Representatives of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina and authorities from five municipalities affected by the recent floods and landslides met today in the City Hall in Jablanica to discuss aid after the disaster in the amount of 20 million euros, which was announced on October 25 by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Lajen, it was announced from the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Efforts are underway to ensure that funds begin reaching affected communities in early 2025.
After the meeting with the representatives of Jablanica, Konjic, Fojnica, Kiseljak and Kreševo, the head of the Cooperation Department at the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stefano Elero, emphasized that three priority areas are planned for this assistance, namely housing, communal infrastructure and support to the private sector.
“In order for aid to reach the affected communities as soon as possible, the EU is currently working with the competent BiH authorities and international partners to define goals and priorities for the payment of funds, as well as to harmonize procedures and deadlines. These preparatory activities are essential in order to ensure the efficient and timely use of funds”, emphasized Elero.
Following the devastating floods and landslides on 3 October, the EU immediately responded to the emergency through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as well as EUFOR.
The focus is now on supporting affected communities in their recovery from this tragedy. In addition to the 20 million euros announced by Von der Leyen, Bosnia and Herzegovina also meets the conditions for support under the European Solidarity Fund, and the domestic authorities are currently preparing an application for this fund.
Aid will be distributed through implementing partners with relevant expertise and capacity to address the needs of post-disaster communities.
In order to provide a practical approach that will enable the use of funds as soon as they become available, the meeting was attended by the resident representative of UNDP in BiH, Renu Mejer, and the deputy head of the IOM mission in BiH, Michael Omahoni.
Source: 6yka.com
