After months of assessing the destruction caused by a of powerful winter storms, the Portuguese government has formally requested more than €5.3 billion in financial support

from Brussels.

The application, submitted under the European Union’s “major disaster” category, follows seven storms that hit the country in quick succession starting on January 22. The final damage estimate is €1.3 billion higher than the initial figure presented by the prime minister.

If approved, funding from the European Union Solidarity Fund will help cover the costs of rebuilding public infrastructure at both national and regional levels, as well as support emergency response efforts.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion described the situation as a “carousel of storms” that swept across mainland Portugal. The extreme weather brought wind speeds exceeding 130 km/h, record rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, and rough seas along the coast.

The impact was severe. Homes were destroyed, and vital systems—including water, energy, and communications networks—were heavily damaged. Key public facilities such as ports, hospitals, schools, and national monuments were also affected, along with significant disruption to economic activity.

The government said that these events highlight the growing effects of climate change. “Portugal reflects the impact of these extreme events,” the statement said, stressing the need to strengthen infrastructure and improve resilience against future disasters.

The European Union Solidarity Fund is designed to assist member states facing major natural disasters or public health emergencies, providing financial support for recovery efforts and helping affected communities rebuild. Photo by Alvesgaspar, Wikimedia commons.