Attica Governor Proposes EU Funding Mechanism for Natural Disaster Prevention

Photo source: Attica Region

Region of Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias recently proposed the establishment of a funding mechanism to support European regional authorities in developing projects aimed at protecting against natural disasters.

Speaking at the 163rd plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels, Governor Hardalias emphasized the urgent need for action in light of the recent floods in Valencia, which serve as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change threatening all European nations.

Hardalias underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the CoR and the three key institutions of the European Union—the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. He stressed that enhancing the role of regional authorities is critical to managing the climate crisis effectively.

Region of Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

“We must prioritize flood protection, advancing robust legislative proposals and bolstering financial tools such as a new European Prevention and Resilience Fund,” the governor stated.

He highlighted the necessity of having these measures in place by February, aligning with the start of the CoR’s new term.

On the sidelines of the plenary session, Governor Hardalias met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Greece’s newly appointed EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transportation and Tourism, to congratulate him on his new role.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas with Nikso Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

The governor also held discussions with Greek Members of the European Parliament, Evangelos Meimarakis and Giannis Maniatis, as well as Olgierd Geblewicz, the Polish President of the European People’s Party at the CoR.

The 163rd Plenary Session, held on November 20–21 at the European Parliament, marked the final session for the current term of the European Committee of the Regions under its present composition. Alongside discussions on the climate crisis, the session also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Committee’s establishment. Key topics included the evolving role of regional authorities in shaping the future of the EU and the renewed cohesion policy framework beyond 2027.