By Martin Banks

Italy is to receive new EU aid to help deal with the aftermath of its crippling recent floods.

This comes after the European Commission approved €20.9 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund  (EUSF) to support the Marche region in Italy.

This, it says, will address the extensive damages caused by the rainfall and floods in September 2022.

The EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: “Once again, the Solidarity Fund is there to help the Italian authorities to repair, restore, and recover after the floods in 2022.” 

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Italy and the Italian citizens.”

“Thanks to Cohesion Policy, we can help countries overcome the effects of unprecedented climate crises – whose frequency and severity is on the rise.”

The provinces of Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, and Macerata in the Marche region of Italy were affected by intense rainfall in September 2022, resulting in widespread flooding. 

The flooding tragically cost the lives of people, and damaged key infrastructure and public and private buildings.

It also saw three rivers overflow and flood the surrounding areas. The overall area affected by the flooding was 4044 km2, representing 43% of the total land area in the region.

On 8 December 2022, the Commission received an application from Italy for financial support through the EUSF, in which Italy did not request an advance payment. Following the EC assessment   Italy was awarded €20.9 million.