Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, 19 May 2023 – Keys to 20 newly-built Regional Housing Programme (RHP) apartments were delivered to refugee families in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia today, bringing the RHP another step closer to successful closure in June 2023.

In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the ceremony was attended by Nataša Stanisavljević, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia; Gerhard Salzer, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Serbia; Boban Đurović, Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja; Stefanie Krause, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Serbia, and Dušan Kovačević, Head of the Public Sector Projects Implementation Unit Ltd., amongst others.

Wishing the beneficiaries happiness in their new homes, Commissioner Stanisavljević additionally confirmed the commitment of the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia (KIRS) to families in need following the end of the RHP implementation period in June 2023: “We will continue to work to provide decent and permanent housing for vulnerable families to enable them to have safer and better lives,” she said.

On behalf of the European Union, the largest Donor to the RHP, Gerhard Salzer also warmly congratulated the beneficiaries, and reflected on the importance of the Programme for the Western Balkans and the EU. “This Programme is an example of the solidarity of the people of the European Union with the people of Serbia and the Western Balkans,” he said. “We are very much looking forward to the successful completion of the RHP this year, when approximately 34 000 people will enjoy new homes.”

Gerhard Salzer and RHP stakeholders in front of the newly-constructed apartments

The final word was left to Branka Večerina, one of the RHP beneficiaries, who thanked all RHP stakeholders before sharing her story: “I fled Croatia with my two daughters in 1995, and nine years later, we moved to Vrnjačka Banja to educate the children,” she explained. “Since then, we have lived in private accommodation among good people who accepted us. But this is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to us – we have finally settled down and got our own home.” 

Commissioner Stanisavljević delivers keys to RHP beneficiary Branka Večerina in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia

RHP stakeholders and a beneficiary family in one of the newly-constructed RHP apartments

RHP apartment building in Vrnjačka Banja