Last week, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, mentioned five flood-affected member states that could receive EU support, but Hungary was not among them. A spokesman for the committee reacted quickly to the president’s “mistake,” stating that Hungary could also benefit from the help offered by the European Union to the member states affected by the floods.
“Of course, EU support is due to all affected member states, including Hungary,” the spokesperson stated, adding that at the time of the statement in question, data on damages had only been received from the five countries mentioned – Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and Slovakia.
However, the situation is not nearly so simple, reports Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet. Brussels’ promise is misleading, as the support is subject to conditions.
With the €10 billion euros offered from the EU cohesion funds, only those countries that meet the criteria will be offered financial assistance. This criteria indicates that “in the case of a major natural disaster, the total direct damage must exceed €3 billion in 2011 prices or 0.6 percent of the GNI of the affected state, whichever is lower.”
Hungary reacted quickly and efficiently, so the amount of damage is expected to be below the threshold, although there is no concrete data yet, as defense efforts against the flooding are still ongoing.
In other words, Hungary will not receive financial aid from Brussels because it effectively defended itself against the flood.
In contrast, other member states face serious damage. After the devastating floods in Poland, initial damage assessments in the most severely affected region were estimated at nearly €935 million.
In Austria, a total of €700 million in flood-related claims is expected at this point, although this amount is likely to rise. In Romania, the damage was estimated at €12.5 million, and in the case of Slovakia, it is estimated at €20 million.
Notably, Ukraine has received tens of billions in EU funds, while billions due to Hungary remain frozen over “rule of law” issues and claims over a lack of democracy. Meanwhile, Ukraine is under emergency martial law, refuses to hold elections, and has shut down all opposition media.
