EU to provide 20 million euros in support to flood-hit Bosnia and Herzegovina

Visiting Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of her Western Balkans tour, von der Leyen held a press conference with Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Expressing her deep sorrow over the flood disaster that claimed the lives of 27 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, von der Leyen said, "We have decided to send 20 million euros in aid immediately, without any delay. The recovery process will also be supported by the EU Solidarity Fund."

Stating that Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to achieve candidate country status for the EU after a challenging process, von der Leyen said, "Immediately afterward, the decision was made to begin membership negotiations. You still have a long way to go, but I see that Bosnia and Herzegovina is determined in its EU membership process."

Von der Leyen noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina succeeded by going through a difficult process to obtain candidate country status for the EU. While underlining that there is still a long way to go in the EU membership process, she said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is determined in this process.

Emphasizing that she will focus more on the EU's enlargement policy in her new term, von der Leyen also mentioned that there are ongoing efforts regarding investment issues.

Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Krišto, thanked the EU for the aid to be provided to the flood region, noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina is aware of its responsibilities in the EU membership process and will take steps accordingly.

Von der Leyen had previously conducted inspections in the flood-affected region with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following her visits to Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Commission President will also visit Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

News Source: 12punto