Flood funding vow from top EU politician
Frans Timmermans promises aid in visit to Orihuela – but national government has yet to officially apply for solidarity cash
VICE-president of the European Commission (EC) Frans Timmermans said he would ensure emergency funding from Brussels ‘arrives quickly’ to tackle last month’s flooding catastrophe in the Vega Baja.
The money would come from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF).
Mr Timmermans visted Orihuela on Friday with regional president Ximo Puig to see the flood ravaged areas. He told local mayors that the EC will work with the national government to ensure that the funds needed to get the area back on its feet are processed.
He vowed that he will work with acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to ensure that EUFS funding is activated.
However, the national government has to make an official request to Brussels for the EUFS cash before the process can get underway.
To this end, regional councillor for the treasury
Vicent Soler has sent a letter to national finance minister María Jesús Montero asking her to complete the procedure ‘as quickly as possible’. He reminded that this has to be done within 12 weeks of the date of the natural disaster.
Despite this Mr Timmermans stated: “I will personally do all that I can to ensure this funding arrives to solve the problems here.”
He noted that support from the EU was ‘vital’ so all the necessary rebuilding could be carried out.
The Dutch politician also highlighted the ‘heroism’ of the emergency services who had risked their lives to evacuate victims.
Sr Puig thanked Mr Timmermans for visiting the flood-hit area.
He noted that Mr Timmermans had spoken with mayors from the Vega Baja and they had told him about the most urgent works which are needed.
Sr Puig added that it was important to establish a timetable for the work to ensure that this was ‘continual’ and did not suffer delays.