IP/01/1163, Brussels, 31 July 2001
Serious flooding has occurred in Poland
over recent days, causing considerable loss of life and damage to infrastructure
and housing. The Commission has expressed its sympathy for the plight of
all who are suffering from the consequences of this flooding. Today, Commissioner
Günter Verheugen, responsible for EU Enlargement, stated that he proposes
that the additional sum of € 15 Million from the EU PHARE pre-accession
funds be used towards a flood damage reconstruction programme for Poland.
Commissioner Verheugen declared that he is also in favour of the re-programming of some ongoing projects towards the affected regions. In order to achieve this, he will discuss the modalities with the Polish authorities, bearing in mind that this should not, of course, touch on those activities that the country is undertaking to prepare for accession to the EU.
These programmes should help the local authorities in Poland in the renovation and reconstruction of public infrastructure damaged by the floods along the banks of the Vistula river, where the flooding is occurring.
"These actions are another sign of solidarity that we show towards the Polish people", Commissioner Verheugen said. "We will be exploring with the Government how this support can be provided to the local communities that have been most affected."
