EU provides support to Bosnia and Herzegovina amid devastating floods

In response to the severe floods and landslides impacting Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union has swiftly activated its Civil Protection Mechanism following a request for assistance on 5 October 2024. The EU has deployed search and rescue teams and emergency supplies to aid local first responders as they manage the disaster.

A total of 12 countries have extended their support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Search and rescue teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Serbia were mobilized over the weekend, working to locate missing persons and clear debris, thereby helping to restore essential infrastructure. Emergency supplies, including shelter items, have also been dispatched from Albania, Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, and Türkiye.

The EU is providing high-resolution satellite images through the Copernicus system to assist local authorities in assessing the flood damage and planning response efforts.

Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, expressed his gratitude: “Over the past days, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been battling devastating floods. But their first responders are not facing this deadly disaster alone. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 12 countries have offered to send emergency assistance. Search and rescue teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Serbia are already on the ground, supporting the local crisis response. I thank all the countries that have stepped up to support Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a strong expression of EU solidarity in a time of great need.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated this solidarity in a tweet: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit by devastating floods. We have activated our EU Civil Protection Mechanism and are sending rescue teams on the ground. This is EU solidarity in action.”

Luigi Soreca, the EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Donja Jablanica, one of the most affected areas. “Deeply saddened to see the destruction caused by the recent floods in Donja Jablanica, which I visited today with the EUFOR BiH Commander and fellow ambassadors. Thank you to Mayor Šabanović for taking the time to meet us. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not alone—the EU stands with you,” he stated. He further expressed his commitment to supporting rescue operations and the eventual reconstruction efforts, highlighting that EU solidarity is in full action on the ground.