EU to Bolster Disaster Relief Funds for Climate-Hit Nations
The European Union is set to enhance its financial support for member states grappling with climate-related disasters. This initiative, announced in late September, aims to provide greater flexibility in the use of EU funds. The focus is on strengthening the capacity of member states to respond to extreme weather events and other climate-related crises.
The EU plans to modify the management of its cohesion policy and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds. This will involve increasing advance payments and providing greater EU coverage for reconstruction expenses. The goal is to ensure rapid access to resources for affected nations.
Key measures include an additional 30% pre-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The EU also intends to cover up to 100% of supported measures, eliminating the need for national co-financing. Up to 10% of existing cohesion funds, allocated to member states until 2027, can be used for immediate reconstruction and aid.
Additionally, the European Commission proposes changes to the CAP's European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This will give member states more flexibility in supporting farmers, foresters, and businesses affected by natural disasters. The EU will cover up to 100% of this support.
European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, emphasized the importance of protecting farmers' livelihoods and resilience. The EU recognizes that climate disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to supporting its members in the face of climate challenges.