Govt finalising post-flood emergency bill, discusses EU solidarity aid
Ljubljana, 22 August - The government continued finalising a post-flood emergency bill and got acquainted with progress in the country's bid to obtain funds from the EU's Solidarity Fund as it met on Tuesday, the Government Communication Office said.
Mežica
Devastation left behind by the 4 August floods.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
The proposed measures are aimed at the urgent reconstruction of damaged or completely destroyed public infrastructure and at simplifying a number of administrative procedures.
The bill will also bring measures to help municipalities, businesses and residents with direct aid or job-preserving measures.
The government believes the measures will help alleviate the damage from the early August floods and landslides.
Last week, the government mentioned several measures - the establishment of a technical office, faster permitting, financial aid, accommodation at state-owned flats, a loan moratorium, inclusion of jobless in a public works programme, and rapid employment of foreign workers.
The bill is expected to be adopted at the government session on Thursday, and fast-tracked through parliament.
The government also discussed today activities to prepare an application for funds from the EU's Solidarity Fund, from which Slovenia could receive a total of EUR 400 million in 2023 and 2024.
The deadline to submit the application is 27 October. Relevant ministries have already met with the European Commission's representatives, contacted the Croatian ministries that have experience with Solidarity Fund procedures, and agreed cooperation with the World Bank and the EBRD to help the country with assessment of the damage and the application.