This grant, amounting to EUR 8.6 million, will secure financing for reconstruction of 435 family houses for the return of refugees who currently reside in Croatia. It also covers the construction of 45 family houses for local integration of IDPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The signed grant amount covers 89% of the total estimated project costs.

Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, Ms Semiha Borovac, who was also present at the signing ceremony, emphasized that the RHP is the largest project implemented by the Government, after the construction of the pan-European highway project “Corridor VC”. She reminded that the RHP should provide housing solutions for 5 400 families or 14 000 refugees and displaced persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“RHP has a positive impact on integration, but also on the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Borovac said.

Deputy Director General for Loans and Social Development of CEB, Mr Stephan Sellen, said: “The project will not only provide decent living conditions to close to 500 vulnerable families, but it will also prove what can be achieved thanks to the “regional spirit”, or “regional co-operation”, which is one of the most valuable features and added value of the RHP”.

The signing ceremony was also attended by RHP donors and partner representatives from the U.S. Embassy, as well as UNHCR and OSCE delegations to Bosnia and Herzegovina.