SARAJEVO, FEBRUARY 7 (ONASA-Hina) – The European Commission has approved 70 million EUR in aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina to deal with the consequences of disruptions in the energy market caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU Delegation in Sarajevo announced on Tuesday.
As explained, a signed agreement on the financing of an energy support package worth 70 million EUR was delivered from the headquarters of the European Commission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, through which help will be provided to the most vulnerable households in that country in dealing with rising prices and to ensure support for the energy transition.
The payment of the first part of the aid of 63 million EUR will still be conditioned by a positive assessment by the European Commission on the implementation of measures related to the country’s energy transition, which was adopted by the BiH Council of Ministers in December last year.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has led to a significant increase in household prices, including energy bills. The European Union is a loyal friend and partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the energy support package is designed to help the country face its current challenges,” said the Head of Delegation EU in BiH Johann Sattler.
He explained that the most vulnerable families will receive more than two-thirds of all funds allocated to BiH, while the rest will be directed towards improving energy efficiency in households and the private sector.
The package of energy support for the Western Balkans was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to the region in October 2022.
With that package, a total of one billion EUR was secured for these purposes.