, 2024

The second source is cohesion funds, which are otherwise used with co-financing from member states. In this case, national co-financing would not be required and all funds would come from the cohesion fund, thus securing around €10 billion.

- Maximum flexibility is needed, and you need quick help. Therefore, we must mobilise cohesion funds in a flexible and targeted manner where they are most needed.

I am here to assure you that Europe stands with you. This is a time of need, a natural disaster, in which we must be together to overcome the challenges.

For me, it was in a way painful to see the scale of destruction after the floods, but I must also say it was touching to see the immense solidarity among people in your countries, countless volunteers working tirelessly day and night to help overcome the disaster.

Europe is truly with you, and that is why we discussed how we can help as quickly and effectively as possible - added the EC President.