The EU provides Spain with a record advance to tackle disaster aftermath in Valencia
The EU has allocated €100 million to help Valencia recover from storm DANA — the funds will restore access to critical services and kickstart the city's reconstruction.
Photo: Igobymanynames1, CC BY-SA 4.0
In response to the devastating natural disaster that struck eastern Spain in October 2024, the European Union decided to provide the country with emergency financial support.
Spain received €100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund — the maximum advance payment allowed under the fund's rules.
The money is intended for restoring essential infrastructure in Valencia, which was severely damaged by storm DANA.
The city suffered massive destruction: homes were destroyed, and water, power, and telecommunications systems were disrupted.
The European Commission emphasized that this amount is not final. Madrid’s full funding request is currently under review, and the final aid package will be determined later.
Vice-President of the European Commission Raffaele Fitto stated that the EU stands in solidarity with the affected communities and remains committed to supporting the region throughout the recovery process.
The funds may also be used for cleanup operations and efforts to protect cultural heritage damaged by the disaster.
Reminder: In late October 2024, torrential rains caused severe flooding in southeastern Spain.
Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and eastern Andalusia were the hardest hit.
The floods destroyed homes, roads, and public infrastructure. At least 222 people lost their lives — making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spain’s recent history.
The country declared a three-day national mourning period. Rescue teams worked around the clock to search for survivors and deal with the aftermath.