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Amending budget 2/2012: mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for Italy

2012/2057(BUD)

The Committee on Budgets adopted the report drafted by Francesca BALZANI (S&D, IT) on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2012 of the European Union for the financial year 2012, Section III – European Commission.

Members recall that this draft amending budget relates to the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for an amount of EUR 18 061 682 in commitment and payment appropriations to mitigate the effects of flooding in Italy (Liguria and Tuscany) in October 2011.

They state that the draft amending budget No 2/2012, as presented by the Commission, proposed an increase in the level of payment appropriations, in the absence of any source of possible redeployment of the required payment appropriations at this early stage in the year.

Members take note:

  • of the fact that the Council amended Commission's proposal following the identification by the latter of possible sources for redeployments for the required amount;
  • of the draft amending budget No 2/2012, as presented by the Commission, and the Council’s position on it.

Members consider of great importance the quick release of financial assistance through the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for those affected by natural catastrophes. They greatly deplore, for the specific case addressed by Draft amending Budget No 2/2012, that the other branch of the budgetary authority has awaited 8 weeks before taking its position. Members call on all involved parties in the Member States, i.e. both at local and regional level, and national authorities to improve assessment of needs and the coordination for future potential applications to the EUSF in a view to accelerate, as much as possible, the mobilisation of the EUSF.

At the same time, the committee approved the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2012.