The intense seismic sequence on the Cyclades islands was mentioned by ND and EPP MEP Fredis Beleris during his intervention in the European Parliament, held in Strasbourg.

Mr Beleris noted that “seismic activity has led to the mobilization of the state mechanism by the Greek government”, adding that “there is a greater need than ever to strengthen European prevention tools.”

He then emphasized that “local and regional authorities need financial support to fund studies and projects to better prepare the island and remote areas of Europe, in order to deal with cases of extreme natural conditions.”

According to the announcement, Mr Beleris called on the European Commission and all of his colleagues to “strengthen and simplify – in the planning of the new programming period – the Solidarity Fund so that the affected areas can be compensated immediately” and stressed that “There must also be a provision to support the local economy that also receives the vibrations of such phenomena.”

“This is the only way to increase our business readiness and turn our eyes to the future with confidence,” he concluded.