13/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 13 December, the European Commission announced that an advanced payment of almost €5 million would be paid to the outermost regions of Saint-Martin and Guadeloupe as part of the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF). The Commission indicated that this decision is based on a preliminary analysis of the request made by the French authorities and received at the end of November (see EUROPE 11914). France has estimated that the damage caused by the two hurricanes, Irma and Maria, were to the tune of around € 1.95 trillion. This will set the total paid amount under the EUSF at €50 million. This aid will help re-establish infrastructure and public services and cover the costs of emergency spending and cleaning costs. Saint Barthélemy as an overseas territory is not covered by the EUSF. (PH)