EU have decided to reward each of the volunteers who have taken part in volunteer camps and helped the flood-affected citizens, through Young People Rule programme, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport announced. Thanks to volunteers, Serbia has shown what matters the most, said Davenport at the 2014 Best Youth Volunteer Action award ceremony.
“This year, when volunteers came to help the flood-affected people, has shown the heart, the courage and the solidarity of Serbian people,” Davenport said.
“At your country’s most difficult times, Serbian youth, many of whom are with us here today, expressed the greatest humanity, sense of responsibility, cooperation and understanding. Through your work on cleaning and renovating the public spaces – schools, kindergartens and houses – you have immeasurably and selflessly contributed to the entire community,” he added.
“Thanks to your enthusiasm, commitment and work, Serbia has shown what matters the most: its solidary young citizens, volunteers and heroes of this society,” the Ambassador said and reminded that “solidarity is one of the most important values and the very foundation of European Union”.
He stressed that the EU had immediately responded to floods and joined its efforts to help Serbia when it needed the most.
“EU citizens were not indifferent. I take great pride in the fact that the EU have reacted the fastest it could. As early as 24 hours after the floods occurred, the European assistance was directed to Serbia, whereas 23 EU Member States have sent specialised rescue teams, pumps, motor boats and substantial humanitarian aid, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” Davenport said.
He said that many young Europeans had come to Serbia and joined the volunteer camps, as well as that the EU Delegation’s employees managed to redistribute the 30 million euros of IPA money in record time, and direct it toward the flood-affected areas.
“Together with our partner organisations, we have been working hard since May in order to recover a great number of schools, kindergartens, pubic buildings and private homes across the flood-affected area,” Davenport said.
He added that, however, “the support does not end here, because the European Union, through its Solidarity Fund and other donations, continue to support and provide assistance to communities and towns that have suffered the damage.”
Besides, “in the spirit of solidarity that you have shown, European Union have decided to reward all organisations and volunteers who have taken part in volunteer camps and helped flood-affected citizens, through Young People Rule programme,” Davenport announced.
EU have rewarded 15 organisations which took part in the organisation of volunteer camps aimed at supporting the flood relief.
“We will also reward approximately one hundred volunteers who have selflessly participated in these camps, by organising the ‘European Camp’ in Obrenovac in June 2015, where we would be able not only to hang out, but also to once again jointly help those still in need,” Davenport said.
