European Parliament expected to approve €683.7 mn for Croatia earthquake next week

(Photo: HINA/ Tomislav PAVLEK)

ZAGREB, Nov 20 (Hina) – MEPs are expected to give at a plenary on Tuesday their final approval for allocating €823 million for dealing with the aftermath of the Zagreb earthquake, floods in Poland, and the COVID crisis in several member states, Croatian MEP Karlo Ressler said on Friday.

The aid from the European Solidarity Fund is intended for eight member states.

Croatia was allocated €683.7 million for dealing with the consequences of the March 22 quake, Ressler (HDZ/EPP) said at a Zoom press conference organised by the European Parliament’s Croatian office.

An €88.9 million advance was paid in August, he recalled.

Over €132.7 million is intended for advances to Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Hungary, Spain and Portugal for dealing with the effects of COVID-19 on public health. The Croatian advance amounts to €8.5 million.

Ressler said the plenary would also address negotiations on the next EU budget and recovery plan, which are being blocked by Hungary and Poland.

He said that due to the COVID crisis, it was necessary to agree on the budget as soon as possible, voicing confidence that “seriousness and understanding will prevail.”

Consumer protection

Croatian MEP Biljana Borzan (SDP, S&D) said the MEPs would also vote on a number of consumer protection reports aimed at banning product defects, ensuring the right to repairs and product safety.

“Parliament will say what the Commission should change in existing laws so that we can strengthen consumer rights, save the environment and create jobs,” she said.

MEPs will also vote on new rules on class actions.

Borzan described the Commission’s new consumer strategy as positive, saying there was a lot of work ahead for institutions in order for the strategy to be implemented.

“The proposed measures must not be considered a cost but an investment in the future. Decision-makers should have an ear for all the changes awaiting us