MEPs back EU support for Cyprus, Romania and Spain after natural disasters

On Tuesday, MEPs supported the mobilisation of the European Solidarity Fund to help Romania, Cyprus and Spain following severe floods and wildfires in 2025.

MEPs in the Budgets Committee supported the release of €144.1 million in EU aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), by 31 votes, 0 against, and no abstentions. The money is to help Romania, Cyprus and Spain after natural disasters that took place in these countries in 2025.

Romania (flooding): €14.34 million.

Cyprus (wildfires): €9.21 million.

Spain (wildfires): €120.55 million.

Spain and Cyprus have already received advance payments (€30 million and €2.3 million respectively) to support their initial recovery efforts. The Commission based the proposed amounts on the scale of the damage reported by each country, assessed in line with the fund’s rules and the resources available.

In Cyprus, two major wildfires in July 2025 affected the Limassol and Paphos regions, displacing thousands of residents, killing two people and destroying nearly 900 private properties, while also disrupting education and healthcare services. Romania experienced severe flooding in May and June 2025 following days of heavy rainfall, causing extensive damage across several regions, including to the Praid Salt Mine, where floodwaters compromised critical infrastructure and triggered widespread power outages. Spain faced prolonged drought, intense heatwaves and several major wildfire outbreaks throughout 2025, with the most destructive fires beginning in August 2025 and forcing mass evacuations and causing the death of eight people.

MEPs, in the draft report, highlight the increasing number of severe, destructive and deadly natural disasters in Europe and call on EU countries and the Commission to invest in adaptation measures to avoid deaths and economic losses.

Background

Since its creation in 2002, the EUSF has provided more than €10 billion in support for 147 disaster events, including 127 natural disasters and 20 public health emergencies, across 25 EU member states and six accession countries. The 2025 wildfire season stands out as the most destructive on record. The mobilisation of the EUSF requires approval by Parliament and Council, with a plenary vote expected in July 2026. Once approved, the assistance will be disbursed in a single payment to the countries concerned.