European Commission President Ursula
von der Leyen said on Friday the EU-funded post-Covid National
Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes six billion euros
of funding to reduce Italy's exposure to floods and landslides.
"Tin bota. Europe is with you," said von der Leyen using a
phrase in Emilia Romagna dialect meaning 'Stay strong'.
Europe is present also to help "restore the distorted balance
between nature and the constructed environment," she continued,
speaking at the Venice architecture biennale.
"The Next Generation Eu provides 6 billion euros for Italy to
reduce the risks of floods and landslides. For example, the Po
River bed is to be restored, with the removal of concrete and
the revival of greenery along the river banks, to make room for
nature.
"We must make nature our partner in the fight against climate
change," added von der Leyen.
"Man-made damage is particularly tangible here in Venice," she
continued, adding that the worst-case scenario can only be
avoided by acting quickly.
"Reducing emissions from buildings is crucial to achieving
climate neutrality and slowing the rise in sea level. For us,
the concept of solidity translates into sustainability. Palladio
believed that buildings should stand the test of time," said von
del Leyen referring to the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea
Palladio, who was active in the Venetian Republic.
"Buildings will only pass that test if they are sustainable,"
she stressed.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
