As the Regional Housing Programme (RHP) approaches its conclusion in June 2023, RHP stakeholders gathered with beneficiaries to celebrate a much-anticipated occasion in Montenegro today – the delivery of newly-constructed apartments to 96 most-vulnerable refugee and displaced families in Vrela Ribnička, on the outskirts of Podgorica.In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the ceremony – which was hosted by Admir Adrović, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro, assisted by Budimirka Đukanović, Director at the Ministry – was attended also by Ambassador Oana Cristina Popa, Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

On behalf of the European Union, Ambassador Popa warmly congratulated the beneficiaries on their new homes and reflected with satisfaction that the Programme had delivered housing to more than 30 000 most-vulnerable beneficiaries across the region thus far. “This Programme is a remarkable example of the joint efforts of countries from the region and international Donors towards peace, reconciliation and integration,” she said. “It is our joint success, and the EU is proud to be the biggest Donor.”

Finally, one of the beneficiaries present, Hasani Ševćet, took the opportunity to thank RHP stakeholders on behalf of the beneficiary families before concluding with a traditional song.