13/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - Regional Policy Commissioner Pawe³ Samecki and French Home Affairs, Overseas and Local Authorities Ministers Brice Hortefeux have signed an agreement confirming the allocation of €109.4 million to the regions of the south-west of France, following the devastation caused by hurricane Klaus in January 2009. The aid comes from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) and will be used mainly to reimburse the costs of emergency measures, such as rescue and clean-up operations and repair of infrastructure (see EUROPE 9911). On 7 September, the Council adopted a decision and amending budget authorising the allocation of this funding and Parliament backed the measure on 15 September (see EUROPE 9972 and 9978). (G.B./transl.rt)