EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey: Steering Committee discusses strategic orientation for the second €3 billion tranche

At the tenth Steering Committee meeting in Brussels, the Committee discussed the strategic orientation for the second tranche of €3 billion as part of the EU-Turkey Statement of March 2016, as well as the implementation progress of projects on the ground and their valuable impact on improving Syrian refugees’ lives and host communities in Turkey.

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, said: “The EU is continuing to show its commitment in supporting the Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey, with projects in full implementation mode. Turkey is making a remarkable effort to host more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees; the EU needs to act swiftly to ensure that funds under the second tranche can be mobilised quickly.”

Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said: “The EU continues to make a difference in the daily lives of many refugees in Turkey. With 72 projects underway, we remain committed to help Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. Our humanitarian funding is helping the most vulnerable refugees meet their basic needs, access health services, and education, and receive protection.”

Chaired by the European Commission, the Steering Committee brings together representatives of EU Member States and Turkey in an advisory capacity. Priority areas of interest were discussed as well as the importance of finding a sustainable transition mechanism providing continuing support to the refugees in need in the future. An update on the results achieved so far was presented by the Commission to the Committee, highlighting findings in the areas of humanitarian assistance, education, health and socio-economic support. The Committee also discussed the updated needs assessment which will be finalised at the end June, and which will be used as a basis for programming of the second €3 billion tranche.

Original source: EC
Published on 19 June 2018