EU grants clear the way for demining of the Sava riverbank in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The European Union has provided €8.3 million in grants, secured through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), to clear more than five million square metres of mine-contaminated land at 73 locations along the right bank of the Sava River in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The contracts for the execution of the works were signed with the selected contractors in Brčko on 29 September 2026, by Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The area along the riverbank has posed a danger to people for more than three decades. Its clearance will restore the land to safe use and open it to infrastructure development, improved connectivity and new economic activity. Demining is also a crucial prerequisite for safer and more efficient navigation on the Sava, one of the region's principal inland waterways, and for future investment in the river corridor.
"Three decades after the war, we still have land that people cannot approach without fear. Through this project, we will clear more than five million square meters across 73 locations along the Sava and return this space to the people. Above all, this means safety, but it also creates the possibility for building roads, developing transport, attracting investment, and opening up new opportunities. Demining and improving the Sava waterway could increase the number of navigable days for the Port of Brčko by up to 30%," said Minister Forto. The minister added that once the river route was improved, a project to modernise the railway line connecting the port to the rest of the country and the region would also need to be prepared.
The project forms part of the Sava and Drina Rivers Corridors Integrated Development Programme, implemented by the World Bank with European Union support.
"The EU-supported modernisation of the Port of Brčko has boosted the movement of goods; however, to fully unlock the potential of the port—and that of the Sava River as a vital transport corridor—we must also ensure safe navigation. By addressing remaining mine threats, we are making navigation safer and creating conditions for more intensive use of the Sava, further investment in inland waterway infrastructure, stronger regional connectivity, and new economic opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbours. EU investments in connectivity are investments in the people, businesses, and future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region," said Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Mine Action Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHMAC) is responsible for the technical aspects of the demining process. BHMAC Director Enis Horozović emphasised that the size and location of the area require a systematic and strictly controlled approach. "This is an extremely complex area where we expect to remove about 700 mines and 45 minefield records. By carrying out this project, we are creating the preconditions for improving the waterway and preventing floods."
Perica Josić, Director of the Port of Brčko, highlighted the project's importance for the Port itself and for the future development of transport along the Sava River.
Liang Wang, the World Bank Country Manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, highlighted the broader development significance of clearing the area along the Sava River: "This is an investment in the future of the Sava River as a shared corridor that connects the region and brings benefits to its citizens."
Following the contract signing, representatives of the partner organisations visited one of the project sites in the Brčko area, where BHMAC presented the planned demining activities, the work methodology and the expected results.
"The most important result will not be the number of square meters cleared. It will be the moment when we no longer speak of mines in this area, but rather of transport, the economy, investments, and the people who live here. That is when we will know we have truly restored this area to life," concluded Minister Forto.
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU's strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.