Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: earthquake in Greece in 2015

PURPOSE: to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece following the earthquake in 2015.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision (EU) 2016/1856 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Greece.

CONTENT: Council Regulation (EU, EURATOM) No 1311/2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020, and in particular 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.

The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by natural disasters.

On the basis of a request from Greece to mobilise the Fund in February 2016 following an earthquake that affected the Ionian Islands in November 2015, it has been decided to mobilise the Funds with a view to providing an overall financial contribution of EUR 1 651 834 for the Greek request.

The amount of the mobilisation shall be financed from the appropriations mobilised through Decision (EU) 2016/252 of the European Parliament and of the Council for the payment of advances in the Union budget for the financial year 2016. The appropriations available for the payment of advances shall be reduced accordingly.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.10.2016. The Decision shall apply from 11.10.2016.