Mr Olivér Várhelyi addresses the participants of the Final Conference of the Regional Housing Programme

Final Conference of the Regional Housing Programme

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, unfortunately, I cannot be with you in Sarajevo for the final conference of the Regional Housing Programme.

However, through this video message, I want to emphasise that I am convinced that the future of the Western Balkans is within the European Union.

Rest assured that we are doing our utmost to move ahead with the real integration on the ground.

You are already familiar with our EUR 30 billion Economic and Investment Plan, which we launched at the beginning of this mandate and is already bringing tangible results.

Today, I want to talk about the new Growth Plan for the region, which we adopted a few weeks ago.

When we put together this Plan, we aimed to find the best tool to bring the Western Balkans and its citizens even closer into the European Union in an accelerated way.

So, with this EUR 6 billion package that includes EUR 2 billion in non-repayable support (meaning grants) and EUR 4 billion in favourable loans, we want to help our partners speed up the reforms so they can start accessing the European Single Market still before accession.

We are confident that while we also boost the economic integration within the Western Balkans through the Common Regional Market, this Plan can help the region raise at least another third of its GDP.

We are offering benefits and opportunities like never before.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we came together to celebrate one of the best examples of our successful partnership: the Regional Housing Programme.

This Programme has delivered more than 11,000 housing solutions in the region. It has offered a better future to almost 36,000 people living in temporary accommodation for too long.

But the Programme represents much more than bricks and mortar. The Regional Housing Programme also brought more jobs, increased economic activity, and energy-resilient housing to the region.

It represents the ideals that inspired the creation of our Union: a peaceful, united, and prosperous Europe.

Reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of the past are essential for peaceful and stable societies anchored in sustainable socio-economic development, offering opportunities for everyone.

Vulnerable people and families displaced as a consequence of the wars of the 1990s deserve a decent life, including proper housing. Finding a peaceful place where their children can grow up safely, with a positive outlook on the future, is the wish of any parent.

We are proud of being the biggest donor to this Programme with EUR 237 million provided and its remarkable achievements.

This is an extraordinary example of how regional cooperation between countries, institutions, and communities can lead to reconciliation and deliver important results.

I congratulate our partners and donors for this impressive result. I am sure that the Regional Housing Programme will serve as an inspiration for others in similar contexts.

Thank you very much, and I wish you a successful final conference.