EU provided over €65 million to support flood recovery in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Within 24 hours of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s request for help, the EU activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), deploying urgent rescue teams, shelters, emergency aid and equipment from Albania, Croatia, Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, Türkiye, Poland and Germany. The European Emergency Response Centre coordinated the EUCPM response with the BiH authorities to ensure integration of EU support into locally led disaster management.

During her visit to Donja Jablanica on 24 October 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €20 million support package under the project “EU support to flood recovery in BiH.” These funds are being used to assist recovery efforts in Jablanica, Konjic, Kiseljak, Kreševo, Fojnica, Vareš and Drvar, with a focus on the most affected and vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, persons with disabilities and marginalised individuals. The assistance covers reconstruction of housing and public facilities, small-scale infrastructure, as well as support for agricultural producers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The package is financed by the EU and implemented in partnership with UNDP and IOM.

In addition to this, the EU approved €45.7 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to further support recovery across affected areas. This funding, prepared and requested by BiH authorities based on a needs assessment, will be allocated under the supervision of national institutions.

The European Union Delegation (EUD) in BiH has played a central role in coordinating and monitoring the use of EU funds. While not an implementing body, the EUD ensures transparent execution of projects in cooperation with local authorities, implementing partners and affected communities. Numerous meetings were held with municipal leaders to tailor EU assistance to local needs.

In the housing sector, support is being provided for rehabilitation and new construction of housing units, with risk assessments guiding allocations in Donja Jablanica. Plans have also been developed for the reconstruction of key public buildings, including a primary healthcare facility in Glogošnica, a Home for the Elderly, and a kindergarten. The proposed construction of a Community Centre in Donja Jablanica is pending municipal approval.

Further infrastructure support includes the planned reconstruction of two water supply pipelines, “Komadinovo vrelo” and “Sanica,” with design and procurement processes expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and construction beginning in 2026.

Agricultural households will receive greenhouses, inputs and small-scale mechanisation, while MSMEs are expected to benefit from a public assistance call in autumn 2025. Additional EU-funded projects have been redirected to aid recovery, including €60,000 worth of equipment for Konjic and Jablanica under the “EU4MEG” project and €7,500 for the reconstruction of waste infrastructure in Jablanica.

The EU has stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and risk management to reduce the impact of future floods. Its engagement in BiH includes both infrastructure investments and capacity-building efforts to strengthen resilience and align with EU environmental and water management standards.