The European Commission has submitted its 2024 annual report on the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to the European Parliament and the Council, as required by Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The report, published on 30 June 2026, details that the Commission received 12 new applications in 2024, of which 10 were deemed eligible, covering major natural disasters, regional natural disasters, and disasters in neighbouring countries. Total approved support amounted to EUR 1,144.57 million, with advance payments of EUR 22.35 million granted to France and Austria.
funding calculations follow a progressive two-step system for major disasters (2.5% below threshold, 6% above) and a flat 2.5% rate for regional and neighbouring country disasters. The mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework increased the EUSF annual budget to EUR 1.016 billion (2018 prices) from 2024, splitting the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve into dedicated instruments. Eight EUSF cases were closed in 2024, with financial corrections applied only where eligible expenditure fell short of the contribution, as in Bulgaria's floods case.
The increased budget enhances the EU's capacity to respond to climate-related disasters, supporting national reconstruction and recovery efforts. The Fund helps affected regions quickly resume economic and social activity by repairing critical infrastructure and reducing financial burdens on national and local governments. However, the high number of applications and budget pressure underscore the growing need for comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies across Europe. The report also highlights the importance of timely applications and compliance with eligibility criteria, as two applications (Spain and Romania) were rejected in 2024.
The report serves as a formal update to the co-legislators, with no immediate follow-up action required beyond the annual reporting obligation. The EUSF remains a key instrument for EU solidarity in disaster response, with the 2024 data reflecting both the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the Union's financial commitment to recovery.