RESTORE: Europe shows solidarity with victims of natural disasters

Europe is there when it is needed the most. Today the European Parliament agreed on quick and tangible support to Europeans hit by natural disasters, as has been the case recently in Central and Eastern Europe, with wildfires in Portugal, floods in Spain and the devastating cyclone in France.

The RESTORE package (Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction) allows Member States to use part of their Cohesion funding to repair damaged infrastructure and equipment, and to use ESF+ funds to provide food and basic material assistance, social and healthcare support, even temporarily support short-time work schemes. It does not provide new money but creates new opportunities to reprogramme existing funds, at a time when governments need that flexibility to tackle climate-related crises.

For the Renew Europe group it was important to show immediate solidarity. Yet there is a need for further debate on balancing short-term crisis needs with long-term objectives of Cohesion funds. Crises such as natural disasters have become more frequent and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still felt today. This underscores the need to develop dedicated crisis-response instruments for the post-2027 period, integrated within the budget but distinct from Cohesion policy funds.

Grégory ALLIONE (Renaissance, France) explains:

‘The RESTORE regulation embodies a Europe of solidarity as well as a Europe of solutions: food, material assistance, healthcare support, rebuilding damaged infrastructure. This adoption will make it possible to provide additional aid and greater flexibility to Member States affected by natural disasters, which we are unfortunately experiencing more and more often and in an unprecedented form, as was the case recently in Valence or this weekend in Mayotte.’

Lubica KARVAŠOVÁ (Progresívne Slovensko, Slovakia) adds:

‘Natural disasters have caused immense suffering across the European Union, demanding solidarity and a coordinated European response. As we rebuild, we must build back better with sustainable, resilient infrastructure to address the growing threats of climate change. Cohesion policy funds, essential for reducing regional disparities and driving long-term development and EU competitiveness, must be protected from overextension. Instead, we need to strengthen the EU Solidarity Fund and develop broader crisis-response tools to address not only natural disasters but a wider range of emergencies. This will ensure Cohesion policy drives inclusive growth and resilience across the Union.’