Some 500 Slovenian families hit by the recent devastating floods in Slovenia will benefit from an EIB grant of €200,000 through the EIB Institute. The catastrophe which claimed lives, homes and livelihoods was the worst natural disaster to hit the country since 1991.
The donation is being made to the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth (Zveza Prijateljev Mladine Slovenije or SAFY), a non-governmental organisation working in the areas of social care, education, and advocacy.
The EIB contribution will help provide immediate as well as longer-term support such as preparation for the winter months and extra-curricular activities for children. It will be focused on people living in the Gorenjska and Štajerska regions, hit the hardest by the floods and landslides.
At the beginning of August, Slovenia received a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours leading to devastating flash floods cutting off roads and bridges and swamping many buildings. At least six people have died, thousands have been forced to evacuate and the resulting damage is estimated at several EUR billion.
The EIB Group donation will complement EU Commission support of €400 million from the EU Solidarity Fund, as well as from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Shiva Dustdar, Director, EIB Institute said, “The Institute is the philanthropic arm of the EIB Group. We contribute to helping men, women, and children impacted by disasters by channelling EIB donations where they can be used most efficiently. It vital that we work closely with organisations on the ground to ensure that our donations are well managed and help those who need it most. That’s why we are so happy to partner with Slovenian Association of Friends of the Youth (SAFY) in support of some of the communities in Slovenia that are most in need after these terrible floods and landslides.”
Breda Krašna, the General Secretary of SAFY said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the EIB for their unwavering support during these challenging times. For over 70 years, the SAFY has stood as a beacon of trustworthiness, tirelessly advocating for a brighter future for our children and youth. In the face of the devastating floods in Slovenia, we swiftly rallied to aid those in need. Our efforts have already touched the lives of more than 75 struggling families. The funds we’ve received will play a pivotal role in continuing to assist these families, particularly the children and youth who are working hard to rebuild their lives and education. With your invaluable support, we’re forging a better tomorrow for the next generations and for the families impacted by the floods. Solidarity and support are truly invaluable, and we express our deep gratitude for your boundless generosity”.
As the philanthropic arm of the EIB Group, the Institute regularly provides disaster relief grants and donates decommissioned IT equipment from the EIB. In 2023, EIB donations through the Institute supported populations impacted by the war in Ukraine, and the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria.
Photo: Getty images
