Romania Activates EU RESTORE Mechanism for the First Time to Rebuild Flood-Hit Suceava and Neamț Regions
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Romania will activate the European Union’s RESTORE mechanism for the first time to aid recovery efforts in Suceava and Neamț counties following devastating flash floods, Minister of Investments and European Projects Dragoș Pîslaru announced.
The RESTORE mechanism, created to provide rapid financial support in the aftermath of major natural disasters such as floods, fires, or storms, will allow Romania to quickly redirect EU funds toward affected areas. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to restore infrastructure, rebuild homes, and support small businesses impacted by the floods.
According to Raed Arafat, Head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), more than 680 houses in Suceava and 170 in Neamț were damaged, with 41 homes completely destroyed and three fatalities reported.
“This is the first time Romania will use the RESTORE instrument. It will enable the swift reallocation of millions of euros in European funds to support reconstruction in these disaster-stricken areas,” said Pîslaru in a statement.
In parallel, the Romanian government also plans to apply for aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), which could bring in hundreds of millions of euros. However, Pîslaru noted that EUSF funds will take months to be processed and approved.
An additional national aid package is under preparation and will be approved after final damage assessments. So far, the government has allocated emergency assistance of up to RON 30,000 per affected family. Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, helicopters, and ambulances, have been fully mobilized.
“We will ensure that material damage is repaired and reconstruction begins without delay,” Pîslaru stated, while expressing deep appreciation for the emergency responders and volunteers who played vital roles during the crisis. “They are the true heroes of the day.”
