20/07/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 20 July, the European Commission proposed €17.7 million from the EU Solidarity Fund for the reconstruction of Latvian infrastructure that was damaged during the floods of summer and autumn 2017. Since 2002, the Solidarity Fund has enabled the European Union to support member states' national reconstruction work following natural disasters. The Commission decided to express its solidarity with Latvia because of the wide-scale consequences of the floods on the country's hydraulic, road, rail and agricultural infrastructure. European Regional Policy Commissioner Corina Creţu said the funds "will help cover some of the expenses incurred by Latvia to cope with the emergency and to start rebuilding after the disasters". The Commission's proposal needs to be approved by the European Parliament and Council. (CG, intern)