[Digest] The use of Cohesion Policy Funds in natural disaster response and recovery

The presentation of the draft study on The use of Cohesion Policy Funds in natural disaster response and recovery  took place on 6 May 2026.

Mr Ciffolilli explained how Cohesion Policy supports EU regions in dealing with disasters ex-ante and ex-post; how the “Build Back Better” principle is integrated and how it can be further reinforced in the future.

In recent years, the European Union has faced an increasing number of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, droughts, landslides, earthquakes and cyclones (in the EU’s outermost regions). Climate change is expected to further intensify both the frequency and severity of these events. While civil protection and disaster risk management remain primarily Member State competences, the EU plays a key supporting role by coordinating, complementing and reinforcing national actions.

In this context, Cohesion Policy focus on climate change adaptation, preventing floods and landslides, fosters cooperation among regions facing similar risks and represents a small financial share (4.5% of total budget allocated in 2021-2027).

Cohesion Policy includes also RESTORE (Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction) adopted in December 2024 that supports investments aimed at reconstruction. So far, EUR 1.6 billion has been allocated in 5 countries and by 14 Programmes. “Build Back Better” to be prioritised in the selection process but its integration still weak.

The presentation was followed by questions from the Members and a stimulating debate, including the prevention aspects and the importance of funding predictability from preparedness to recovery and reconstruction in the new MFF.