EU Solidarity Fund: mobilisation for Cyprus following drought in 2008

PURPOSE: to conclude an interinstitutional agreement in order to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Cyprus affected by a severe drought in 2008.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision 2009/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund, in accordance with point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management.

CONTENT: the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund through a flexibility mechanism, within the annual ceiling of EUR 1 billion, over and above the relevant headings of the financial framework.

On the basis of application for assistance from the Fund by Cyprus following drought which culminated in April 2008, total estimates of the damage caused amount to EUR 176 150 000.

In the light of the examination of the application, and considering the maximum possible grant from the Fund as well as the scope for reallocating appropriations under the heading requiring additional expenditure, the Commission decided to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund for a total amount of EUR 7 605 445, to be allocated under heading 3 of the financial framework.

At the same time, an amending budget has been adopted in order to enter in the 2008 budget specific commitment and payment appropriations, as requested in Point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 (see BUD/2008/2316).