Storm Harry: MEP Peter Agius urges Commission not to deny Malta solidarity funds

Maltese MEP Peter Agius has called on the European Commission to reconsider its interpretation of the EU Solidarity Fund rules following severe damage caused by Storm Harry in Malta and neighbouring regions.

In a written question submitted on Monday, Agius said communities in Malta, Sicily, Portugal and Spain are still assessing damage to infrastructure, utilities and food security facilities, including farms and fisheries, after the storm.

He argued that Malta might be unfairly limited to applying for EU Solidarity Fund assistance only through the national threshold of 0.6 per cent of gross national income, due to a restrictive reading of eligibility rules.

The Nationalist MEP urged the Commission to allow greater flexibility, particularly under the “neighbouring state” criterion, which does not impose a damage threshold.

Highlighting Malta’s exposure to climate change, Agius said it would be “ironic” if the country were denied EU solidarity despite meeting green transition obligations such as ETS charges and energy efficiency requirements.