The EU is closely following the situation in flooded areas in Serbia, and stands by the Serbian people in this challenging moment.
We have been informed yesterday that the Republic of Serbia has sufficient capabilities to address the situation, which is under control, and at the moment there is no need for international assistance.
Serbia can rely on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which Serbia joined last spring and benefitted from it twice already: in May 2014 after the floods, and in September 2015 during the migration crisis.
Within less than two years after the floods of May 2014, 545 small businesses, 1,049 families and 26,387 farmers benefited from EU assistance of €173.6 million in non-refundable grants, and 15 schools, one kindergarten, one sports hall, 12 km of a road between Korenita and Krupanj and two bridges in Kraljevo were rebuilt with EU assistance. This support includes €60.2 million from the EU Solidarity Fund, to which Serbia has access on the same terms as EU Member States.
Background:
According to Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) of the European Commission:
- On 7 March, due to heavy rainfalls and flooding threats, an emergency situation has been declared for 14 cities and municipalities in central and western parts of Serbia.
- As of 8 March, 118 persons were evacuated by fire and rescue units of the Ministry of Interior. Additionally 710 households have been flooded while around 500 may be affected.
- Safety and security measures are being undertaken in the form of mobilization and deployment of water pumping capacities as well as specialized water rescue teams.
