Elisa Ferreira stressed the importance of EU solidarity

The European Commission has approved €33.9 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support Romania following widespread damage caused by fires and drought in 2022. This financial support will contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected regions.

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira stressed the importance of EU solidarity and the European Union Solidarity Fund, noting that it is essential in the context of climate change, according to a press release issued by the European Commission.

Romania suffered from a severe drought between March and August 2022, with consequences such as lower harvests, forest fires and water shortages in many regions. EUSF assistance will cover part of the costs of emergency and recovery operations, including interventions to support the immediate needs of the population, repairing affected infrastructure and cleaning up affected areas.

The European Union Solidarity Fund is an important instrument for recovery from natural disasters and is a concrete expression of solidarity between EU Member States. Created after the 2002 floods in Central Europe, the EUSF has so far supported interventions in 127 disasters, including 107 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies.