Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund: disasters in Bulgaria and Greece in 2015

PURPOSE: to mobilise the Solidarity Fund to assist Bulgaria and Greece which were affected by disasters in 2015.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision (EU) 2015/1872 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund.

CONTENT: Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) N° 1311/2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 allows for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund, within an annual ceiling of EUR 500 million (2011 prices), over and above the relevant headings of the financial framework.

The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters.

In response to applications for relief from the Fund made by Bulgaria and Greece (relating to severe winter conditions and flooding respectively) it has been decided to mobilise the Funds in order to grant a total financial contribution of EUR 16 274 765 in commitment and payment appropriations for the applications by Bulgaria and Greece.

The full amount of this mobilisation shall be financed using the appropriations mobilised by Decision (EU) 2015/422 of the European Parliament and of the Council for the payment of advances in the Union budget for the financial year 2015, available on budget line 13 06 01. The amount available on that budget line for advances shall be reduced accordingly. No additional appropriations are needed.