“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.
“After the first aid measures via the European Civil Protection Mechanism we can offer support via the European Solidarity Fund. In this respect Serbia is treated like a Member State. At the same time we are working on mid- and long term measures to enable a comprehensive and sustainable reconstruction,” Hahn said.
According to him, Serbia can count on significant Solidarity Fund resources, but the exact amount would not be known until the water recedes and damage is assessed.
EU’s damage assessment experts are in contact with their Serbian counterparts, but in order to obtain a full damage assessment, it is necessary to wait for water to recede, said Hahn, who is in charge with the EU Solidarity Fund, after the meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić.
Hahn said he had received calls from many of the EU member states’ representatives asking him about the fastest and best means to help Serbia and Bosnia and Hercegovina.
He also said he wanted to assure Serbia, an in particular people from flood-affected areas, “that the EU stands by you.” The EU Commissioner for Regional Policy also said that the EU member states would provide bilateral assistance as well.
Hahn also visited Šabac and met Austrian team engaged in water drainage actions.
