The Centre-right European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) won most – 214 out of 751 seats (28%) – in the future European Parliament at the elections held on Sunday, May 25 and will remain the largest party despite losing around 60 seats.
EU-provided civil protection teams have continued to help Serbian authorities dealing with the consequences of floods, primarily through drainage operations, pumping activities and water purification.
Participants of “Initiative Agenda” project, organised within the European Union’s “Youth in Action” programme, have made three short films about recent floods in Serbia and Bosnia, in a bid to get international attention and appeal for aid.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy Catherine Ashton said that successful presidential elections in Ukraine would be a step towards de-escalation of the situation, expressing condolences to families of at least 16 people who had been killed in Eastern Ukraine.
“I have visited the most affected town Obrenovac which shows the magnitude of the flood disaster – and the human suffering of the people affected. I express, on behalf of the European Commission and the whole European family, my deepest sympathy and solidarity. But solidarity is not just a word. That’s why the European Commission is working with all it’s relevant services on a coordinated approach to assist Serbia in these heavy times,” said EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn who visited Serbia on Saturday.
European Commissioner for regional development Johanes Hahn was expected in Belgrade on Saturday to talk with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić about damage caused by floods in Serbia. He will also visit Obrenovac and Šabac.
The closing day of Europe film festival will be held on Saturday, 24 May. Swedish Avalon is the first to be projected at 13:00. At 15:00, audience will have an opportunity to see the Croatian movie Hives, whereas at 17:00 begins the projection of The Four Times, internationally co-produced between Italy, Germany, and Spain.
The role of non-governmental organisations (NGO) in emergency situations such is the one in floods-affected Serbia EU considers as crucial both in needs assessment and in the reconstruction aftermath, officials of both EU Delegation to Serbia and EU Civil Protection Team said.
Harmonisation of Serbian standards with the EU ones in the area of veterinary medicine will reduce the risk of animal transmitted diseases, increase food safety for Serbian consumers and enhance export possibilities for Serbian food producers, officials said at the presentation of the EU-funded projects at the Novi Sad International agricultural fair.
The EU is providing immediate, massive and comprehensive support to flood-stricken Serbia through three phased response: rescue effort (still ongoing); humanitarian support (ongoing and expanding); and mid-to-long term reconstruction and prevention (needsa assessment getting under way).
