European Union President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a significant aid package for Central European countries that have been severely affected by extensive flooding, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life in the region. During her visit to flood-damaged areas in southeast Poland, von der Leyen met with leaders from the affected countries, including Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, to discuss the urgent need for financial support and recovery efforts. The EU has pledged to provide billions of euros for infrastructure repair through the solidarity fund and an additional 10 billion euros from the cohesion fund, with a unique commitment of no co-financing required from the affected nations for the funds to be released swiftly.
The aftermath of the devastating floods has left a trail of destruction, with a new flood wave threatening additional areas and heavy rains causing flooding in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, leading to the evacuation of around 1,000 people. Central Europe has witnessed the impact of exceptionally heavy rains over the past week, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life, with reports of additional casualties in countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Austria. Cleanup and recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities mobilizing troops, emergency crews, and resources to assist in the relief operations, including the deployment of soldiers for humanitarian aid distribution and rebuilding essential infrastructure.