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

The European Parliament adopted by 647 votes to 7, with 16 abstentions, a resolution approving, unamended, the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2012 of the European Union for the financial year 2012, Section III – European Commission.

Parliament recalls 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. It states 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 and takes note of the Council position as regards this issue.

Parliament considers of great importance the quick release of financial assistance through the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for those affected by natural catastrophes. It greatly deplores that the other branch of the budgetary authority has awaited 8 weeks before taking its position. Parliament calls 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.