The City of Konjic received today essential emergency response equipment to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response as part of the European Union’s wider support for flood-affected communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The equipment which includes 100 water tanks, 50 electricity generators and 25 high-pressure washers is provided through the EU-funded and UNDP-implemented “Municipal Governmental Governance” project (EU4MEG), ensures that critical resources reach municipalities vulnerable to natural disasters. This is the second batch of equipment, following the initial delivery to Donja Jablanica in October 2024.
This initiative is part of the EU’s broader commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recovery following the devastating floods and landslides in October 2024. In response to the disaster, the EU swiftly provided emergency assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, the EU has allocated 20 million euros to affected communities to recover with priorities set on housing, community infrastructure and private sector development.
The equipment handover ceremony, held today in Konjic, brought together representatives of the EU, UNDP, and local authorities, along with direct beneficiaries who will utilize the new equipment to improve emergency response efforts.
Mojca Krisper Figueroa, underlined the EU’s commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery: „The EU has been a loyal partner to municipalities affected by the floods and landslides of October 2024, and we will continue to provide assistance to support the recovery and build resilience and preparedness for the future. I am glad that the equipment we have delivered in Donja Jablanica and Konjic will support ongoing flood recovery efforts.“
Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of the UNDP in BiH, emphasized the importance of enhancing local disaster preparedness: „Through the support of the European Union, we are strengthening the capacities of communities on the frontlines of climate-related risks. The equipment delivered in Konjic will help first responders act swiftly and effectively, contributing to long-term resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.“
Osman Ćatić, the Mayor of Konjic, welcomed the support, underlining the significance of this equipment for the city’s emergency response teams: “These are short-term measures, with long-term actions to follow in order to prevent future disasters.”
One of the direct beneficiaries, Sead Zalihić from Buturović Polje, who experienced the devastating impact of past floods, shared his perspective on the impact of the new equipment: “Any form of assistance to the City of Konjic at this moment is welcome. The road may be long and difficult, but life must go on.”
The European Union continues to enhance the capacities of municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina by providing critical infrastructure and resources to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. This latest delivery to Konjic marks another step toward building stronger, more resilient communities in the face of environmental challenges.
