Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain with regard to storms in 2026

The European Parliament adopted by 651 votes to 17, with 3 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 assistance to Malta and Italy regarding the storm Harry in January 2026 and to Portugal and Spain following the storms in January and February 2026.

Parliament approved the decision to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for an amount of EUR 489 148 220 to provide assistance to Malta and Italy following storm Harry in January 2026 and to Portugal and Spain following the storms in January and February 2026.

Since the requests submitted by Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain fulfil the conditions for providing a financial contribution from the Fund, Parliament approved the following amounts in commitment and payment appropriations within the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2026:

- EUR 3 724 057 to Malta;

- EUR 74 884 983 to Italy;

- EUR 261 483 810 to Portugal;

- EUR 149 055 370 to Spain.

The resolution highlighted the increasing number of severe, destructive and deadly natural disasters in Europe whose impacts are exacerbated by human activity, despite the efforts already made at Union, national, regional and local level to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention and resilience. It called on Member States and the Commission to further invest in prevention, resilience, adaptation and mitigation measures to mitigate human and economic losses. In this regard, Members encouraged the systematic use and operational integration of innovative digital tools, satellite data (e.g. Copernicus), artificial intelligence and early-warning systems to enhance risk assessment, anticipation, disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Moreover, Parliament considered that actions currently financed under the EUSF should continue to be adequately financed under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, in order to respond to the intensification of natural disasters within the Union and provide tangible support to the Member States and regions affected by such disasters. Such financing would allow Member States to respond more effectively and quickly to disasters while other instruments, particularly cohesion funds whose primary purpose is not disaster response, could be preserved.

The Commission is urged to explore all possible avenues for accelerating the mobilisation of the EUSF and to simplify its procedures, including by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, red tape and requirements for affected Member States and final beneficiaries.

Lastly, Parliament stressed the urgent need to release immediate financial assistance through the EUSF to ensure that support can reach Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain in a timely manner to support a quick and long-lasting recovery.