Following the deadly mudslides and floods in northern Italy on Sunday, Gianni Pittella, the president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, said:
 
"Europe can help Italy and other member states hit by natural disasters. The dramatic conditions in northern Italy require immediate and practical help from the EU.
 
"Therefore, it is highly recommended that governments request the EU Commission  activates the solidarity fund, a tool set up to respond to major natural disasters in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner. The fund has an annual budget of €1 billion and, for the first time, new rules allow it to allocate funds to local authorities in advance. This is a crucial measure aimed at tackling emergency situations promptly.
 
"It is important citizens know that Europe won't leave them alone when times are hardest."