Republished with full copyright permissions from The Boston News Tribune.

The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) has approved €20.9 million to extend aid to the Marche region in Italy following the devastating impact of unprecedented rainfall and floods in September 2022. The funding aims to support the region in its efforts to repair and rebuild infrastructure, public and private buildings, and aid in the recovery of those affected by the calamity.

Addressing the situation, Cohesion and Reforms Commissioner Elisa Ferreira emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with Italy during these challenging times. She underscored the critical role played by the Solidarity Fund in assisting countries in overcoming the increasing frequency and severity of climate crises.

The provinces of Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, and Macerata in the Marche region suffered the brunt of the intense rainfall, culminating in widespread flooding. Tragically, lives were lost, and crucial infrastructure was severely impacted. The flooding also led to the overflowing of three rivers, inundating the surrounding areas. The scale of the affected area amounted to 4044 km2, encompassing 43% of the region’s land area.

Italy submitted an application for financial assistance through the EUSF on 8 December 2022, and the subsequent evaluation by the Commission resulted in the allocation of €20.9 million to support the relief efforts in the Marche region. Notably, Italy did not request an advance payment as part of the application process.

The EUSF plays a vital role in assisting Member States and accession countries in managing the financial repercussions of major natural disasters and health emergencies. Since its initiation in 2002, the Fund has provided over €8.2 billion in aid for 128 disasters, encompassing both natural disasters and health emergencies, across 24 Member States, the UK, and 3 accession countries.

The allocation of €20.9 million from the EUSF to support the Marche region in Italy is a testament to the solidarity and support offered by the European Union during times of crisis. It represents a crucial step towards aiding the affected communities in their efforts to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating floods.