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.
“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 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.
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).
Serbia can count on the European Union financial assistance, as well as the EU Solidarity Fund assistance, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport said at the international donor conference held in Belgrade.
Together with Serbian authorities, EU specialists are still making a major effort to protect power plants in Obrenovac and Kostolac that are yet under threat. The team and resources will be available in Serbia until further notice.
The European Union will make humanitarian funds immediately available to Serbia, so as to meet the basic needs of people affected by floods, whereas during the reconstruction phase, the country will be able to apply for unused pre-accession funds, and the EU solidarity fund, in case the damage costs exceed EUR175 million, the EU Commissioner for international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response Kristalina Georgieva said in Belgrade
The European Union Civil Protection Team is continuing to assist the Serbian authorities, and Interior Ministry (Sector for Emergency Management) International department. The team is working very closely with colleagues in the Interior Ministry Sector for Emergency Management and UN.
Following the European Union Civil Protection Team’s arrival in Belgrade to assist the Serbian authorities, they are now integrated into the Interior Ministry (Sector for Emergency Management) International department.
