22/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 22 March, the European Commission announced a proposal for financial support of €86.7 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for France and Greece, two countries affected by major natural disasters in 2020. The Commission proposes €59.3 million for France following storm Alex which hit the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region hard. Greece is expected to receive €27.4 million to deal with the damage caused by Cyclone Ianos. Aid is also being provided to the region of Ellada affected by severe flooding, and to the earthquake-stricken islands of Samos, Ikaria and Chios. Both Member States have received advance payments, the Commission says. It remains for the European Parliament and the EU Council to formally approve the final financial assistance. (PH)