Casa calls for solidarity instrument overhaul after Storm Harry

PN Head of Delegation David Casa today called on the European Union to deliver faster and more effective solidarity with Malta and other countries hit by Storm Harry, during a plenary debate of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Casa highlighted the serious damage caused by the storm to infrastructure, property and livelihoods, stressing that Maltese families, small businesses, farmers and fishers continue to face the consequences. “Solidarity must be more than words. It must translate into action that reaches people when they need it,” Casa told MEPs, urging the rapid mobilisation of EU solidarity instruments to support Maltese and Gozitan citizens, as well as communities across the region affected by the storm. Casa warned that existing criteria that determines access to the Solidarity Fund was structurally imbalanced and that the current rules made it more difficult for smaller member states to access support. “This is further compounded by the Commission’s restrictive interpretation of clauses that cater for support when different member states are hit by the same disaster. This needs to change”, claimed Casa. Source: EPP Photo: EPP