Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: flooding in Madeira, Portugal, and storm Xynthia in France in 2010

PURPOSE: to mobilise the EU Solidarity Fund to assist Portugal and France hit by severe flooding in 2010.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision 2010/804/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 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 (EUSF), within an 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 Portugal and France relating to landslides and flooding on Madeira island (Portugal) and storm Xynthia (France) in February 2010, the European Parliament and the Council have decided to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide the sum of EUR 66 891 540 in commitment and payment appropriations.

An amending budget has been adopted in parallel in order to formerly enter the appropriations in the 2010 budget, as requested in Point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 (see BUD/2010/2238.