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The acting president and vice president of the Community Committee of the Regions (CoR) of the European Union, Ramón Luis Valcárcel, today asked the European Commission president, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, extra funds to tackle the reconstruction of Lorca after the earthquakes on 11 May.

Valcarcel, who was speaking during a lunch meeting between the presidents of the Committee of the Regions and the European regional associations called on the EU institutions "effective budgetary flexibility," so it can give the best possible response to "extraordinary circumstances" like the one in Lorca.

"This time it was an earthquake, but could have been another type of natural disaster in another European territory or other circumstances limit that requires a reprogramming of funds or a need for added resources to address unforeseen" said.

For Murcia, the chief executive, "is the reality that sets priorities: the victims, debris, people could not enter their homes or hospitals evacuees," he said Valcarcel, who added that the priority of the EU should be "be prepared with exceptional responses to exceptional circumstances."

He stressed that "this budget flexibility is ensured when, quickly and easily, there are instruments that can respond accordingly, immediate and effective, this type of situation," and specifically referred to the Structural Funds , "as called for in the Committee of the Regions on reviewing the budget of the European Union."

"We are aware that the work we have before it the European institutions on the EU budget will not be easy. Never is, but this time I think so especially considering the context of economic and financial crisis we are experiencing "Valcarcel said, noting that" precisely why we must be more ambitious, demanding and creative than ever. "

"My obligation is to ask the most"

Valcarcel, who recalled the consequences, both human and material losses from the earthquakes of Lorca, stressed that "since the early days we are in contact with the Directorate General for Regional Policy European Commission to analyze the best way to optimize the available structural funds and reprogram them so that we can effectively be allocated to alleviate some of the damage. "

He said the earthquake was in touch with Barroso, who found "the response of solidarity," but now, he added, "we want to materialize this commitment because we have to rebuild a city."

In addition, the chief executive Murcia said: "I have raised with President Barroso the need to come to Lorca" to see the state it is the city.

"It's been over a month and yet not know exactly what the nature of the funds, what is the amount. We need to know what logic is the data and my obligation is to ask the most," said Valcarcel , adding that "now we have to negotiate."

The regional president said that "great efforts are being invested in human and economic reconstruction and assistance to victims," ​​noting that "we are currently working on the dossier of application for the European Solidarity Fund, also in collaboration with DG Regional Policy of the European Commission. "

Source: CARM