The EU is considering two ways to assist BiH, including quick support in provision of up to EUR 7 million worth of medical equipment and mid-term adjustment and enforcement of EU support in the amount of up to EUR 50 million for the economic development programmes.

EU Ambassador to BiH Johann Sattler stated: “The European Union has stood beside Bosnia and Herzegovina in difficult times before, as it did with the floods recovery assistance in 2014. For the urgent action, we are in contact with UNDP/WHO on the list of priority medical equipment that could be procured rapidly. This involves supplies to hospitals, etc. We are also preparing for releasing resources of up to €5 million for the same purpose to be available at a later stage, once BiH countersigns the IPA 2020 Financing Agreement.”

In cooperation with partners, the EU is also working to adjust the ongoing and planned economic development programmes/ projects (such as the programmes targeting businesses, agriculture, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises) to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 for the BiH economy.