Op-ed by the Head of the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH Luigi Soreca
One year ago, on 4 October 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina was struck by devastating floods and landslides. They swept through several municipalities, taking 27 lives, displacing over a thousand families, and destroying homes, infrastructure and businesses.
It is hard to imagine the pain that citizens in affected communities still carry today. I will never forget what I saw in Donja Jablanica in the days following the disaster, nor the people I met. Our hearts and thoughts are with them today, just as they were a year ago.
Remembering the floods also means remembering the strength and the unity that followed. First responders worked tirelessly to protect lives. Volunteers stepped up. Neighbours helped neighbours. In those difficult times we saw the best of human nature, the best of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The European Union was proud to stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina from the very first hours, sending rescue teams, emergency shelters and equipment through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Solidarity among partners in times of crisis is a core principle for the EU, as a project founded to strengthen peace, cooperation and partnership across our continent. When President Ursula von der Leyen visited Donja Jablanica just weeks after the disaster, she announced a €20 million recovery package to help rebuild homes, schools, nurseries, and roads, as well as to support farmers, small businesses and vulnerable families. This assistance is already bringing new hope to communities across Jablanica, Konjic, Kiseljak, Kreševo, Fojnica, Mostar, Vareš and Drvar.
Beyond the immediate support to restore homes and livelihoods, the EU has also allocated an additional €45.7 million from the Solidarity Fund, working with local authorities to support long-term reconstruction and strengthen communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
True partnership means more than rebuilding what was lost, it means dealing with causes that make such disasters so deadly. Floods like these are not isolated events. They are among the most common and costly natural disasters, and they are becoming more frequent and more destructive due to climate change. But, natural hazards do not have to become human tragedies. When accountability is weak, urban planning ignores risks, or negligence undermines safety standards, lives are put in danger. Strengthening the rule of law and institutions helps prevent disasters, because it ensures people are protected and authorities take responsibility.
This is why prevention and preparedness must be at the core of our work together. The European Union is helping Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve early warning systems, integrate risk assessments into urban planning, and improve disaster response. We are also supporting better laws and stronger coordination between authorities.
Floods are not just physical disasters, they affect people and communities in profound ways. Women, children, the elderly, and those most at risk are hit hardest. Our recovery efforts focus on reaching those most in need and making sure their voices are part of the rebuilding process.
We cannot prevent every disaster. But we must prepare. We can invest in modern infrastructure, strengthen local response systems and align with European standards for water and environmental protection. Prevention saves lives and protects communities. This is how we honour those we lost and safeguard those we still can.
