The European Union will make at least 400 million euros (440 million U.S. dollars) available to Slovenia after devastating floods there killed six people and affected tens of thousands of households, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
Article continues below
"Europe will also be by your side in the coming weeks and months for the recovery and reconstruction," von der Leyen said.
"Slovenia can request and will receive financial support from the European Union. And we have discussed a package of three components. First of all, from the Solidarity Fund EUR 400 million are accessible. Time is of the essence.
"Therefore, the European Commission can pay an advance of up to EUR 100 million before the end of the year. And then, based on Slovenia's request with a first damage assessment, an additional solidarity payment of up to EUR 300 million can follow next year.
"The second element: Slovenia could request in addition up to EUR 2.7 billion under NextGenerationEU. This is fresh money. Here too, time is of the essence, as you will have to make the request by the end of August already.
"This has something to do with the procedures of NextGenerationEU. I discussed with the Prime Minister, dear Robert, [Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob] that we immediately, as of today, create a Task Force, jointly, Slovenia and the Commission, to fast-track the necessary assessment and administrative work, so that we make it – I am confident – until the end of the month.
"And then, this money over time will be accessible for you.
"On top of this, we will also mobilise the European agricultural crisis reserve to help farmers who have lost livestock, crops and machinery. We will find all possible ways to match Slovenia's proverbial solidarity.
"And finally, the third element, we are looking at reprogramming existing EU funds. And here, I am speaking in particular of EUR 3.3 billion in cohesion funds for Slovenia that can be used until 2027," von der Leyen said. ■
A clipper system will move quickly across the northern Plains into the Midwest Friday and the Northeast by Saturday, bringing a wintry mix of rain and snow showers ahead of a sweeping cold front.