Express compensation will be paid by the European Commission in the areas of Greece affected by natural disasters if the request for assistance is lodged within the first 12 weeks of the first damage. This answer was given by Raffaele Fitto Cohesor and Reforms Commissioner, in a question asked by New Democracy MEP. George For the natural disaster that hit the Aegean islands.

In addition, the answer states that:

  1. The islands can benefit from the 10.5 million included in the South Aegean Regional Program and remains in force until 2027. In addition, that Member States affected by natural disasters can use the Restore program to reprogram the funds for the benefit of actions and projects.
  2. Support could cover up to 95% of costs, with additional pre -finance of 25%. In this way, the fiscal pressure on the Member States and the affected regions will be reduced.

The Commissioner’s answer is as follows:

The Commission contributes to the management of the risk of disaster with € 1 billion through funds in the policy on cohesion within the relevant national programs of the period 2021-2027. In addition, the South Aegean Regional Program has € 10.5 million for the management of climate risks, including thunderstorms and floods, especially in the South Aegean Region. According to the principles of the divided management and auxiliaryism governing the cohesion policy funds, the use of available resources (selection of projects and implementation of actions) falls within the jurisdiction of the Member State.

Member States affected by natural disasters may also benefit from the flexibility opportunities provided by the Regulation on Extraordinary Regional Support for Restore, which came into force on 24 December 2024.

This regulation allows Member States to reschedule part of the funds of policy funds for consistency for the benefit of actions and projects to address natural disasters, including reconstruction and rehabilitation measures for public infrastructure in order to alleviate the negative socio -economic effects of natural disasters. Support could cover up to 95 % of costs, with additional pre -finance of 25 %. In this way, the fiscal pressure on the Member States and the affected regions will be reduced.

Greece can also receive financial support through the EU Solidarity Fund (TAEE). The TAEE may only be activated at the request of Greece, which has 12 weeks from the time of the first damage, and must prove that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds provided for in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No. 2012/2002. The TAEE can cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery actions borne by the public authorities. Private damage is not eligible.