Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: earthquakes in Italy in 2012

PURPOSE: to mobilise the EU Solidarity Fund to assist Italy hit by a series of earthquakes.

PROPOSED ACT: Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council.

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.

The conditions of eligibility to the Fund are detailed in Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002.

On the basis of applications for assistance from the Fund by Italy in relation to a series of earthquakes, total estimates of the damage caused are as follows:

• Direct damage: EUR 13 113.498 million;
• Aid proposed: EUR 670 192 359

Total: EUR 670 192 359.

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 proposes to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund for a total amount of EUR 670 192 359, to be allocated under heading 3b of the financial framework.

By presenting this proposal to deploy the Fund, the Commission initiates the simplified trilogue procedure in view of securing the agreement of the two arms of the Budgetary Authority on the need to use the Fund and the amount required. The Commission invites each arm of the budgetary authority to inform the other arm and the Commission on its intentions. In case of disagreement by either of the two arms of the Budgetary Authority, a formal trilogue meeting will be convened.

The Commission will present a draft amending budget (DAB) in order to enter in the 2012 budget specific commitment and payment appropriations, as requested in Point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006.