Czechia, Poland seek EU help against floods as Slovak government aid deemed insufficient

As the Polish government plans to apply to activate the EU's civil protection mechanism and the Czech government is exploring whether it can access EU funds for repairs after devastating floods, the government in neighbouring Slovakia has been criticised for not providing enough aid.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who on Monday declared a 30-day state of natural disaster in part of the country due to the flooding, announced that Poland would consult with other affected EU member states on possible aid from Brussels.

He said he would hold talks with his counterparts from Czechia, Slovakia, Austria and possibly Romania on a joint request for EU aid.

“I want our countries to remain in close contact, as we will together ask the EU to provide financial aid for the damage caused by the floods,” Tusk told the media, adding that he believed a request from a group of countries would be more effective.

He noted that “there are special financial tools available for combating the effects of flooding,” including “a significant amount of money could be sourced from European funds, as well as through targeted aid programs specifically designed for natural disasters.”

Euractiv understands that Poland will request the activation of the EU's civil protection mechanism. Established in 2001, the mechanism aims to strengthen cooperation between EU countries and 10 participating states in civil protection to improve prevention, preparedness and response to disasters.

Any country can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in an emergency. In response, specialised teams and equipment, such as fire-fighting aircraft, search and rescue, and medical teams, can be mobilised on short notice.

In 2023 alone, the UCPM was activated 66 times to respond to the war in Ukraine, forest fires in Europe, and earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

In 2019, the EU upgraded the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to create the RescEU reserve, which aims to protect citizens from disasters and manage emerging risks. Fully funded by the EU, RescEU strengthens Europe's preparedness for disasters and increases the capacity to respond to European crises.

In a state of natural disaster such as the one in Poland, forces, resources, and funds should be mobilised under the RescEU mechanism, the head of the Polish National Security Office (BBN) Jacek Siewiera wrote on X on Sunday.

“Now that we know that things are very bad, it is time for Brussels to show its solidarity, as we have done so many times in floods, fires and disasters in the EU (countries),” he added.

Poland 2050 MEP Michał Kobosko  (Renew) announced on X that Polish lawmakers would lobby for activating the RescEU mechanism during the ongoing European Parliament session in Strasbourg.

“In the short term, it is about helping people and rebuilding (the infrastructure) from damage. In the longer term, it is about action and funding related to protection against the effects of climate change,” he stressed.

Czechia looking into EU funds transfer

The damage caused by the floods on Czech territory could run into tens of billions of Czech crowns (billions of euros), and the government will probably have to revise the state budget.

The Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is discussing with the European Commission the possibility of transferring part of the European subsidies for the flood damage, Minister Marian Jurečka told reporters on Monday afternoon.

Jurečka (Christian Democrats, EPP) wants to use part of the EU funds from the National Recovery Plan and the Operational Programme Employment+ (part of the European Social Fund) to finance repairs after the current devastating floods. For example, the money would be used to rebuild flooded social facilities.

The government reportedly received summary information from all ministries on the possible transfer of EU funds on Monday evening when its extraordinary meeting was held, so there might be additional EU resources beyond those mentioned that can be used.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democrats, ECR) confirmed that the Czech Republic is coordinating the possible use of EU funds with Poland.

“I also spoke about this with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen,” Fiala added.

On Monday evening, the government also approved, among other things, that the army would help with the aftermath of the floods. Up to 2,000 soldiers may be involved until the end of October.

Slovak government aid slow and inefficient

Rainfall is decreasing in southwestern Slovakia, and the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) reports that the weather will improve from Tuesday, but many areas continue to struggle with the fallout.

“The extent of damage across the city is truly vast (...). Additionally, many trees have waterlogged root systems and may fall even with light winds," said Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo.

The leading opposition party, Progressive Slovakia (PS/RE), called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD/NI) to release funds for flood victims, criticising the government's aid as slow and insufficient.

“The limits of €1,500 per household and €15,000 for the municipality are far from covering the basic costs of the people affected by this disaster,” said MP Simona Petrík (PS).

“The PM himself has €1.5 million at his disposal and can distribute it flexibly and in a targeted manner," she also said, adding that the government has another €5 million in reserve.

Deputy Prime Minister for Investments Richard Raši (Hlas-SD/NI) admitted that funds for flood relief “must be found” and acknowledged the possibility of using the EU Solidarity Fund, for example, if Slovakia meets the conditions.

Insurers have yet to estimate the total flood damage in Slovakia.

(Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | Euractiv.pl, Ondřej Plevák | Euractiv.cz, Natália Silenská | Euractiv.sk)