Brussels, 23/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - During the last few weeks, many regions from Belgium to Venetia have been hit by floods. In a statement to the European Parliament, President Jerzy Buzek said the Solidarity Fund created eight years ago to face up to such situations has already been used 32 times. European solidarity is an essential element for flood disaster relief in the various regions of the Union, where there has been material damage as well as loss of life.
All MEPs warned against the consequences of devastating meteorological phenomena, placing emphasis on prevention and rapid response to early warning. Julie Girling (ECR, UK) said it was precisely the flooding in her own region, Cornwall, that urged her on to stand for the European elections. It is important to think of the longer term, took up Lothar Bisky (GUE/NL, Germany). Isabelle Durant (Greens, Belgium) spoke along the same lines and called for often over-intensive agricultural policy to be reviewed. Her compatriot, Dirk Sterckx (ALDE) called for a detailed study to be made of the causes of disasters. As Portuguese Socialist Edite Estrela pointed out, disasters include fires, that mainly devastate southern Europe. Sergio Silvestris of Italy (EPP) was adamant about applying strict criteria and said the distribution of aid should be more effective. (L.G./transl.jl)