Brussels, 12/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - As part of the action undertaken by the European Commission to help the region of Abruzzo after the devastating earthquake on 6 April, Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner announced on Monday 11 May an extension of the deadline for payment claims from the region's 2000-2006 Cohesion Policy programme. The one-year extension until 30 June 2010 means the region will have greater flexibility to use EU money to finance vital restoration work and permit Abruzzo to use every bit of the €193 million allocation from the European Regional Development Fund for that period.
The Commission's measure comes in response to a request by Italy, taking effect on Monday 11 May. Italy's request was found to be justified by the exceptional circumstances resulting from the significant physical damage caused by the earthquake. The Commission is also providing assistance for the Italian authorities in their aid application for support from the EU Solidarity Fund. The deadline for application is 15 June 2009. Commissioner Danuta Hübner will be visiting L'Aquila on 14-15 May. (G.B./transl.jl)