In a significant demonstration of solidarity, the European Commission today proposed allocating €280 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist six countries — Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova — in recovering from the devastating floods that struck the region in late 2024.
The funding proposal comes after the severe weather event known as Storm Boris triggered record-breaking rainfall across Central Europe last September, leading to catastrophic flooding. The disaster later spread to Bosnia and Herzegovina in early October, where flash floods and landslides caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
“This is a tangible expression of our commitment to helping EU Member States and partner countries recover swiftly and rebuild with resilience,” said Raffaele Fitto , Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms. “These devastating floods have left profound impacts across Central Europe and beyond.”
Financial Support Breakdown
The Commission’s proposal allocates aid based on the scale of damage each country suffered:
Austria : €42.8 million
Czechia : €114 million
Poland : €76 million
Slovakia : €2.1 million
Bosnia and Herzegovina : €45.7 million
Moldova : €195,200
As the EU’s primary post-disaster relief mechanism, the EUSF will cover costs related to the repair of damaged infrastructure , temporary housing , clean-up operations , protection of cultural heritage sites , and other recovery efforts.
A Region in Crisis
The 2024 Central European floods were among the most destructive in recent memory. Starting in Austria and Czechia, the waters quickly overwhelmed communities, displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, torrential rains led to deadly landslides, further compounding the humanitarian toll.
At the height of the crisis, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated at the request of Czechia and Poland, mobilizing emergency response teams and resources across borders.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the affected regions in September 2024, underscoring the EU’s support for those impacted. “We stand by our people,” she said at the time. “When disaster strikes, Europe stands together.”
Next Steps
The allocation now requires formal approval from both the European Parliament and the Council . Once endorsed, the Commission will issue implementing decisions to release the funds in a single payment, ensuring swift disbursement to local authorities.
Background: The Role of the EUSF
Since its establishment in 2002 — not 2022 as previously stated — the EU Solidarity Fund has played a crucial role in disaster recovery, disbursing over €9.6 billion in response to more than 130 major disasters , including natural catastrophes and health emergencies, across 24 EU member states , the UK, and four candidate countries.
With climate-related disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, the recently adopted RESTORE Regulation allows EU countries to combine EUSF support with funds from the Cohesion Policy , enabling faster and more comprehensive rebuilding efforts.
As floodwaters recede and communities look toward recovery, the EU’s financial pledge serves as a reminder that in times of crisis, solidarity remains one of Europe’s strongest defences.
The EU has allocated €280 million to help with flood recovery in 4 Central European countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova, following severe floods there in autumn 2024. The funds will finance all aspects of disaster recovery including temporary accommodation for affected populations.
Source link
source link eu news
