Brussels urges to start reconstruction after the DANA and apply for funds afterwards’123

Brussels – The European Commission has encouraged Spain to already carry out the necessary investments for reconstruction work after the DANA — which has left more than 200 dead in the east and south of the country — as, if the measures are eligible, they may obtain European funding retroactively.

Sources from the Spanish Government have assured Europa Press that all avenues are being explored to provide the necessary resources to address the tragedy, including the possibility of requesting Brussels for a reform of the recovery and resilience plan, which will allow part of the anti-crisis fund to be redirected to the reconstruction of the affected areas.

The regulation provides that the capitals present reforms of the plan based on unforeseen circumstances, a clause to which the governments of Croatia, Slovenia, or Greece have previously adhered, also to address the damage caused by natural disasters.

However, the Commission warns that a modification of the plan may take a long time, as after the formal presentation of the Government’s request, a three-month period is activated: two for evaluation by the Community executive and one more for the reform to obtain the approval of the Twenty-Seven.

“It is important to note that the recovery and resilience plan is just one of the sources of funding that the Spanish authorities may choose to use,” pointed out to Europa Press the Commission’s economic spokesperson, Veerle Nuyts, who recalled that, as has happened in other Member States, “it takes some time to estimate the damage and propose reconstruction measures.”

Furthermore, she confirmed that, to date, “the Spanish authorities have not formally requested to modify their recovery and resilience plan,” although they maintain contact with the Commission to study “all possible support.”

“A possible modification of the recovery plan would take some time, but eligible measures could be funded retroactively,” the spokesperson stressed, encouraging the necessary investments to be executed as soon as possible since, if they are eligible, the Commission will be able to reimburse them. (November 8)