It is expected that, due to climate change, floods will be an increasing risk in Serbia, but in the case of floods like those in 2024, in some locations, Serbia today would suffer up to 90 percent less damage. This is the assessment of the Study presented today at the regional conference “Ten years after the 2014 floods”, which, with the support of the European Union (EU), is organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Serbia.
In Study states that the damage from floods today would be significantly he abovementioned Study, it is stated that the damage from floods would be significantly less today thanks to the improvement of the legal framework, better coordination between institutions in the prevention and response to disasters, investments in flood defence infrastructure, as well as implemented professional development programs in the field of risk management.
Opening the conference, the Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Serbia, H. E. Emanuele Giaufret, reminded that, since the International Donor Conference held in July 2014 in Brussels, the EU has contributed approximately 250 million euros to disaster risk reduction measures in Serbia. Thanks to this support, more than 2,400 homes, dozens of important buildings and 73 bridges were rebuilt, while more than 36,000 agricultural households got back on their feet.
“A decade after the devastating floods, the EU and Serbia have proven that, when we work together, we can face natural disasters and contribute to a better life for citizens. In an increasingly difficult and challenging situation due to climate change, the EU and Serbia have done a lot in the past ten years in flood prevention and risk reduction. Necessary equipment was acquired, canals were cleaned so that the water could flow away, and early warning systems were introduced, so that people could be evacuated in time, if necessary”, said H. E. Giaufret, acknowledging Serbia’s participation in the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, including fighting fires in Greece and helping Bosnia and Herzegovina during floods.
State Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Vladan Zagrađanin, stated that through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Department for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia sent aid to other countries 13 times in 2024 alone, helping to eliminate the consequences of floods, as well as in response to other natural disasters.
“The Ministry of Interior used the ten-year period to further build the system of disaster risk reduction and emergency management and strengthen the capabilities for an effective response to any possible challenge. Our rescue teams helped during unprecedented disasters in Turkiye and Greece, and with the acquisition of two fire-fighting helicopters, the Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of Interior of Serbia is able to provide the necessary assistance to the citizens of our country and the countries of the region”. Added Zagrađanin.
The two-day conference “Ten years after the 2014 floods” brought together representatives of governments, development and international partners, as well as decision-makers in the field of disaster risk financing from the Western Balkans, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation in building disaster resilience, especially in the context of European integration of the countries of the region. Participants will focus in particular on areas where improvements are needed and on securing greater investment in risk reduction and stable funding for disaster resilience, especially given the impact of climate change, which will triple the number of days with extreme precipitation.
State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Čedomir Rakić, emphasized that water knows no borders and that the whole world must be ready to face risks, because preventing consequences is more important that eliminating damage.
“We have invested significant funds in the maintenance of existing, but also in the planning of new water facilities and systems, thanks to the funds from the budget of the Republic of Serbia, from the funds of the European Union, as well as from loans. For the year 2024, a total of 4,407,827.00 dinars have been earmarked for the arrangement of watercourses and protection against harmful effects of water”, Rakić pointed out and added that the trend of investment in this area is increasing.
Boban Birmančević, State Secretary in the Ministry of Public Investment, pointed out that Serbia has built a more resilient system for disaster risk management, which is reflected not only in better infrastructure and legislative framework, but also in the greater readiness of citizens and institutions to face the challenges brought by natural disasters.
“Risk reduction is not our only goal, but also the creation of a safer and more resilient society, which will be ready to respond to future challenges”, added Birmančević.
“Thanks to the EU and other international development partners, UNDP continuously supports the Government of Serbia to improve legislation and inter-municipal cooperation, equip and train members of local staff for emergency situations and civil protection, as well as develop new, digital tools for planning and preparedness for disasters”, said Fabrizio Andreuzzi, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Serbia.
On the second day of the conference, a new version of the Disaster Risk Register, a geographic information database on all identified risks for the territory of the Republic of Serbia, will be presented, and the database also includes health risks, as well as information that is of key importance for the protection of people’s health in emergency health situations and natural disasters, such as those on the capacities of health institutions. Also, a simulation of the use of the Register in the event of floods, landslides and fires will be carried out.
The conference “Ten years after the 2014 floods” is held as part of the initiative “EU for Serbia Resilient to Disasters”, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.
