Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: earthquake in Spain and flooding in Italy

PURPOSE: to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Spain and Italy hit by natural disasters.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision 2012/6/EU 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, within an annual ceiling of EUR 1 billion, over and above the relevant headings of the financial framework.

On the basis of applications for assistance from the Fund by Spain in relation to an earthquake in the Murcia region, and from Italy following flooding, the European Parliament and the Council have decided to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund for a total amount of EUR 37 979 875 in commitment and payment appropriations from the 2011 general budget of the European Union.