EU allocates 65 million euros in aid to BiH and Serbia after floods

In response to the severe floods that hit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, the EU continues to provide assistance in combating the consequences of this natural disaster. In addition to the emergency humanitarian aid provided so far, the European Commission has allocated an additional 65 million euros to address the situation after the floods, reports the Patria News Agency.

Of this amount, three million euros have been allocated for humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable in both countries, for their most urgent needs, especially for food items, healthcare, and cleaning supplies, first aid, and shelter. The priority is to supply safe drinking water and essential urgently needed items such as blankets, mattresses, beds, bedding, and equipment such as dehumidifiers for the repair of damaged houses. These funds will be channeled through the Red Cross and other partner organizations on the ground.

The remaining amount of 62 million euros has been allocated for reconstruction and humanitarian needs in the affected areas in the short and medium term. These funds have been reallocated from previous programs financed by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The funds will be available at the end of June as assistance for public infrastructure, such as schools and social welfare services, and for the procurement of essential assets for businesses and farms with the aim of restarting their activities. In addition, the IPA 2013 program will include a call for proposals amounting to 2 million euros, which will be published in June, to assist in the implementation of a flood response module in accordance with the EU civil protection mechanism.

The EU is committed to continuing to provide assistance in the medium and long term with new IPA funds to be allocated for the period 2014-2020. The exact scope and amount will be determined based on a comprehensive needs assessment expected in the coming weeks, so that funds will be available to both countries during the summer. The European Commission is working with the affected countries and in close coordination with international financial institutions (IFIs) to assess the exact needs and determine the best instruments and financial support. On this basis, the EU will mobilize additional IPA funds to assist in infrastructure reconstruction and improve river and flood risk management, including from a regional perspective. This will enable better prediction and mitigation of risks and improve the civil protection mechanism in case of natural disasters.

Targeted support is already being provided within the framework of the EU's dedicated instrument for stability and peace (IcSP, formerly the Stability Instrument), with the help of experts assessing the needs. Within this instrument, additional funds will also be allocated to address the issue of mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is of utmost importance.

Humanitarian funds amounting to 3 million euros have been allocated in addition to the material aid provided by 22 EU member states through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. More than 660 humanitarian workers have been deployed in these two countries, along with motorboats, helicopters, pumps, and humanitarian packages.

The European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is in constant contact with the competent authorities in the affected countries and ensures that the aid being sent meets the needs on the ground. Two EU civil protection teams are assisting in coordinating aid delivery in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Commission also co-finances the transport costs of aid and provides satellite imagery of the flooded areas to the authorities, it was announced.