WROCLAW, SEPT 20 – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen yesterday announced a fund of 10 billion euros (US$11 billion) for member states affected by the floods caused by Storm Boris.
The death toll from storms that lashed parts of central and eastern Europe last week rose to 24 on Wednesday, with some areas still under threat from rising water levels.
Von der Leyen spoke in the Polish city of Wroclaw, alongside leaders from four countries in the flood-affected region.
“I feel sad to see the destruction caused by the flood,” he told reporters.
“But I also have to say that, despite that, I am happy to see the great solidarity between the people in your countries,” he added.
Von der Leyen stated that the European Union (EU) has two sources – the cohesion fund and the solidarity fund – that can be used to ‘help with financing to repair and rebuild’ the damage.
“At first glance, 10 billion euros may be released from the solidarity fund for the affected countries. This is an emergency response now,” he added.
Strong winds and heavy rain lashed the region last week, killing five people in Austria, seven in Poland, seven in Romania and five in the Czech Republic. – AFP
