Solidaritetsfond

Solidaritetsfond (solidarity fund) is a financial instrument or reserve intended to pool resources to support people, communities, or sectors in times of hardship or disasters. Such funds are typically established by governments, regions, or international organizations and operate on the principle of mutual aid and risk sharing. They may be national, regional, or international in scope and can be created to address natural disasters, economic shocks, or social emergencies.

A solidarity fund is usually funded from public budgets, social contributions, donations, or bonds and is governed by rules that specify eligibility criteria, disbursement procedures, and oversight. Beneficiaries might include disaster-affected households, unemployed workers, municipalities facing rapid costs, or specific industries in need of stabilization. Disbursements are often tied to predefined triggers, such as a declared disaster or a sharp downturn in employment, and funds are typically used for relief, reconstruction, or social protection measures.

Examples include the European Union Solidarity Fund, which provides financial assistance to member states affected by natural disasters and other emergencies, financed from the EU budget and subject to Council decisions. Many countries also maintain domestic solidaritetsfond at national, regional, or municipal levels to support vulnerable groups or regions during crises or major economic transitions, funded by government revenues, social security systems, or public-private partnerships.

Overall, solidaritetsfond are designed to enhance resilience by channeling resources to those most in need in the wake of shocks, aligning with broader welfare, disaster management, and economic stabilization policies.