The president of the EU Commission Ursula Von der Leyen carried out an inspection in the flooded areas of Emilia Romagna. Accompanying her were the premier Giorgia Meloni, the governor of the region Stefano Bonaccini, the minister Raffaele Fitto and the head of civil protection Fabrizio Curcio.
The inspection by helicopter
"Thanks to the president who wanted to come to Emila to understand the situation facing the region and the entire nation". So Giorgia Meloni Bologna after flying over the flooded areas with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the governor of Emilia Romagna Stefano Bonaccini. “I was with her in Japan during the days of the flood and she immediately showed her solidarity with the flooded populations. I also want to thank the other heads of state who have offered their availability. The prime minister added: “The support of the Union can be very important at this stage.
In the coming weeks, once the overall estimate of the flood damage has been made, we will request the activation of the solidarity fund. I think it was important that von der Leyen saw the extent of the problem with his own eyes because we will need to keep an eye on this region”. “The thing that struck me the most was seeing people's reactions. You will find a very proud people who have already rolled up their sleeves and do not give up and this puts all of us in the need to do our best for them". So Meloni addressing the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Ursula von der Leyen
“Thank you for hosting me. It was hard, it broke my heart to see the mud, these deep scars left by the avalanches. I am here to send a very clear message: Europe is with you". This was stated by the president of Von der Leyen in Bologna, after flying over the flooded areas by helicopter. “There is a structured approach to the emergency. It can be used – observed the president of the EU Commission – the cohesion fund. If we look at the Next Generation EU plan, there are 6 billion for prevention, there is a structural approach and all these and other resources we can draw on”.
“The civil protection mechanism has been activated, some member states have already offered help, water pumps have arrived from Slovakia and Belgium, many people have come here to make them work. It is a prime example of European solidarity. I was impressed by the hundreds of volunteers, what you call the Mud Angels". Governor Bonaccini then declared: “I thank President Meloni for the second visit in a few days to Emilia-Romagna, we are working very well together. And I am very satisfied with President Von Der Leyen's reassurances about Europe's closeness to our region and the activation of resources and the European Solidarity Fund. His presence is another important signal for Emilia-Romagna, the communities and people affected by this terrible flood. Together, I repeat, we will get back up”.
(Photo governo.it)
