Sixty refugee families received keys to their new homes in Loznica, western Serbia, as part of the Regional Housing Programme (RHP). Funded mainly by the European Union, the RHP programme has been helping refugees who have been displaced for decades, since the ‘90s wars in the region. Earlier this year, the Programme handed over newly constructed houses to another 65 families who have moved in around Indija, Irig, Pancevo and Krusevac.

Speaking in the name of the families, refugee Natasa Topo thanked RHP Programme for their efforts and was relieved to be able to “settle down permanently”. Dirk Lorenz, Head of the Political Section at the European Union Delegation to Serbia congratulated the beneficiaries on their new homes, adding that the RHP was another key example of solidarity of the EU community with people in need in the Western Balkans. “The EU is a devoted partner to Serbia in providing durable solutions, and this event today is the result of both big efforts and the dedication of international and local partners. May this new life bring you all happiness and success,” he said.