Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives her introductory statement ahead of the plenary session in Brussels: opening remarks and a minute of silence on the recent floods in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Italy (T)

natural disasters (T)

fight against climate change (T)

president's agenda

Resumption of session and order of business: opening remark by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, on the recent floods in Italy and minute of silence

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Dear colleagues, a few weeks ago, you know that Europe witnessed floods in Italy, which brought Emilia-Romagna to its knees.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, At least 15 people lost their lives and more than 30,000 people were forced to leave their homes. The same amount of rain that normally falls in seven months, fell in a two week time period, causing 23 rivers to burst their banks throughout the region.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, In that area, 400 landslides took place and 100 communes were flooded. That's extremely serious damage to housing, to agriculture, to industry and to infrastructure. But the worst of times bring out the best of people.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, We saw the emergency workers risking everything for people they had never met. We saw neighbours helping each other out. So, European Union has activated its protection mechanism. Italy will be asking for the activation of the EU Solidarity Fund.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Our response will continue to be and will be always a stronger one. And I want to say to the people of Emilia-Romagna, once more, we are with you. We will be with you and we will help you to rebuild. Because you are Europe and Europe is with you. Dear colleagues, can we observe one minute of silence to recall the victims of this tragedy?

Minute of silence for the victims of the floods in Italy.