This week, 20 refugee families in Vlasenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated the receipt of keys to their new apartments built under the Regional Housing Programme (RHP). In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the event was attended by the representatives of the EU, Government of Republika Srpska and UNHCR.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina noted that the European Union was the largest donor to the RHP, and that without EU support, it would not have been possible to build the building in Vlasenica. These words were echoed by the Prime Minister Višković of the Government of Republika Srpska , who also acknowledged the contribution from the municipality of Vlasenica, which provided the location for the construction of the apartments and the necessary infrastructure.

The beneficiaries were quick to share their delight. Goran and Daliborka Zoranović, displaced persons from Kladanj, BiH, described their apartment as “beautiful”, while Radenko Belmiš said he was relieved to have received a home for his family of five. On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Belmiš thanked all RHP donors who had provided financial resources for the construction of the building. His wife said simply that she had never felt happier in her life.