Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Latvia

PURPOSE: to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to help Latvia following the floods in 2017.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision (EU) 2018/1859 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Latvia.

CONTENT: the European Parliament has decided to mobilise EUR 17 730 519 in commitment and payment appropriations for Latvia from the European Union Solidarity Fund under the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018.

The decision follows Latvia's application for assistance from the Fund submitted on 14 November 2017 following a long-lasting period of intense rainfalls during summer and autumn 2017 leading to the saturation of soils and subsequent flooding. Latvia’s application fulfils the conditions for a financial contribution from the Fund.

The European Union Solidarity Fund aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by natural disasters. The maximum annual amount allocated to the Fund may not exceed EUR 500 million (at 2011 prices).

The amount of the mobilisation shall be financed from the appropriations mobilised for the payment of advances in the Union budget for the financial year 2018. The appropriations available for the payment of advances shall be reduced accordingly.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 28.11.2018.

APPLICATION: from 14.11.2018.