Lagumdžija: Whoever tries to take a mark from this flood, may the flood pass through their bedroom

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that when they saw the pictures of the flood-affected cities in Germany, they were terrified. He expressed his sympathy to the families who lost family members, as well as their homes and other property. But he stressed that the solidarity shown by people in such moments gives hope.

- I am glad that we had the opportunity to help BiH, we have already provided five million euros, but a large number of Germans have joined the Civil Protection. Care must be taken to avoid additional damage, i.e., that people do not lose their jobs if companies cannot continue their work – said Steinmeier.

He added that Germany has gone through similar disasters, but that it will provide BiH with cheaper loans for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as interest-free loans for housing reconstruction. He also warned that mines left behind are again a problem, and the German government has allocated millions of euros for demining.

- This time again, I confirm my interest and commitment to BiH, but there have certainly been better times for trade between our two countries. German companies must invest more in the BiH economy – said Steinmeier.

He reiterated that German Chancellor Angela Merkel invited the political leaders of the Western Balkans on August 28 to discuss the European perspective.

- It is noticeable that neighboring countries have made faster progress, and that is the reason for seeking opportunities for faster progress for BiH. Germany was called the "sick man of Europe" ten years ago, but when you work on reforms, you have success – said Steinmeier.

He said that this is an election year with special conditions, but that it would be good for political leaders to reach an agreement on the necessary changes.

Zlatko Lagumdžija said that BiH received a clear message that it can count on a fresher approach from the EU, but which does not imply reducing obligations, but fulfilling them, but in a faster way, and these are primarily the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as resolving economic issues.

- The floods oblige us in a way to work more together, people showed such a degree of solidarity, and then it was seen that there are no ethnic, religious, or entity differences, but people across the country were looking for ways to help others. Perhaps this is an opportunity that we must not miss, an opportunity to unite. The people leading this country have no right not to seize this opportunity and should understand the message of the people – said Lagumdžija.

He explained that in the next fifteen days, with the support of the European Commission, the World Bank, and the UN, a damage assessment will follow, so that a donor conference could be organized at the beginning of July.

- The most important thing is that roofs over the heads of people who have lost their homes and jobs for those who have lost them are provided soon, to help them in small businesses and agriculture, and to use the reconstruction of BiH for new jobs – said Lagumdžija.

Lagumždija, explaining past experiences with donor funds, said that everything is now more transparent and that there is now a will among all people and that this has been a lesson learned. He also pointed out that individuals cannot receive EU funds, but BiH can, and that it does not require candidate status but common sense.

- Such solidarity among people in these areas has not been seen – said Lagumdžija, adding that he will propose the establishment of a body that will be a "cross-section of society", representatives of the authorities, the non-governmental sector, and the media, in order to monitor the funds coming to BiH as aid to the flood-affected areas.

- An atmosphere is being created that this will be another robbery. How can we expect donors to give us funds in such an atmosphere? Whoever tries to take a single mark from this flood, although this is not diplomatic, may the flood pass through their bedroom – said Lagumdžija.