Solidarity Fund assistance for the Sannio region of Italy

29.10.2015

Question for written answer E-014249-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nicola Caputo (S&D)

The Sannio region of Italy — Benevento in particular — and the province of Taranto have been hit by catastrophic floods, causing a number of deaths and untold damage to public and private infrastructure, farms, businesses and private property.

The European Union Solidarity Fund is there to provide Member States with financial support when such natural disasters occur.

— Is the Commission working to fast track the application process initiated by the Italian Government, with a view to providing immediate assistance under the Solidarity Fund?

— If there is a high probability of the application being approved, could a 10% advance payment be made for Benevento?

— Could an exception be made to the automatic decommitment rule, in accordance with Article 96(c) of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006, in order to give the affected regions longer to make use of the funding available?