Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: payment of advances in the general budget for 2019

The Committee on Budgets adopted the report by Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU (EPP, CY) on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide for the payment of advances in the general budget of the Union for 2019.

The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to emergencies and to show its solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. The maximum amount allocated to the Fund may not exceed EUR 500 million (at 2011 prices).

As a reminder, Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 provides that, where necessary in order to ensure the timely availability of budgetary resources, the Fund may be mobilised in an amount of up to EUR 50 million for the payment of advances, entering the corresponding appropriations into the general budget of the Union.

An advance may be granted at the request of a Member State and following a preliminary assessment of the respective EUSF application by the Commission. The amount of the advance should not exceed 10% of the financial contribution anticipated and not exceed EUR 30 million.

The Committee on Budgets called on the European Parliament to approve the decision annexed to the motion for a resolution. The future decision is not specifically related to a particular disaster. Rather, it aims to enter into the general budget of the Union for 2019 the amount of EUR 50 million in commitment and payment appropriations for the payment of advances in a timely and efficient way in the event of a disaster occurring next year.