The European Parliament on Wednesday approved 4.5 million euros in aid towards damage reconstruction in western Crete, due to damage caused by severe floods in February.
The aid which comes from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF), was an idea was first proposed by Greek MEP Eva Kaili and was ultimately passed by majority vote in the European Parliament.
February’s flash flooding in western Crete claimed the life of one person and had disastrous consequences on infrastructure and economic activities - roads and agriculture were particularly affected.
Greece is expected to receive 4,552,517 euros in financial assistance, minus 10% (455,252 euros) already paid out to Greece as an advance, to help restore transport infrastructure and support clean-up operations.
The EUSF was set up in 2002 in response to disastrous flooding in central Europe in the summer of that year.
