European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed on Tuesday that Greece is poised to unlock up to €2.25 billion from untapped and accelerated cohesion funds, in addition to resources from the European Social Fund Plus and the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) fund.
This financial injection aims to facilitate the nation’s recovery from the devastating floods that occurred just last week, reported Ekathimerini.
Expressing her deep concern over the recent catastrophe and its impact on the Greek populace, von der Leyen made her statement during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, is currently in Strasbourg engaging with European officials to strategise support initiatives for the country.
“Europe stands in solidarity with the Greek people,” she emphatically affirmed.
While acknowledging that substantial investments will be essential for reconstruction, von der Leyen underscored the immediate necessity for support and assistance to restore livelihoods. She assured, “We will marshal all available EU resources.”
In a parallel sentiment, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized, “Greece should not bear this burden alone; this is an issue that demands a collective European response.”
“At this critical juncture, Greeks should witness the finest manifestation of European unity,” Metsola declared during her meeting with Mitsotakis on Tuesday.
Regarding budgetary and resource allocation decisions, Metsola pledged swift action: “Any necessary parliamentary decisions will be expedited. Recognizing the severity of this disaster, which is intertwined with the climate crisis, demands an unparalleled level of efficiency and support.”
Read more: Agricultural hot spot Thessaly faces shortages from floods in Greece
Source: Ekathimerini
