Take-up of European funding for preventing and fighting fires in Greece

Subject: Take-up of European funding for preventing and fighting fires in Greece

Over the past decade, tens of thousands of hectares of forest have been burnt in Greece. In itself, the disastrous destruction of forests has incalculable consequences for all of us, as well as for the climate and quality of life, particularly in the summer months.

The number of victims of fires in Greece, such as the one in Mati, brings added responsibility to take measures to stop or at least decisively reduce tragedies of this kind, through appropriate warning and firefighting systems.

It is vital to make the best possible use of the solutions provided by technology, as well as cross- border cooperation.

1. Because of the low take-up (57%) of resources from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for 2014-2020, in January 2022 the Commission approved an extension until the end of 2023. What has the percentage take-up been to date, and what is the estimated figure by the end of the year?

2. During the 2021-2027 programming period, what sums have already been approved for programmes put forward by Greece for ‘support for adaptation to climate change and fire prevention’?

3. In the current agricultural development programme for Greece, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, what amounts are available for investment in the development and improvement of forest sustainability, including the prevention of damage to forests through fires, natural disasters and other catastrophic events? What amounts have already been used?

Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission

(31 August 2022)

Expenditure made under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programmes in the 2014-2020 period can be eligible for financing if effectively incurred by a beneficiary and paid until 31 December 2023.

EU payments of ESIF funds to Greece (1) have reached 78% of what planned. Based on the payments forecast provided by the Greek authorities, by the end 2022, it is expected that the absorption rate will reach 95% and 70%, for the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund respectively.

For the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, based on the payments forecast provided by the Greek authorities, by the end 2022, it is expected that the absorption rate will reach 66%.

Under the approved programme for ‘Civil protection’ 2021-2027, EUR 458.7 million have been allocated to support measures for adaptation to climate change, out of which EUR 261.8 million have been allocated to management of fire risk.

Under the programme for ‘Environment and climate change’ as well as the 13 regional programmes, expected to be approved shortly, significant resources will be allocated to climate change adaptation and prevention measures, including fire risk management.

In the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Greek Rural Development Programme 2014- 2022 (2) allocated EUR 208, 5 million to investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests.

Up to 19 August 2022, almost EUR 43 million have already been spent (21%).

⋅1∙ As indicated under https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/overview#

⋅2∙ Regulation 1305/2013.