EU help after flooding: 42.8 million euros for Austria!

EU help after flooding: 42.8 million euros for Austria!

Austria received extensive support of 42.8 million euros from the EU solidarity fund for restoring and protection for the difficult flood events in autumn 2024. This measure was initiated by the European Commission and is an important step to cope with the effects of the catastrophe. The western route of the ÖBB and the Tullnerfeld train station were particularly affected, which was completely flooded as a result of the floods. The funds are intended for repairs and necessary protective measures to make the region crisisproof, such as vienna.at reports.

The Commission proposed a total of 280 million euros from the solidarity fund for six countries affected by floods. In addition to Austria, this also includes the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, which also suffered from extreme weather conditions. This measure was introduced with the aim of supporting the repair of the damaged infrastructure and at the same time promoting the expansion of preventive measures.

EU solidarity fund in focus

to remember: The EU solidarity fund was launched in 2002 after the Elbe flood had caused great damage. Since its foundation, more than 9.6 billion euros in aid for 137 different disaster events have been paid out. This includes natural disasters and health crises in 24 EU member states and four accession countries. The new funds will only be paid out after approval by the EU Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

distribution of EU aids

The proposed funds are divided as follows:

• Slovenia: 428.4 million euros
• Italy: 378.8 million euros for the Emilia-Romagna and 67.8 million euros for Tuscany
• Greece: 101.5 million euros for the reconstruction after the floods in September 2023
• France: 46.7 million euros for flood damage in Hauts-de-France
• Austria: 5.2 million euros for the consequences of the floods in August 2023

In addition, the financial support of the EUSF is also used for emergency and reconstruction measures as well as the repair of damaged infrastructure and the securing of the cultural heritage. The EU Commissioner Elisa Ferreira emphasizes how important the EUSF is for the support of Member States according to natural disasters, which is underlined by current developments.

Overall, the solidarity fund has mobilized more than 8.6 billion euros for 130 disasters since its foundation, including 110 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies in 24 member states, as well as four accession countries, as well as European Parliament reported. The coordination of the new EU aid was clearly accepted with 632 votes, 7 against it and 3 abstentions.