Krišto submits request for EU Solidarity Fund assistance for flood damage remediation

(Patria) - Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto has submitted an official request for assistance from the EU
Solidarity Fund.

"This will enable additional financial support for the remediation of damages caused by recent floods. I thank everyone who worked tirelessly over the past weeks to meet all deadlines," Krišto stated.

During the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit an application for access to the EU Solidarity Fund was highlighted. Just a few days after the devastating floods, the European Commission allocated 20 million euros for assistance to the flooded areas.

A few days ago, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the distribution of just over 20 million BAM for the flooded areas.

The devastating floods at the beginning of October claimed numerous lives, with 19 people killed in Donja Jablanica alone, including entire families. The evacuated population still has no final solution on where they will continue their lives, and the construction of housing units is planned. Some have accepted accommodation in a container settlement, while others are staying with relatives and friends.

The floods, caused by heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions, caused extensive material damage, including landslides and torrents that, unfortunately, led to loss of life, and partially or completely
destroyed residential, transport, water, and utility infrastructure in the most affected areas. Numerous local communities were affected, particularly in the central, southern, and western parts of the country, leaving behind
severe consequences for both the population and the economy.

This step represents an important moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as this is the first time our country has the opportunity to apply for funds from this significant European solidarity mechanism.

The application for EUSF funds is the result of intensive work by the Application Preparation Team appointed by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the proposal of the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, which included representatives from the Office of the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, state ministries of security and finance and treasury, the Directorate for European Integration, the Directorate for Economic Planning, the Statistics Council of BiH, as well as representatives from entity civil protection administrations. The Team's work also included appointed coordinators from the Government of the Federation of BiH, coordinators from cantonal governments, and teams from local communities in Mostar, Jablanica, Konjic, Fojnica, Kreševo, Kiseljak, Breza, Visoko, Vareš, and Drvar.

The entire application preparation process, which was complex and intensive, involved and received support and assistance from EBRD experts from Croatia, experts from Slovenia supported by the World Bank, as well as domestic experts from the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy of the University of Banja Luka, the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Sarajevo, and the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy of the University of Mostar. In addition to the aforementioned international financial institutions, support was also provided by the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia, which made their capacities available for the successful finalization of the application.

The data collection process was carried out through appointed coordinators for all relevant sectors at the level of the Federation of BiH, cantons, and local level. A total of more than 100 institutions were involved in the damage assessment process using the PDNA model, which required a high degree of coordination and dedication from all those involved in preparing the application.

By submitting the request within the deadline, Bosnia and Herzegovina also confirmed its commitment to transparent and efficient management of Solidarity Fund resources.

This request further emphasizes the close cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union and represents another step towards strengthening relations and integration into the European family.