Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: flooding in Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria in 2014

PURPOSE: to mobilise the Solidarity Fund to assist Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria affected by flooding in 2014.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision (EU) 2015/437 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund.

CONTENT: Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020, and in particular the Article 10 thereof allows for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund, within an annual ceiling of EUR 500 million (2011 prices), over and above the relevant headings of the financial framework.

On the basis of applications from Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria, the calculation of the aid from the Fund, based on the estimate of total damage caused is as follows:

·         Direct damage Serbia: EUR 1 105 622 million;

·         Direct damage Croatia: EUR 297.629 million;

·         Direct damage Bulgaria: EUR 311.328 million.

Aid proposed: Serbia: EUR 60 224 605; Croatia: EUR 8 959 725; Bulgaria: EUR 10 542 110.

Total: EUR 79 726 440.

Therefore, the European Parliament and the Council decided to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund for a total amount of EUR 79 726 440 in commitment appropriations for the financial year 2014.

The same amount of payment appropriations is mobilised under the Funds for the 2015 financial year.

An amending budget (AB) is adopted in parallel in order to enter in the 2014 budget the specific commitments.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 17.12.2014.