With the aim of supporting the recovery after the floods of 2024 in the Valencian Community, the European Commission approved 846 million euros down payment to Spain from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support reconstruction efforts.
This amount complements another 100 million euros emergency down payment disbursed in March 2025 to boost a kickstart recovery and relief operations.
In October 2024, an extreme weather phenomenon known as cut-off low (isolated depression at high levels) struck the Valencian Community with heavy rains that lasted for several days, resulting in widespread devastating floods. The disaster claimed more than 230 lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Spanish history. It also caused widespread damage to homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, and critical infrastructure, leaving entire communities displaced and isolated.
After a thorough assessment of the damages, and taking into account the EUSF budget, the Commission proposed in October 2025 to grant Spain a total of 945 million euros, which was quickly approved by the European Parliament and the Council. This is the second largest amount ever allocated by the EU’s main disaster relief instrument.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated: “When a disaster strikes one part of Europe, our entire Union mobilizes in unison. We have just approved new funds to help rebuild what the terrible floods in Valencia destroyed. Our total aid is approaching 1 billion euros. And it is also a concrete demonstration of the EU’s solidarity with our Spanish friends, who still bear the weight of loss and pain. To Spain, today and tomorrow: Europe is with you.”
