Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who are still tirelessly battling the elements: the residents, the local authorities, the emergency services, and above all, the volunteers. Poland is a country where solidarity is not just an empty slogan. Here, solidarity means real action. I am deeply moved by this spirit, and I am very proud.
The authorities in the flooded villages, towns, and cities are not yet even able to assess the damage and losses, and some areas are still bracing for the worst.
However, we must start thinking about support now. I believe that the European Commission will review all requests for assistance available under various funds on an urgent basis and with due diligence.
I would also like to call for the adoption of a regulation that will enable a flexible approach, allowing us to fully harness the potential of the Cohesion Funds, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Fund, in combating the effects of this crisis, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
In March 2020, just two weeks after the outbreak of the pandemic, regulations were amended, giving us the ability to intervene in a way that was very close to the people. Similarly, in 2022, the response here in the European Parliament to the outbreak of war in Ukraine was appropriate to the needs and expectations.
I expect and call for the full commitment of all institutions to support residents affected by natural disasters in Europe.