By Matt Williams - 2nd September 2007
Greek MEP Katerina Batzeli has warned that community funds for tackling natural disasters need to be more readily available.
Following the forest fires in Greece which have devastated huge parts of the country, Katerina Batzeli said that the reconstruction policies now in place are in need of "immediate financial support".
The fires have resulted in the deaths of over 60 people, and were described by Batzeli as "the biggest national tragedy in her recent history".
Batzeli stated that current resources are poor, and cannot "meet the needs in order to efficiently deal with the problems".
More can be done to reconsider the policies financed by the European structural funds, she said.
She pointed to weaknesses in bringing about policies such as preparedness and co-ordination that have led to this environmental disaster and to the loss of human lives.
It is essential, she added, to re-examine these policies, at every level. This will "regain Greek citizens' trust in the well-functioning of the state, of political parties and of European policies".
The Greek MEP nonetheless expressed her gratitude for EU solidarity.
"The EU and several member states have sent reinforcements following the delayed call for help made by the Greek government," she said.
This political solidarity, she said, is a top priority in order to help the affected families both materially and psychologically.
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