MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on hydrogeological instability and an exemption from budgetary constraints in order to implement safety measures for areas and regions affected by flooding
14.12.2016
Matteo Salvini, Mara Bizzotto, Mario Borghezio, Angelo Ciocca, Lorenzo Fontana
B8-1368/2016
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on hydrogeological instability and an exemption from budgetary constraints in order to implement safety measures for areas and regions affected by flooding
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas many regions in Europe are clearly suffering from a problem of hydrogeological instability which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency;
B. whereas on 24 November Liguria and Piedmont were devastated by a huge flood, and in Liguria alone, the data, which are not yet definitive, suggest there has been damage to the tune of over EUR 100 million which will have to be covered by the region and the government;
C. whereas, under Regulation (EU) No 651/2014, compensation for material damage to assets and loss of income due to suspension of activity for a period not exceeding six months is not regarded as State aid; whereas these measures are insufficient, especially in the case of flooding, as the impact of the damage it causes is felt over a longer period;
D. whereas current EU budget and state aid constraints make it impossible for the regions and government to implement a preventive strategy to make areas subject to hydrogeological risks safe;
1. Calls on the Commission to totally exempt from EU budgetary constraints all work required to rebuild the areas in question and implement safety measures;
2. Calls on the Commission to provide that favourable tax treatment to communities and businesses affected by these natural disasters should not be regarded as state aid.