A new EU-funded project worth €1.3 million has been launched to support the preparation of Flood Risk Management Plans and Strategic Environmental Assessments for the four river basins – Zapadna, Južna and Velika Morava, and Kolubara in Serbia. Technical assistance is being offered in support of the Central Serbia Flood Risk Management Project which will contribute significantly to the management of flood risk, in line with the EU Floods Directive, and to the reduction in damage caused by flooding.

A team of international and national experts from Infrastructure Project Facility IPF10 will support the project implementation unit established within the Public Water Management Company (PWMC) Srbijavode, to develop the plans and thereby facilitate considerable strategic investment. The total costs for the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) “Flood Risk Management Programme for Central Serbia” project are estimated at €250 million, with financing through a €221 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The remaining project costs will be covered by a national contribution of approximately €27.5 million and the €1.3 million EU technical assistance grant through the WBIF.