23/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 18 January, the European Commission published a proposal to release €162.38 million from the European Solidarity Fund to the United Kingdom following the widespread flooding (see EUROPE 9561). The proposal for the release of funds was accompanied by a proposal to amend the 2008 budget (draft budget No 1/2008) to include the commitment and payment appropriations needed to provide aid to the British victims of the poor weather. (L.C.)