The European Commission has published its 2025 Annual Report on the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), covering activities in 2024. The report, dated 30 June 2026, details that the Commission received 12 applications to the fund, of which 10 were deemed eligible, approving approximately €1.14 billion in support. The aid primarily addressed flood-related disasters across several Member States and neighbouring countries, while two applications were rejected for failing to meet eligibility criteria.
The report, issued under reference COM(2026)323, outlines that eligible applications covered major and regional natural disasters in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Poland, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and Slovakia. Advance payments totalling around €22.35 million were granted to France and Austria, with final implementing decisions adopted between December 2024 and early 2025. Applications from Spain (drought) and Romania (floods) were rejected as they did not meet the Regulation’s eligibility criteria. The report also notes the closure of eight EUSF cases during the year, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline fund implementation and disbursement.
The EUSF provides financial assistance to Member States and accession countries in the event of major natural disasters. The 2024 disbursements represent a significant increase compared to previous years, driven by a series of severe flood events across Europe. The Commission’s report serves as an accountability mechanism to the European Parliament and the Council, detailing the use of EU budget resources for disaster relief.
The approved funding directly benefits national and regional authorities in affected Member States, providing partial compensation for emergency response and recovery costs. EU taxpayers bear the cost of the fund, which is financed from the EU budget. The rejection of applications from Spain and Romania highlights the strict eligibility criteria, which may leave some disaster-affected regions without EU support. The streamlined closure of cases signals improved administrative efficiency, reducing delays for beneficiaries. The report does not propose changes to the EUSF Regulation, but the high volume of applications may prompt future discussions on fund adequacy and criteria flexibility.
The report is addressed to the European Parliament and the Council, which may take note of the findings or request further action. No legislative proposal is attached; the report is purely informational. Future EUSF decisions will depend on the 2025 application cycle and any potential regulatory amendments.