Possibilities of EU support for those affected by the devastating fires

Subject: Possibilities of EU support for those affected by the devastating fires

On Monday, 23 July 2018, two devastating fires broke out in the regions of Kineta in western Attica and Nea Makri, Neo Voutsa and Mati in eastern Attica, leaving dozens of people dead, injured or missing. At the same time, hundreds of houses and properties were completely destroyed.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

– Is there any possibility of EU funding to compensate for the damage suffered by individuals to their homes, and what possibilities for support exist for the affected areas?

– Can the mobilisation of the Solidarity Fund also be requested to compensate for destruction to private property?

– The destruction of forests in both eastern and western Attica means that there is an imminent risk of flooding in winter. Is there any possibility of urgent funding for flood prevention works so that they can be constructed without delay in order to prevent further disasters in winter?

Answer given by Ms Creţu on behalf of the European Commission

(19 October 2018)

The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) may be mobilised for natural disasters having caused total direct damage in excess of a threshold specific to the affected country or region. In the case of Attica the threshold is EUR 1.052 billion. Applications from the Member State must reach the Commission within 12 weeks after the first occurrence of damage as a consequence of a natural disaster. The aim of the EUSF is to complement the efforts of the States concerned and to cover part of their public expenditure for emergency and recovery operations. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund can support actions related to the rehabilitation of public infrastructures and to relaunching the local economy in the affected areas. Compensations for damages to private properties are not eligible under any of the aforementioned Funds.

In the 2014-2020 period, some EUR 1.3 billion (EU contribution) have been allocated for climate-change adaptation and risk prevention measures under the European Structural and Investment Funds. Part of this allocation amounting to some EUR 75 million is directly available to Attica under its co-financed ERDF regional programme 2014-2020. In particular, the Operational Programme of Attica aims to support actions related to adaptation to climate change and prevention and management of risks such as soil erosion, wildfires, floodings, etc., as well as disaster resilience and risk management systems.

Additionally, under the sectoral Operational Programme ‘Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development’, co- funded by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, EUR 98 million are available for similar actions in all of Greece, including Attica.