Brussels, 18/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Gianni Pittella (S&D Italy) is recommending that European Solidarity Funds be activated, following the floods and mudslides in northern Italy (Liguria, Lombardi, Piedmont) at the beginning of the month. On Tuesday 18 November, the head of the Socialists and Democrats Group at the European Parliament drew attention to these extreme weather conditions that have led to the deaths of several people and have caused millions of Euros worth of damages.
According to Pittella, “the dramatic conditions in northern Italy require immediate and practical help from the EU”. He is recommending that the Italian government calls for the European Solidarity Fund to be activated and said “It is important citizens know that Europe won't leave them alone when times are hardest”.
One European source said that the European Commission had not yet received the dossier in this connection from Italy. As extreme weather conditions continue, it is still difficult to decide whether the regions are eligible. So far, the regions concerned and the Italian national authorities have been discussing whether it is possible to make a formal request in this regard. The amount of damages at a regional level is expected to be more than 1.5% of regional GDP, which represents €660 million for the Liguria region, for example. (MD)