The European Commission responded to a question by New Democracy MEP George Eutia on the water of the city of Volos, a issue that had been set up by the mayor and residents of the city after the catastrophic floods.

The European Commission clearly stresses that it “supports Greece’s cohesion policy with 1.2 billion euros, which are intended to promote sustainable use of water resources by investing in the management of drinking water and sewage under the sectoral program. It is up to the competent authorities to determine the use of funding. Therefore, the design options and the preparation of specific projects fall within the responsibility of the relevant national and regional management authorities. “

The response of the Executive Vice President Mr. Fitto on behalf of the European Commission is as follows:

For the planning period of 2021-2027, cohesion policy supports Greece with approximately EUR 1.2 billion[1]which are intended to promote the sustainable use of water resources by investing in the management of drinking water and sewage under the sectoral program “Environment and Climate Change” [2] and the regional programs. Measures have been foreseen to improve the quality or adequacy of drinking water, to upgrade sewage stations, to protect and improve surface and groundwater, as well as for desalination systems powered by renewable energy sources in anhydrous islands.

For Member States affected by disasters in 2024 and 2025, re -establishment work after disasters can be funded by the Extraordinary Regional Support for Restore, a medium recently launched by the European Commission with the aim of dealing with damages after disaster damage [3].

In addition, Greece has requested help from the EU Solidarity Fund (TAEE)[4] Following the disasters caused by the Daniel storm in November 2023. The committee ruled Greece’s request to support EUR 101 million. TAEE can cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery actions that borne public authorities [5]. Private damage is not eligible.

According to the principles of the divided management and auxiliaryism governing the cohesion funds, the selection and implementation of the projects fall within the jurisdiction of the Member State. Therefore, it is up to the competent authorities to determine the use of TAEE funding, in accordance with the TAEE Regulation. Therefore, the design options and preparation of specific projects fall within the jurisdiction of related national and regional management authorities.

1. Public spending.

2. Https://peka-program.gr/

3. Some of the measures covered by the restore include, inter alia, the restoration of public services infrastructure, e.g. Energy, water, health and education, as well as the protection of cultural heritage.

4. Regulation (EC) No. 2012/2002 of the Council, on November 11, 2002, for the establishment of the European Union Solidarity Fund (OE L 311 of 14.11.2002, p. 3). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/txt/?uri=celex:32002r2012

5. Like the restoration of basic infrastructure, the provision of temporary housing in the population, cleaning activities and the protection of cultural heritage.