Flooding in Cephalonia, Corfu and Ithaca — Activation of the EU Solidarity Fund

29.9.2015

Question for written answer E-013203-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE)

A state of emergency has been declared for three months on the island of Cephalonia because of major damage caused by heavy rainfall over the last few days. The extreme weather conditions in Cephalonia and Ithaca turned the streets turned into raging torrents, sweeping away cars and other objects and severely affecting shops and houses, as the water level rose quite sharply. Bad weather caused problems to the road network on the two islands (roads have been closed by landslides and falling trees) so that many areas have been cut off. Corfu has also suffered considerable damage, especially in the south of the island.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

Is it expected that the European Solidarity Fund will be activated to repair the flood damage in the above regions of Greece, since this Fund provides financial assistance to Member States for regions affected by major natural disasters? Have the Greek authorities requested the immediate activation of the Fund?