The Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina launches the Floods Recovery Programme worth Euro 43.52 million, out of which EU co-finances EUR 42.24 million to help affected communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aiming to assist local communities in restoring normal living conditions and ensure help reaches those most vulnerable, this Programme will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP) until October 2015. The contract of the Programme was signed today with the UNDP.

The funds will be used for restoring public services and infrastructure, supporting housing rehabilitation for the most vulnerable groups, and revitalizing livelihoods.

Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH Dr. Renzo Daviddi said: “I am very glad that the much needed assistance is finally on the ground. The work on the reconstruction of schools has already started and we aim to make them ready during September so the children can continue with their education.”

The Recovery Needs Assessment, conducted by domestic authorities with assistance provided by the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank, found that floods affected nearly one million residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Providing timely and coordinated support to restoring normal living conditions is a priority for the EU Delegation to BiH.

The EU Delegation’s assistance is part of the funds that the European Union has pledged at the Donors Conference in July in Brussels. It will focus on reconstruction of 4,000 dwellings for approximately 14,000 people, restoration of critical local services and community infrastructure (including schools, health and social welfare centres, water and sanitation facilities, small community roads and bridges) in 50 localities, as well as providing support in retaining and creating up to 2,000 jobs in flood-affected areas. Selection of beneficiaries will be based on the findings of the Recovery Needs Assessment and a public call that will shortly be announced, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, families with children and persons with disabilities, among others.

The EU Delegation to BiH remains committed to assisting people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in overcoming the effects of the May 2014 floods.

For more information, please contact:
EU Delegation’s Communication Office 033 254 773
UNDP Communications Unit 033 293 400