Emergency support for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine in Spain following Storm Filomena and European support mechanisms

Question for written answer  E-000873/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos (Renew), Susana Solís Pérez (Renew), José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (Renew), Maite Pagazaurtundúa (Renew), Jordi Cañas (Renew), Adrián Vázquez Lázara (Renew)

Storm Filomena has wreaked havoc in much of Spain and caused personal injury and material damage that is seriously disrupting day-to-day life in the country. The snow has brought essential public services to a halt and is hindering access to health institutions. It is also causing a further delay in the already slow progress made in the rollout of the vaccination programme owing to the temporary closure of airports and roads.

Moreover, although the Military Emergencies Unit is constantly clearing the snow to allow access to hospitals and health centres, the scale and impact of the snowfall is hampering relief efforts.

In view of the above:

• 1.What kind of support actions can we expect from the EU? Has the Commission received any eligible requests for support from the European Civil Protection Mechanism and the Solidarity Fund?
• 2.Has the Spanish Government requested support from the Emergency Support Instrument to transport vaccines to areas most affected by the storm? What other logistical measures and solutions does the Commission envisage to speed up the vaccine distribution process in the Member States?