European Union vows to dispense $10 billion in financial assistance to stricken nations confronting flood catastrophes
Following the floods, the extent of damage across several parts of Europe is yet to be fully comprehended. One fact that's undeniable, though, is that it'll come at a high cost. The EU has pledged several billion Euros in assistance.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared a financial aid of ten billion Euros for the countries in Eastern and Central Europe impacted by floods. During a visit to the flooded Wrocław, Poland, she shared, "Initially, ten billion Euros from the Cohesion Fund can be mobilized for the affected countries. This is an emergency response."
Von der Leyen was invited to Wrocław by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and was joined by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, as well as the heads of government of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Robert Fico and Petr Fiala, to discuss the response to the flooding.
Tusk disclosed that Poland would secure half of the funds from the Cohesion Fund. Fiala mentioned that the Czech Republic would receive two billion Euros. In the UK's X online service, the Czech prime minister wrote, "Good news. After the devastating floods, we have to repair bridges, roads, schools, or train stations." Nehammer revealed that Austria can draw 500 million Euros from this fund, with no co-financing required, as reported by Austrian news agency APA. Fico did not comment on Slovakia's share, and it remains unknown how much EU aid Romania will receive.
"It's a shame"
Typically, member countries contribute their share to receive funds from the Cohesion Fund. Von der Leyen explained that the ten billion Euros would be "100 percent" covered by the EU, with co-financing waived due to the flood damage. "These are extraordinary times and in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed," the Commission President said. She described the "devastation and destruction" as "a shame," and emphasized the "enormous solidarity" among the people of the affected countries as "comforting."
The storm "Anett", internationally known as "Boris", has wreaked havoc with torrential rain since Friday, causing floods in Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and other Central and Eastern European countries. At least 24 people have lost their lives in the flooded areas.
Despite the rain having stopped in most parts of Central Europe, Tusk urged that there's no justification for "relief" or the notion that "the worst is over."
The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a financial aid of ten billion Euros from the Cohesion Fund for the flood-affected countries, stating that it'll be fully covered by the EU without co-financing due to the extraordinary situation. The Commission, represented by Von der Leyen, has expressed its sympathy towards the devastation and destruction, calling it a "shame," while also recognizing the solidarity among the affected countries as comforting.
