Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2013)692 - Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund

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dossier COM(2013)692 - Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund.
source COM(2013)692 EN
date 03-10-2013


The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 1 allows for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund, within an annual ceiling of EUR 1 billion, over and above the relevant headings of the financial framework. The conditions of eligibility to the Fund are detailed in Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 2 .

On the basis of an application for assistance from the Fund by Romania in relation to a drought and forest fires in summer 2012, and the applications by Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic in relation to flooding in May and June 2013, the calculation of Solidarity Fund aid based on the estimate of total damage caused is as follows:

(EUR)
DisasterDirect damageThreshold
(million €)
Total cost of eligible operationsAmount based on 2.5%Amount based
on 6%
Total amount of
aid proposed
Romania
drought
806 724 312735.4872 475 68918 387 1754 274 2392 475 689
Germany
flooding
8 153 500 0003 678.7553 289 400 00091 968 875268 484 700360 453 575
Austria
flooding
866 462 0001 798.112350 334 00021 661 550-21 661 550
Czech Republic flooding637 131 000871.618416 368 00015 928 275-15 928 275
TOTAL400 519 089

In the light of the examination of the applications 3 , and considering the maximum possible grant from the Fund as well as the scope for reallocating appropriations under the heading requiring additional expenditure, the Commission proposes to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund for a total amount of EUR 400 519 089, to be allocated under heading 3b of the financial framework.

By presenting this proposal to deploy the Fund, the Commission initiates the simplified trilogue procedure, as required by Point 26 of the Inter-institutional Agreement of 17 May 2006, in view of securing the agreement of the two arms of the Budgetary Authority on the need to use the Fund and the amount required. The Commission invites each arm of the budgetary authority to inform the other arm and the Commission of its intentions.

In case of disagreement by either of the two arms of the Budgetary Authority, a formal trilogue meeting will be convened.

The Commission will present a draft amending budget (DAB) in order to enter in the 2013 budget specific commitment and payment appropriations, as requested in Point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006.

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management 4 , and in particular point 26 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund 5 ,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 6

Whereas:

The European Union has created a European Union Solidarity Fund (the 'Fund') to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters.

The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the Fund within the annual ceiling of EUR 1 billion.

Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 contains the provisions whereby the Fund may be mobilised.

has submitted an application to mobilise the Fund, concerning drought and forest fires.

,  and the  have submitted applications to mobilise the Fund, concerning a flooding disaster.

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, the European Union Solidarity Fund shall be mobilised to provide the sum of EUR 400 519 089 in commitment and payment appropriations.

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament    For the Council

The President    The President

(1) OJ C 139, 14.06.2006, p. 1
(2) OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3
(3) Communication to the Commission C(2013) 6416 on applications to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund presented by Romania, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.
(4) OJ C 139, 14.06.2006, p. 1.
(5) OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3.
(6) OJ C […], […], p. […]