Serbia has  received seven million euros from the European Union today to resolve the refugee crisis, primarily to increase the accommodation capacity, procurement of equipment and for human resources.

Commissariat for Refugees and Migration will receive 1,5 million EUR to strengthen the operational capacity in order to support refugees and migrants’ needs and increase the capacity to coordinate assistance offered in the reception centers.

Three grants of one million euros were provided to organizations HELP, ASB and the DRC to strengthen the capacity for assistance to authorities which support services in order to effectively manage migration route.

The EU Delegation in Serbia will provide 2.5 million euros for the purchase of equipment, vehicles and other resources for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration. The first deliveries are expected later this year.
 
EU Directorate for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection has determined an additional 8.5 million euros as humanitarian assistance to Serbia and Macedonia.
 
Ambassador Davenport emphasized that the EU is fully committed to cooperation with Serbia in the refugee crisis, and that Serbia has a very important role on the Balkan route.
 
"I am very pleased that we managed on an accelerated process to conclude these four contracts, which all support Serbia’s efforts in dealing with the refugee crisis. Only together we can solve these common challenges and problems", said Davenport after signing the contracts.
 
Commissioner for Refugees and Migration Vladimir Cucić said the aid form the EU will cover a large part of the costs that was "difficult, if not impossible, to provide from the national budget".
 
"So far, Serbia has provided more than 90 percent of all funds from its own resources and the resources of local communities and we said very clearly that we no longer have the strength to endure. So, these funds are welcome because we will be able to cover all costs in the coming months, especially during the winter", Cucić said.
 
According to him , the funds will be earmarked for the reconstruction of facilities for admission and transit, covering elementary costs, such as electricity, water and heating, for more than 350 people who are involved in the refugee route through Serbia. Some of them have done great job free of charge.
 
Commissioner Cucić added that, at present, 19 locations operate as a permanent or transit centers and actions have already started for provision of 3,000 permanent places for refugees.