Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a comprehensive plan to mobilize up to 23 billion zlotys ($6 billion) to address the devastating floods that have severely impacted southwestern Poland. The relief package will be funded through a combination of national budget allocations and financial support from the European Union.
The EU has pledged approximately €5 billion in aid, with a portion of the funds dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening flood defenses across the affected regions. Preliminary damage assessments from various Polish provinces estimate losses to exceed €1 billion, although the total damage is expected to rise as assessments in flood-hit towns like Głuchołazy and Lewin Brzeski continue.
In a government meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tusk also unveiled new flood relief legislation aimed at accelerating the recovery process. The plan includes support measures for home-loan borrowers impacted by the floods and additional benefits for affected victims.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that 10 billion euros ($11.14 billion) from the EU’s cohesion funds will be earmarked for flood relief across the 27-nation bloc, with Poland set to receive €5 billion of that amount. These funds, combined with Poland’s internal reallocations, will be directed towards infrastructure reconstruction and relief efforts.
This joint national and European effort aims to restore stability and rebuild crucial infrastructure as the country grapples with the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in recent years.
Key Points: Poland to Mobilize $6 Billion for Flood Relief
- $6 Billion Relief Package: Poland will mobilize up to 23 billion zlotys ($6 billion) to address the aftermath of devastating floods in southwestern Poland.
- EU Support: The European Union will contribute approximately €5 billion in aid for relief and rebuilding flood defenses in affected areas.
- Damage Assessments: Initial assessments from some provinces estimate losses exceeding €1 billion, with further evaluations ongoing in flood-hit towns like Głuchołazy and Lewin Brzeski.
- New Legislation: Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced new flood relief legislation to accelerate recovery, providing support for home-loan borrowers and additional benefits for flood victims.
- EU Cohesion Funds: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that €10 billion from EU cohesion funds will be directed towards flood relief across Europe, with €5 billion allocated specifically for Poland.
- Infrastructure Reconstruction: Funds from both the EU and Polish government will be used for rebuilding infrastructure and reinforcing flood defenses.
