The European Union remains a key partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina in improving access to safe drinking water, modern wastewater treatment and sustainable water management. Through long-term investments and expertise, the EU is helping ensure that citizens across the country benefit from healthier living conditions and a cleaner environment.
In the upcoming months, under the slogan “Water is life!”, the EU in BiH will share a series of success stories showcasing how EU support has contributed to better water sector management and directly improved the lives of citizens.
“Few places are as fortunate as Bosnia and Herzegovina, home to some of the cleanest and purest water in Europe. Yet the journey from those pristine springs to households is not always secure, and too many families still lack safe and reliable drinking water. That is why the European Union is investing in modern water supply systems that bring that clean water safely to people’s homes. We are also improving wastewater and sewage systems to protect water resources and improve public health. Our support goes far beyond infrastructure, it supports local economies, protects the environment and precious natural resources for future generations. Together with local communities, we are building a better water-management system and a modern Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Head of EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Ambassador Luigi Soreca.
Since 2008, the long-term water and sanitation (WATSAN) EU programmes assisted 50 small and medium sized municipalities in the Federation of BiH (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS), in developing sustainable water and sanitation services in line with EU standards. Combining EU grants (IPA and Western Balkans Investment Framework – WBIF) and European Investment Bank (EIB) loans these programmes have contributed to modernising water supply systems and upgrading essential infrastructure. The total investment value for both WATSAN projects is more than €215 million, improving access to clean water, wastewater management and environment protection for citizens across the country. The WATSAN Programme invests in improving the living conditions of the citizens in Velika Kladuša, Bosanski Petrovac, Orašje, Široki Brijeg, Bosanska Krupa, Gračanica, Lukavac, Čitluk, Tešanj, Konjic, Doboj Jug, Prozor Rama, Tomislavgrad, Jajce, Glamoč, Bosansko Grahovo, Mostar, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Usora, Laktaši, Novi Grad, Kozarska Dubica, Sokolac, Rogatica, Pale, Trebinje, Zvornik, Šekovići, Šamac, Teslić, Gacko, Brod, Gradiška, Ribnik, Šipovo, Čelinac, Kotor Varoš, Bratunac, Petrovac, Foča, Bileća, Nevesinje, Prijedor and Krupa na Uni.
In addition, the EU is strengthening water supply and wastewater services in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Through a combination of EU grants and EBRD loans worth approximately € 58 million, major upgrades are underway in municipalities across the country. In Sarajevo, investments supported by EU grants and EBRD financing are modernising the city’s old water network and reducing losses. Similar improvements are being implemented in Visoko, Gradačac and Banja Luka, where EU-funded grants and technical expertise complement EBRD loans to expand and modernise water infrastructure. The EU and EBRD will also support new projects for drinking water and wastewater treatment in Lukavac and Velika Kladuša, backed by substantial EU grants. Together, these programmes are delivering cleaner water, better wastewater management and more reliable services for thousands of households across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These initiatives are part of a broader EU effort to ensure safer and more reliable access to water in both urban and rural communities, while strengthening the capacity of water service providers.
The EU support to the sector also includes expertise, capacity building and policy guidance to help Bosnia and Herzegovina meet EU water and environment directives. By improving infrastructure and strengthening responsible institutions, these investments contribute to long-term resilience, environmental protection and the overall well-being of citizens.
