Malta is set to receive €3.7 million in European Union financial assistance to help recover from the damage caused by Storm Harry, after the European Parliament overwhelmingly backed an emergency aid package.MEPs voted today to approve €489 million in funding for Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain, all of which were affected by severe storms and flooding earlier this year.The funding, allocated through the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), was approved with 651 votes in favour, 17 against and three abstentions.Malta requested financial assistance following Storm Harry, which struck the islands in January, causing damage that prompted the country to seek support from the EU.Of the €3.7 million allocated to Malta, approximately €931,000 has already been received as an advance payment.The remaining funds will contribute towards emergency and recovery operations, including repairs to infrastructure and other essential services affected by the storm.The EU Solidarity Fund can be used to restore damaged energy, water, wastewater, telecommunications and transport infrastructure, as well as support health and education services.Funding can also cover clean-up operations, temporary accommodation, rescue services and measures aimed at protecting cultural heritage and strengthening infrastructure against future disasters.Malta is one of four countries included in the latest assistance package, with Portugal receiving the largest allocation of €261.5 million following severe flooding earlier this year.Spain has been allocated €149.1 million, while Italy will receive €74.9 million after also being affected by Storm Harry in January.The European Parliament stressed the importance of maintaining adequate funding for disaster recovery under the EU’s next long-term budget, particularly as natural disasters become more frequent and severe.MEPs argued that the Solidarity Fund must continue providing meaningful financial assistance to member states and regions dealing with the consequences of extreme weather events.Since its establishment in 2002, the EU Solidarity Fund has provided more than €11 billion in assistance following 150 disaster events, including 130 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies.The fund has supported countries across the European Union, as well as several accession countries, helping finance recovery efforts following major emergencies.The latest allocation for Malta forms part of the EU’s wider response to the storms that affected several European countries during the first two months of 2026.The European Parliament’s approval is a key step towards mobilising the funds, although the allocation also requires approval from the Council of the European Union.What do you make of this?•