Natural disasters

11.7.2013

Question for written answer E-008402-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Corina Creţu (S&D)

The floods of recent weeks that seriously affected Central and Eastern Europe, and the cross-border nature of climate change-driven disasters, provide clear evidence for the need for coordinated action at EU level.

Unfortunately however, there are a number of shortcomings with regard to disaster response management. The European Union Solidarity Fund was created following the serious flooding of 2002, precisely to support the victims of similar challenges. Regrettably, this instrument of community solidarity cannot now fulfil its mission due to budget deadlock, which was caused, amongst other things, by some Member States opposing the topping up of the Solidarity Fund.

Europe is prone to major floods. Since 2001, we have had the Community Mechanism for Civil Protection and the aforementioned EU Solidarity Fund, but it is evident that the frequency and intensity of disasters represent an increased need for assistance, requiring greater coordination and efficiency. EU capacity for managing natural disasters must include an early warning prevention and evacuation system in the event of danger, and an emergency response centre to coordinate interventions.

Does the Commission envisage a restructuring of the Solidarity Fund based on the budgetary model for humanitarian aid, available for humanitarian crises outside the EU, so that funds can be allocated on an emergency basis?

OJ C 66 E, 06/03/2014