Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001992/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE), Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), Gordan Bosanac (Verts/ALE), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Matej Tonin (PPE)
The devastating floods that affected Slovenia in August 2023, as well as the more recent flooding across Austria, Poland and other European countries, have illustrated the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters across Europe. While the EU’s solidarity mechanisms, including the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), have provided vital assistance in response to such events, the scale of these crises across Europe demands a comprehensive review of existing frameworks to ensure faster and more effective responses, as well as better preparedness.
The Slovenian example proves that the aid provided is indeed insufficient for recovery as the total estimate of the direct damage is approximately EUR 9.9 billion, while EU aid amounts to less than 5 % of that sum.
- 1.Are there any plans to increase funding or flexibility within the EUSF or related instruments to ensure rapid and adequate responses to larger-scale or more frequent climate-related disasters such as floods, fires and droughts? Could improvements be made to streamline cross-border cooperation, resource sharing, and coordination between Member States in disaster preparedness and response?
- 2.What measures or climate adaptation initiatives has the Commission put into its disaster response frameworks to reduce future risks and improve resilience at both national and EU levels?
Submitted: 8.10.2024