Brussels - Strasbourg: Europe and the Arabs

Socialists and Democrats urge strong EU response to flood crisis - short and long term A statement issued in Brussels by the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament said that at the initiative of the Socialists and Democrats, the European Parliament held an urgent general debate today in response to the devastating floods that hit Central and Eastern Europe.

Through the statement, a copy of which we received, the Socialists and Democrats "S&D" expressed during today's session of the European Parliament's sessions during the current week in Strasbourg, France, their condolences to the families of the victims and their solidarity with all those affected. They called for the mobilization of an emergency response from the European Union to the regions affected by Hurricane Boris, including through the Solidarity Reserve and Emergency Aid, the European Solidarity Fund, and the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism.
As for the future, the Socialists and Democrats insist that, in addition to emergency responses, the European Union must significantly increase investment in climate change prevention. Reducing emissions remains a top priority, as the cost of inaction is much higher than the cost of combating climate change. In addition, as the effects of climate change are already being felt, establishing a European climate adaptation law is now crucial to protect citizens, support farmers, protect the environment and strengthen critical infrastructure. “Once again, Europe is facing the catastrophic consequences of heavy rainfall and severe flooding. Many citizens have lost their lives and the number is rising. Thousands have lost their homes and belongings. It is important for citizens to know that Europe will not leave them alone in their most difficult times. Strong civil protection measures, together with adequate solidarity funding from the EU, are essential to alleviate human suffering. However, Europe must do more, not only to provide immediate relief to all those affected by the floods, but also to prevent such disasters in the future and to avoid the impact of climate change,” said Iratex García Pérez, President of S&D Group. “According to the European Environment Agency, in the EU alone, floods, devastating wildfires, scorching heatwaves and prolonged drought have caused staggering economic losses of over €650 billion since 1980, killing 195,000 people. In 2023 alone, more than 47,000 people in Europe died due to heat. Every year, more than 300,000 Europeans lose their lives prematurely due to air pollution.

“This latest disaster is a stark reminder that the climate crisis is primarily a social crisis. This must not become the new normal. S&D will therefore continue to fight for strong EU efforts to avoid catastrophic global warming and adapt to its already existing impacts.”

“Extreme weather events are happening, and they are disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable in Europe. While mitigating climate change is crucial, we must also adapt to its consequences,” said Mohamed Chehim, S&D’s co-vice president for the Green Deal.

“The European Climate Adaptation Act must focus on natural solutions, which are the most cost-effective way to combat global warming while minimising its impacts on cities and rural areas. It must also prioritise disadvantaged and climate-vulnerable regions and ensure adequate funding for those affected by climate impacts.”