BiH is not alone - EU Ambassadors and EUFOR Commander visit Jablanica

The Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, EUFOR Commander Major General László Sticz, and the Ambassadors to BiH from Croatia and Slovenia visited Jablanica today to express their solidarity with communities affected by the recent catastrophic floods.

In Jablanica, the delegation met with Mayor Damir Šabanović, emergency response teams from BiH, international teams who arrived under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM), as well as with residents impacted by the floods, underlining the commitment of the EU and its member states to provide support at a critical moment. The delegation emphasised the importance of the EUCPM as a framework for immediate action to be taken when members require assistance.

"I am here in Jablanica with the Commander of EUFOR and the Ambassadors of Croatia and Slovenia to underline one key message - the EU and its member states stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina as the country deals with the catastrophic floods. You are not alone. The swift arrival of rescue teams under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism demonstrates solidarity in action. Together, we will ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina receives the support it needs,"said Ambassador Soreca.

Bosnia and Herzegovina activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) in the evening of 5 October. In less than 24 hours, rescue teams and vital supplies began arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, coordinated by the European Emergency Response Centre (ERCC). Teams from Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia are on the ground in affected areas and 12 members of the EUCPM are sending assistance or have offered it.

An ERCC officer has arrived in Sarajevo to coordinate the EUCPM teams on the ground and to liaise with relevant BiH authorities, supported by the EU Delegation to BiH.

The EU and its member states, together with EUFOR and the members of the EUCPM will continue supporting local authorities in BiH at this critical moment.