31/08/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 28 August, the European Commission adopted proposals (a decision and a draft amending budget) that will allow the mobilisation, in 2009, of €493.7 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund for Italy (see EUROPE 9947). In April 2009, the Italian region of Abruzzo suffered a powerful earthquake which cost the lives of 300 people and caused widespread and significant damage. The European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers have to adopt the texts before the aid can be paid out. (L.C./transl.rt)