The European Union is proud to be the part of this great rescue and flood combating action conducted by Serbian government, and will surely stand by Serbia in these difficult times, said Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport after visiting Obrenovac together with ambassadors from 60 countries. Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva arrives in Serbia on Tuesday to talk about the next steps in providing assistance, added Ambassador Davenport.
Following the visit to Obrenovac, organised by Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Davenport, speaking in Serbian, said that “huge efforts will certainly be necessary in order to repair the damage caused by these horrible floods.”
“We, the EU, are proud to be part of this great rescue action from the very beginning. Now the new stage begins, when we will have to jointly define further priorities,” said Davenport.
According to him, EU Commissioner for international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response Kritalina Georgieva arrives in Belgrade on Tuesday evening to “talk about the next steps – means through which Serbia as a candidate country can obtain access to EU solidarity funds.”
Commissioner Georgieva said earlier in Brussels that Serbia can count on aid funds of up to EUR1 billion per year, if the damage exceeds 0.6% of GDP.
“The EU and its member states, who reacted rather swiftly to Serbian government’s needs and request for assistance, and as early as Friday and Saturday started pumping the water out, will most certainly stand by Serbia in these difficult times,” said Davenport.
