Julio García
The European Commission paid this Monday a €100 million advance from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to finance its recovery efforts following the October 2024 DANA storm in Valencia. This is the maximum amount allowed by the EUSF as an advance.
According to the Commission, Spain’s official application to the EUSF for DANA-related damage, submitted in January 2025, is being assessed by the Commission. Once this assessment is complete, the Commission will present a proposal on the total amount to be granted to Spain from the EUSF.
Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto stated that “Storm DANA has caused profound devastation in Valencia, with hundreds of lives lost and numerous homes and infrastructure destroyed. Our commitment to supporting the population and the region during this difficult recovery remains steadfast.”
The EU Solidarity Fund is a post-disaster relief instrument that provides financial support to EU Member States and candidate countries for their recovery efforts following major natural disasters.
Funding can be used to restore essential infrastructure such as energy, water, health, education, or telecommunications systems, as well as for cultural heritage protection measures or clean-up operations. The granting of an advance does not prejudge the final amount of EUSF assistance, which will depend on the Commission’s assessment of Spain’s application and budget availability.
