The social development bank for Europe

Housing for 36 000 vulnerable persons in the Western Balkans

The Regional Housing Programme (RHP) formally drew to a close in 2023 after over a decade in operation. The Programme, which was managed by the CEB, provided a variety of housing to 36 000 highly vulnerable persons. Displaced during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, they were living in substandard accommodations. Thanks to the Programme, they now enjoy a decent home.

The RHP was implemented by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. It was financed mainly by the international community, with the European Union being the main donor. The European Union contributed €238 million of the €294 million contributed by donors, i.e. 81%. Other major donors were the United States, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Türkiye, Luxembourg, Spain, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and the Slovak Republic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with RHP beneficiaries and stakeholders during a key handover event in Vogošća, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in November 2023.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with RHP beneficiaries and stakeholders during a key handover event in Vogošća, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in November 2023.

The Programme has been held up as a model of post-conflict reconciliation and restoration, illustrating what can be achieved through regional cooperation and support from the international community.