Earthquake in Emilia-Romagna

25.5.2012

Question for written answer E-005312/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Debora Serracchiani (S&D) and Francesca Balzani (S&D)

On 20 May 2012, the Emilia-Romagna region was hit by a strong earthquake which killed seven and displaced thousands of people. It also caused serious damage to the region’s cultural heritage.

Existing economic and social cohesion instruments will fund risk-prevention measures. The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to deal with emergency situations swiftly, effectively and flexibly, as stated in Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. However, the regulation does not contain any entry for restoring damage to cultural heritage.

In view of the above, does the Commission agree that an additional and distinct Community instrument is needed which would provide funding to restore cultural heritage destroyed in areas hit by devastating natural disasters?

OJ C 173 E, 19/06/2013