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

The European Parliament adopted by 639 votes to 29, with 5 abstentions, a resolution 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.

Parliament approved the proposal for a decision to mobilise, within the framework of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019, an amount of EUR 50 million in commitment and payment appropriations from the European Union Solidarity Fund for the payment of advances. The decision should apply from 1 January 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).

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.