Millions of euros promised by the EU to five local communities affected by floods may not arrive until early 2025.

(Patria) - Representatives of the European Union in BiH and authorities from five municipalities affected by recent floods and landslides met today in the Jablanica City Hall.

They discussed post-disaster aid worth 20 million euros, announced on 25 October by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Efforts are underway to ensure that funds begin reaching affected communities by early 2025.

- Three priority areas are planned for this aid: housing, municipal infrastructure, and support for the private sector.

To ensure aid reaches affected communities as soon as possible, the EU is currently working with relevant BiH authorities and international partners to define goals and priorities for the disbursement of funds, as well as to harmonise procedures and deadlines.

These preparatory activities are essential to ensure efficient and timely use of the funds - said Stefano Ellero, Head of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to BiH, after the meeting with representatives of Jablanica, Konjic, Fojnica, Kiseljak, and Kreševo.

Following the devastating floods and landslides on 3 October, the European Union immediately responded to the emergency through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and EUFOR. The focus is now on supporting affected communities in recovering from this tragedy.

In addition to the 20 million euros announced by Von der Leyen, Bosnia and Herzegovina also qualifies for support under the European Solidarity Fund, and 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 communities after the disaster.

To ensure a practical approach that will enable the use of funds as soon as they become available, the meeting was also attended by UNDP Resident Representative in BiH Renaud Meyer and IOM Deputy Head of Mission in BiH Michael O'Mahony, the EU Delegation to BiH announced.