The European Parliament adopted by 638 votes to 10, with 5 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council RESTORE – Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1057.
Parliament adopted its position at first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure by amending the Commission proposal as follows:
Support for investments for reconstruction in response to natural disasters
In order to alleviate the burden on the budgets of the Member States concerned and to reduce the risk of new territorial disparities, the amending regulation will provide effective support from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), as well as from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund, to Member States, regions and local authorities, as well as to people seriously affected by natural disasters occurring between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025, in addition to the resources available under the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF).
To provide additional flexibility to Member States affected by natural disasters, the regulation provides a new specific objective under the Investment for jobs and growth goal to channel the financial support of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund for reconstruction in response to such disasters. In the context of reconstruction in response to natural disasters, operations based on the “build back better” principle should be prioritised in the selection process.
Where the natural disaster resulting in direct damage below certain thresholds occurs after the date of entry into force of this amending Regulation, it will be understood to be a natural disaster provided that it is recognised as such by a competent public authority of the relevant Member State within 12 weeks of the date of the first occurrence of damage as a consequence of that natural disaster.
Financing
The ERDF will be able to finance reconstruction projects up to 95% of their total cost. In order to provide rapid liquidity to those in need, additional pre-financing of up to 25% of the total amount will also be made available. The proposal will also allow for a more flexible use of European Social Fund Plus funds to finance the immediate provision of food aid and/or basic material assistance to people directly affected by natural disasters, and to finance short-time working schemes for employees and the self-employed, without active measures, as well as access to healthcare.