Moldova will receive over €195,000 from the EU to repair 2024 flood-damaged infrastructure
The European Parliament approved the release of 280.7 million euros from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support six European countries affected by the devastating floods in the fall of 2024, including the Republic of Moldova.
The total amount allocated for our country is 195,200 euros. This funding will be used to repair infrastructure damaged by floods, provide temporary accommodation for evacuated individuals, protect affected cultural heritage, and support clean-up and reconstruction activities, according to a statement from the European Parliament.
Through the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), Austria will receive 42.8 million euros, the Czech Republic will receive 114 million euros, Poland will get 76 million euros, Slovakia will receive 2.1 million euros, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive 45.7 million euros.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed their solidarity with the victims. They urged the European Commission to significantly increase the EUSF budget or create a similar funding mechanism within the Union's future multiannual budget. Furthermore, Parliament emphasizes that adapting to climate change and preventing natural disasters should remain a priority for both European and national policies.
"Parliament is taking another positive step in supporting citizens in need. The Fund can now help repair infrastructure, provide shelter, and improve prevention efforts. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the European Union must be equipped to provide financial aid quickly and efficiently," stated MEP Andrzej Halicki (EPP, Poland), Parliament’s rapporteur on the matter.
Following the vote, 643 MEPs supported the European Commission’s proposal, while 13 voted against it and 35 abstained.
The European Union Solidarity Fund is the EU’s primary mechanism for providing support in the event of major disasters. Since its inception in 2002, the EUSF has provided over 9.6 billion euros in response to 136 major crises, including 116 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies. This aid has been distributed to 24 EU member states, including the United Kingdom, as well as four candidate countries, including the Republic of Moldova.
It is essential to note that the heavy rains from September 14 to 16, 2024, caused significant damage throughout the Republic of Moldova. According to Moldovan authorities, over 400 operations were conducted to address the aftermath of the torrential rains within just 72 hours. Of these, 214 interventions were focused on pumping water from homes, primarily in the central and southern regions of the country. Additionally, efforts were made to reinforce the dams and protective dikes along the Nistru and Prut rivers to prevent potential future incidents.
