MEP Victor Negrescu called, in the plenary session of the European Parliament, for part of the EU funds saved during the negotiations on the EU budget to be used for the reconstruction of the Praid Salt Mine and to support the affected communities.

As the European Parliament’s chief negotiator for the 2025 EU budget, Victor Negrescu secured record resources to address emergency situations this year, allocating €3 billion from Cohesion Policy for regions affected by natural disasters and €211 million for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

In addition, the MEP managed to secure the adoption of essential amendments he proposed in the Budgets Committee in his capacity as shadow rapporteur on simplifying Cohesion Policy, amendments that:

• simplify procedures and keep Cohesion Policy as a priority in the next Multiannual Financial Framework;
• protect instruments such as Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) and Local and Urban Action Groups;
• strengthen the role of social partners and the EU’s commitment to poverty reduction;
• allow the recovery of unspent funds that would otherwise have been lost.

“European solidarity must also mean more action, tangible help, and support for people. The Praid Salt Mine and the affected communities deserve this,” stressed the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu.

The Praid Salt Mine, an important source of income for the Harghita region and a strategic resource for Romania, was severely damaged by infiltration caused by heavy rain.

In the face of this natural disaster, Victor Negrescu intervened without hesitation and called on the European Commission to:

• assess the structural stability, provide technical assistance for water removal, restore the damaged infrastructure, and strengthen it against future risks;
• coordinate a rapid European response, including mobilising emergency funds;
• provide financial support to cover the costs already incurred or required, including funding dedicated to natural disasters.

The MEP’s appeal was heard. Within days, the European Union deployed specialists in flooding and natural disaster response to stabilise the natural monument ahead of its reconstruction.

“We must understand that the European Union is not just an abstract concept, but a partner that can offer both technical assistance and financial resources for investment and reconstruction,” highlighted Victor Negrescu.