On Tuesday, the European Parliament took a significant step towards aiding nations affected by the catastrophic floods of 2023 by approving over €1 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF). This funding aims to support five countries—Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and France—in their recovery efforts, focusing on infrastructure repairs, the preservation of cultural heritage, and comprehensive cleanup operations.
Italy will receive the largest allocation, with €378.8 million ($416 million) earmarked for the Emilia-Romagna region, which was particularly hard hit, alongside €67.8 million ($74.4 million) designated for Tuscany. Slovenia will also benefit significantly, securing €428.4 million ($470 million) to assist in its recovery. Meanwhile, Greece and France will receive €101.5 million ($111.5 million) and €46.7 million ($51.3 million), respectively. Austria, while less severely affected, is set to receive €5.2 million ($5.8 million) to support its recovery efforts.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed their solidarity with the flood victims during the discussions surrounding this aid package. They emphasized the alarming increase in natural disasters across Europe, calling attention to the need for enhanced funding mechanisms. MEPs urged the incoming Commission to consider these growing challenges and to increase the EUSF budget in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework.
The aid proposal received strong backing in the Parliament, passing with an impressive 632 votes in favor. Since its establishment in 2002, the EUSF has disbursed more than €8.6 billion ($9.5 billion) in aid to address 130 disasters in 24 EU member states and four candidate countries, showcasing its vital role in disaster response and recovery across the continent.
