Minister for European Funds, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, has welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to mobilise €3.72 million for Malta under the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support recovery efforts following the severe impact of Storm Harry in January 2026. The proposal forms part of a wider €489 million package for Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta.
The Minister highlighted that this positive development is the result of extensive work undertaken by the Maltese authorities immediately after the storm and follows Malta’s application to the European Commission under the EU Solidarity Fund mechanism.
“This process was initiated under the leadership of my predecessor, Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who oversaw the submission of Malta’s application to the European Commission following the extensive damage caused by Storm Harry. I wish to acknowledge the work carried out by all officials and entities involved in compiling the necessary assessments and documentation that enabled Malta to secure this support,” said Minister Azzopardi Tanti.
Storm Harry brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, rising sea levels and powerful waves that affected communities across Malta and Gozo, causing significant damage to public infrastructure and disrupting daily life. The European Commission recognised the impact of the storm when assessing Malta’s application.
Minister Azzopardi Tanti noted that the proposed support demonstrates the practical value of European solidarity at times of crisis. “European solidarity is not simply a principle. It delivers tangible support when Member States face extraordinary challenges. This funding will help Malta recover part of the costs incurred in responding to and recovering from the effects of Storm Harry, while strengthening the resilience of our infrastructure and communities.”
The Minister explained that funding under the EU Solidarity Fund can be used to help finance emergency and recovery operations, including the restoration of damaged infrastructure and essential services, clean-up operations, temporary accommodation measures and interventions aimed at protecting cultural heritage and preventive infrastructure.
Malta had already received an advance payment of €931,014 from the Fund earlier this year, following a request submitted in line with the provisions of the EUSF Regulation.
The Commission’s proposal will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Once approved, the Commission will proceed with the payment of the remaining balance due to Malta and the other affected Member States.
Minister Azzopardi Tanti reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all available European funding opportunities continue to be fully utilised for the benefit of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
