WRITTEN QUESTION E-3258/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN)and Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission

(19 November 2002)

Subject: Earthquake in Molise European Union action

The Commission recently proposed to the budgetary authority that a one-billion-euro per year solidarity fund be established to provide assistance to inhabitants of the European Union who are the victims of major disasters. Parliament issued a favourable opinion on this matter, which has been the subject of the conciliation procedure between the two arms of the budgetary authority.

The second subparagraph of Article 2(2) of the proposal for a Council Regulation(1) provides for mobilisation of the fund in any region struck by an exceptionally serious disaster affecting a substantial part of their population.

The earthquake that recently struck the Molise region in Italy not only killed 30 people in dramatic fashion but also forced over 6 000 people to abandon their homes, many of which are no longer habitable, and affected over 30 municipalities.

Initial estimates of the damage put the current cost of the reconstruction work needed at around EUR 300 million.

In the light of the above, will the Commission include Molise among the areas eligible to receive extraordinary aid from the prospective solidarity fund for natural disasters?

(1) COM(2002) 514.

Joint answerto Written Questions E-3258/02 and E-3434/02given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(30 January 2003)

The Commission sympathises with the victims of the earthquake of Molise.

In response to the recent flooding last summer 2002 that devastated many parts of Central Europe, the Commission immediately proposed the creation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), a new financial instrument with resources up to EUR 1 billion per annum. The focus is on giving immediate assistance to people, regions and countries affected by major disasters to help them return to normal living conditions as quickly as possible. Inclose co-operation with the Parliament and the Council the new instrument was put in place in record time and came into effect on 15 November 2002(1).

A major disaster within the meaning of the Regulation means any disaster resulting, in a Member State or a country involved in accession negotiations, in damage estimated at over EUR 3 billion, or more than 0,6 % of its Gross National Income (GNI). In the case of Italy the EUR 3 billion threshold would apply.

Under exceptional circumstances a region can also benefit from assistance from the Fund, where that region has been affected by an extraordinary disaster affecting the major part of its population with serious and lasting repercussions on living conditions and the economic stability of the region.

The mobilisation of the EUSF requires the submission of an application to the Commission by the national authorities within ten weeks of the date when the first damage occurred. For disasters occurring between 1 August and 15 November, the date of entry into force of the EUSF regulation, applications must be received within two months of the latter date.

The Italian authorities recently sent the Commission a request to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund, which is currently being considered. If the Commission considers that this request satisfies the conditions of the Regulation establishing this Fund, it will propose to the budgetary authority a supplementary and amending budget to mobilise the amount of aid considered appropriate as soon as possible.

Furthermore, as part of the Objective 1 programme for the Region of Molise, the Commission will look constructively at any proposals to amend the regional operational programme so that the available resources can be concentrated on the most relevant measures and the most serious problems affecting the earthquake victims living in the area can receive a targeted and effective response. Extra resources could also become available under the performance reserve, which will be allocated to the programme from 2004 provided the mid-term review is positive.

The Region of Molise may also use measure 4.15 of the regional operational programme for 2000-2006 under Objective 1 of the Structural Funds, part-financed by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) Guidance Section. That measure provides for the restoration of agricultural production potential damaged by natural catastrophes and the establishment of appropriate preventive instruments. An amount of some EUR 600 000 (0,3 % of the EAGGF contribution) is currently earmarked for implementation of this measure.

(1) Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002).