Brussels, 29/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 29 September, the European Commission proposed granting €31.2 million in aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund to help Portugal meet emergency costs following the flooding and landslides on the island of Madeira in February 2010. On 20 April, the Portuguese authorities submitted a request for assistance from the European Union Solidarity Fund. The direct damage caused by the disaster was estimated at more than €1 billion by the authorities, which means that EU aid can be released. The European Parliament and the Council are being urged to give a decision on releasing this aid as soon as possible. (L.C./transl.fl)