The Spanish government will request EU support for the damage caused by flooding in Valencia.

The Spanish Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, has announced that the Government will request "in the coming hours" support from the European Union (EU) Solidarity Fund to address the damages caused by the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that has affected the Valencia region. This situation arises at a critical moment for citizens who have suffered the consequences of the floods, and the Government's action aims to alleviate the economic and social impact that these disasters have generated. Cuerpo, who was attending a Eurogroup meeting, emphasized the urgency of the situation, reminding that this Tuesday marks the deadline to submit a formal assessment of the damages to the European Commission. This submission is essential to determine the financial aid that Spain could receive as part of EU support. "We are finalizing the presentation of all that documentation," the minister assured. The preparation of these documents is key to accessing European funds and maximizing the support that can be received during this difficult time. However, the Minister of Economy did not specify the amount of damages being assessed, which has generated some concern among citizens and affected entities. The lack of concrete figures may hinder the evaluation of the tragedy's magnitude and, consequently, the type of assistance that could be obtained. Spanish authorities are working against the clock to present the necessary information and avoid any delays in the application process. The process that will follow the application is complex. Once the Spanish Government submits the documentation to the European Commission, it will need to evaluate the request and propose a specific amount of financial assistance. This step is crucial, as the final approval of the funds will require the green light from both the EU Council and the European Parliament. This means that, although the application is sent immediately, obtaining the resources could take several months to finalize. Despite the uncertainty regarding timelines, there is a mechanism that could expedite the process. Countries affected by natural disasters have the option to request an advance of up to 25% of the allocated amount, with a limit of 100 million euros. This alternative could provide immediate financial assistance to the affected regions, which would be vital for initiating recovery and reconstruction efforts. The EU Solidarity Fund was created in 2002 and has been used on more than 130 occasions in response to natural disasters across Europe, including fires, droughts, earthquakes, and, of course, floods. By 2025, the fund has a budget allocation of approximately 1.2 billion euros, reflecting the importance of this tool for cohesion and support to member countries in times of crisis. The floods in Valencia have been devastating, and entire communities are struggling to recover from the damages. The Spanish Government's request is a necessary step to ensure that the necessary resources are available to assist those affected. However, the situation also highlights the importance of planning and prevention in the face of natural disasters, as well as the need for effective measures to minimize the impact of such events in the future. In this context, it is vital for citizens to be informed about the progress of this application and how the funds will be used, should they be approved. Transparency in resource management is essential to strengthen citizens' trust in their institutions and to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. In conclusion, the Government's action to request support from the EU Solidarity Fund is a crucial step in addressing the consequences of the DANA in Valencia. As the process advances, it will be essential for the authorities to keep the population informed and work to ensure that the funds are used efficiently and effectively in the reconstruction and recovery of the affected areas.