Brussels – The European Commission announced today that it has disbursed 114 million euros (approximately 2.8 billion crowns) to the Czech Republic in response to last year’s flooding. These funds can be utilized to reimburse the Czech government’s expenses related to the repair of transport systems, water distribution, and wastewater treatment facilities. The financial aid comes from the European Union Solidarity Fund.
The distribution of these funds received approval from member states, and was also sanctioned by the European Parliament in July. “Today, the European Commission provided Czechia with 114 million euros from the EU Solidarity Fund,” stated the European Commission in an announcement. This funding is part of a larger aid package for countries impacted by floods in Central and Eastern Europe.
According to the European Commission, EU funds can be used retroactively to cover expenses for restoring essential infrastructure. The Solidarity Fund serves as a clear demonstration of the European Union’s capacity to assist member states affected by natural disasters. Since its establishment in 2002, the fund has disbursed over ten billion euros.
The total damage incurred from the September floods, which primarily affected the Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions, was estimated at 70.6 billion crowns, as reported by the government. Of this amount, approximately 25 billion crowns were attributed to damages to private property owned by citizens and businesses, while around 45 billion crowns were linked to damages to state, regional, and municipal properties. (22 December)
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