EU Za tebe

January 21, 2025

UNDP, with the support of the EU, compiled and published a thorough report evaluating Serbia's disaster risk management actions since the devastating 2014 floods.

The study evaluates the impact of reconstruction efforts, new infrastructure, and preventive measures implemented over the past decade.

The 2014 floods affected 1.6 million people and caused damages and losses exceeding €1.7 billion. In response, Serbia overhauled its legal, institutional, and operational disaster management systems, investing over €417 million in flood protection and infrastructure rehabilitation. The study finds that these investments have significantly reduced flood risks — in some areas by up to 79%.

Key findings show that damages in 2014 were 25 times greater than in 2019 and five times higher than in 2023, highlighting the effectiveness of the new measures. Yet, the report warns that further investments — estimated at €1.55 billion over the next ten years — are crucial to close remaining gaps, particularly in light of increasing climate-driven rainfall and the growing threat of torrential floods.

While Serbia has made marked progress in strengthening national and local disaster response structures, equipment and human capacities, enhancing legal frameworks, and raising public awareness, the study stresses the need for improved damage assessment methods, stronger local resilience, and greater uptake of property insurance.

The report positions Serbia as a model in Southeast Europe for integrating disaster risk management with climate adaptation strategies, though it emphasizes that long-term commitment and intensified efforts are essential to fully safeguard the nation from future natural disasters.

Assessment of the Impact and Consequences of the Comprehensive Measures Following the 2014 Floods” is developed within the action “EU for Serbia Resilient to Disasters”, financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.

disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management disaster risk management Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods Serbia 2014 floods climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation climate adaptation EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership EU-UNDP partnership flood protection flood protection flood protection flood protection flood protection flood protection flood protection flood protection resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment resilience investment

Building a Safer Future: Lessons from Serbia’s Ten-Year Disaster Risk Reduction Journey

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