Reconstruction aid: Trade and industry for longer term

Flood disaster in the Ahr valley - Reconstruction aid: Trade and industry for longer term

Companies affected by the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, according to industry and crafts, should receive more time for applications for reconstruction aid. The Chamber of Crafts Koblenz and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Koblenz are demanding that the expiring deadline at the end of the year be extended.

Approximately 500 craft businesses were also affected by the flood. "In the aftermath, these craftsmen have been working at their capacity limit and have prioritized customer inquiries, which was entirely in line with the gradual reconstruction of the Ahr Valley," said the managing director of the Chamber of Crafts, Ralf Hellrich, in a statement. "However, the application process for flood relief was also put on hold." Extending the deadline would give companies the opportunity to properly complete the application procedures and receive financial aid.

Some companies had not yet reached an agreement with their insurers or were still looking for experts. According to the statement, the state government is already in negotiations with the EU Commission to extend the deadline to June 30, 2026. The Chambers therefore intend to also contact EU parliamentarians.

1. The flood disaster in Europe's Ahr Valley significantly impacted numerous financing-dependent construction companies.
2. The bad news for these businesses is that the deadline for applying for reconstruction aid in Rhineland-Palatinate's Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler ends this year.
3. The Chamber of Crafts in Koblenz and the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) Koblenz strongly advocate for an extension of this deadline due to ongoing challenges in the valley.
4. The flood disaster affected around 500 craft businesses in the Ahr Valley, causing them to operate at full capacity while prioritizing customer inquiries.
5. Despite their best efforts, some companies are still engaged in negotiations with their insurers or are searching for experts, delaying their application process for flood relief.
6. To ensure these firms receive necessary assistance, the state government in Rhineland-Palatinate is currently negotiating with the EU Commission to extend the deadline until June 30, 2026, and the Chambers intend to collaborate with EU parliamentarians as well.

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