<h6><strong>Ane Barcos/Aquí Europa</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, reiterated this Thursday in Madrid the call of the European Parliament for an “easier, faster and more flexible” access to the funds of the European Union, in order to support the regions that face natural disasters such as the recent DANA in Spain. With this, she seeks to facilitate the recovery process for the areas most affected by the catastrophe.</strong></h4> The Maltese travelled to the Spanish capital this week to receive the Forum Europa 2024 award and to take part in the Santander 2024 International Banking Conference. The award ceremony, scheduled for this Wednesday, was postponed due to the DANA, which has shaken the country and left more than a hundred fatalities. Moved by the tragedy, Metsola declared that she was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of life and the devastation that these floods have caused”. On behalf of the institution she presides over, she conveyed her “deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and to all those whose lives have been affected”. She also expressed her gratitude to the emergency workers who “demonstrate extraordinary courage, professionalism and tireless dedication in their efforts”. “All of Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with the Spanish people”, she emphasised. The European Commission has already launched the Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate rescue teams, and offered Spain the possibility of activating the European civil protection mechanism. “Europe is ready to support in whatever is necessary and provide resources for recovery and reconstruction,” said Metsola. In this regard, Metsola reiterated that the European Parliament will work quickly to do whatever is necessary. In the face of these tragic catastrophes, he added, “we must continue to increase our support for EU disaster preparedness and response capabilities, strengthening the EU civil protection mechanism and collaborating with local communities.” <strong>EU in mourning for Spanish citizens</strong> The European and Spanish flags fly at half-mast in front of the European Parliament buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg in tribute to the victims of the floods in Valencia The European Union institutions flew their flags at half-mast on Thursday in mourning for the victims of the floods in Spain. “We mourn with you. “Together we will rise,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the social network X. Von der Leyen, who recalled on Wednesday that the EU civil protection mechanism was at Spain’s disposal, spoke that same night with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. In their conversation, she assured him that the tragedy is not only a national matter, but also a community issue. The president reiterated the European Union’s commitment to Spain, stating: “We are prepared to offer emergency aid and, when the time comes, also to collaborate in the reconstruction.”
