Portugal has received authorization from the European Commission to access €500 million from cohesion funds to help cover the damage caused by fires in the central and northern regions of the country. The government has started assessing the damage in the most affected municipalities, as plans are being made for reconstruction. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced that Portugal will receive €500 million in EU funds for reconstruction, with a contribution and reimbursement rate that may reach 100 per cent.
With severe damage to homes, crops, and industrial facilities, the Portuguese government aims to make the reconstruction effort swift and unbureaucratic. Local officials are working to complete an evaluation of the damage caused by the fires by the end of the next week. In addition to focusing on reconstruction efforts, an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for deliberately setting fires in certain areas. Prime Minister Montenegro stated that the investigation will seek to determine the motivations of the suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, as well as review ongoing investigations into the offense of setting forest fires.
The fires in the north and center of Portugal last week resulted in nine deaths and over 160 injuries. Public Security Police received around 9,000 calls related to the forest fires daily between September 15 and 19. These fires burned approximately 135,000 hectares of forest between September 15 and 20, making it the third worst fire record in the last decade in Portugal. Prime Minister Montenegro emphasized the importance of ensuring that fires are not solely caused by natural events or negligence, but rather that specific interests are not driving these destructive events.
The government’s allocation of €500 million in EU funds for reconstruction will help cover the costs of the extensive damage caused by the fires. Portugal is working diligently to assess the damage and begin reconstruction efforts to restore the affected areas. In addition to focusing on rebuilding, authorities are also investigating the root causes of the fires in certain areas to prevent similar incidents in the future. The widespread destruction caused by these fires highlights the importance of proper prevention and response measures to protect lives and property in Portugal.
The funding provided by the European Commission will play a crucial role in supporting Portugal’s reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the devastating fires. The allocation of €500 million from cohesion funds demonstrates the EU’s commitment to helping member states recover from natural disasters and emergencies. By accessing these funds, Portugal can accelerate its reconstruction efforts and provide much-needed support to communities that have been severely impacted by the fires. This financial assistance will help address the immediate and long-term needs of areas affected by the fires, ensuring a more efficient and effective recovery process.
Prime Minister Montenegro’s announcement of the EU funding for Portugal’s reconstruction highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the damage caused by the fires and supporting affected communities. The swift response to assess the damage, allocate funds, and launch investigations into the causes of the fires demonstrates Portugal’s determination to overcome this crisis. By working together with the European Commission and local authorities, Portugal can rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the fires, ensuring that affected areas are restored and prepared to prevent future disasters. The €500 million in EU funds will be instrumental in facilitating the reconstruction and recovery efforts in Portugal’s central and northern regions, where the fires have had a significant impact on lives and livelihoods.
