European Union Solidarity Fund

The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) targets EU Member States and countries engaged in accession negotiations. It provides rapid financial assistance in the event of major natural disasters or serious public health emergencies. The program aims to support the immediate needs of the population and the reconstruction of important infrastructure after such events.

The EU Solidarity Fund supports immediate measures and reconstruction in critical sectors after natural disasters and public health emergencies. This includes the reconstruction of infrastructure, the provision of emergency accommodation, and measures for the protection of cultural heritage and the environment. Only uninsured damages and specific costs necessary for immediate disaster management are eligible for funding.

Support from the EU Solidarity Fund is provided as a one-off financial contribution in the form of a grant. The exact amount of funding is determined by the European Commission and depends on the extent of the damage and the available budget. Advance payments can be requested. The funds must be used within a specified period, with the eligibility period beginning at the time the first damage occurs.

To receive financial assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund, applicant states must meet certain damage thresholds and submit applications within the deadline. The management of funded measures is a shared responsibility between the European Commission and the recipient states. Strict rules apply to financial control and the avoidance of double funding with other EU instruments. All funded measures must also be compatible with applicable EU law and strategies, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and disaster prevention.

The application for a financial contribution from the EU Solidarity Fund is submitted by the national authorities of the affected state to the European Commission. The procedure is defined in several steps, from submitting detailed damage reports to joint approval by the European Parliament and the Council. Rapid processing is aimed for, and advance payments are possible to cover immediate needs.

The European Union Solidarity Fund is based on Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002, which governs its establishment and functioning. This Regulation was last amended in 2020 and sets out the criteria for mobilizing the Fund. The legal basis is supplemented by other EU budgetary and financial regulations that detail the management and execution of the funds.