When tragedy struck the heart of Italy with a deadly earthquake and aftershocks at the end of August 2016, and again in October, the European Commission stood in full solidarity with the Italian people. The Commission announced its full support, first to address the immediate emergency situation, and later to start rebuilding, together with the national authorities.
The Commission gives now a concrete follow up to its commitment, with two decisions aimed at supporting reconstruction efforts and regenerating economic activity in the affected regions with EU funds.
President of the European Commission Jean-Cloude Juncker said: “It is our duty as Europeans to stand by Italy and its citizens, who are showing extraordinary courage in times of difficulty, in order to help the effort to overcome as soon as possible the consequences of the earthquakes and to reconstruct fully the areas damaged. Reconstructing the beautiful Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia with the help of EU funds will be a lasting symbol of EU solidarity and of the ability of the Italian people to bounce back.” Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Crețu said:“We have expressed our deepest sympathy to the Italian people in the wake of these disasters and we have moved from words to actions, with our continued efforts to address the specific needs of the affected communities via the EU Solidarity Fund and Cohesion Policy. We will stand side by side with Italy throughout the reconstruction process.”
The Commission is putting forward two strands of support through EU funds, with the upcoming release of a first disbursement of aid worth €30 million under the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) and a proposal to amend the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy regulation and introduce an EU co-financing rate of up to 100% for reconstruction operations linked to natural disasters. This would allow reconstruction operations, including the restoration of cultural heritage, to be fully funded with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
