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

Yesterday the tenth Steering Committee meeting of the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey met 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.” The full press release is available online as well as the dedicated factsheet.