Džaferović spoke with Commissioner Varhelyi: EC grants BiH 68 million euros

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Šefik Džaferović spoke with the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. In a phone conversation, Chairman Džaferović informed Commissioner Varhelyi about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the measures our country is taking in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the capacities of the healthcare system.

Chairman Džaferović emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking decisive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which are in some segments more radical than those being taken in neighboring countries and Europe.

He particularly highlighted our country's need for medical equipment, the export of which has been restricted by many countries.

Commissioner Varhelyi informed Chairman Džaferović that the European Commission will grant Bosnia and Herzegovina 28 million euros for the healthcare system, as well as an additional 40 million euros to support the economy.

Varhelyi invited Bosnia and Herzegovina, although not a member, to join the joint initiative of European Union member states for the procurement of necessary medical equipment from China. He added that the European Union will also provide transport for the equipment to our country. Commissioner Varhelyi also stressed that the European Union will make additional efforts to help Bosnia and Herzegovina procure essential medical equipment.

Chairman Džaferović thanked Commissioner Varhelyi for the approved funds and the invitation for Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in the procurement of equipment together with EU countries. At the end of the conversation, Džaferović reiterated Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to working on fulfilling the conditions from the European Commission's Opinion, but emphasized that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic is the most important priority at this moment.