Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: earthquakes in Italy in 2016 and 2017

The Committee on Budgets adopted the report by Giovanni LA VIA (EPP, IT) on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Italy.

Members called on Parliament to approve the draft decision annexed to the draft resolution.

The proposal aims to mobilise EUR 1 196 797 579 in commitment and payment appropriations to assist Italy under the European Union Solidarity Fund within the framework of the general budget of the Union established for the financial year 2017, following an earthquake that struck the regions of Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche and Umbria on 24 August 2016 and the subsequent earthquakes that hit the affected areas.

The proposed mobilisation - the highest single mobilisation of the EUSF ever - requires an amendment to the 2017 budget and a draft amending budget (N°4/2017), aiming at increasing budget article 13 06 01 'Assistance to Member States in the event of a major natural disaster with serious repercussions on living conditions, the natural environment or the economy' by EUR 1 166 797 579 both in commitment and in payment appropriations.