Brussels, 26/08/2005 (Agence Europe) - Following the devastating floods and landslides in the Alps (particularly Austria and Switzerland, and also in Germany), Bavarian CSU MEP Markus Ferber is calling for the EU to provide immediate aid and ensure the long-term prevention and protection against flooding. The MEP comes from one of the areas hit by the flooding. He says that flood prevention has a European dimension, and is urging the Schroder government to request aid from the European Solidarity Fund (the Commission recently suggested using the Fund for Sweden and the Baltic States, see EUROPE 9010). The MEP regrets the uncertainty hanging over the Financial Perspectives for 2007-2013, making it difficult to consider the necessary more long-term financial support. (See EUROPE 9012 on the demands of CDU MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz, President of the European Parliament's Environment Committee.)