EU signs a €781 million agreement with Türkiye to continue support to most vulnerable refugees
Today, the European Commission and the Government of Türkiye signed a €781 million contract providing EU funds for a social safety net for the most vulnerable refugees. This contract is the biggest single EU contract ever signed with Ankara
The Social Safety Net (SSN) contract is a continuation of the Emergency Social Safety Net, the biggest humanitarian programme in the history of the EU, which was launched in 2016. Over the next three years, the new EU funds will enable Türkiye to continue supporting the basic needs of around two million refugees while benefitting the local economy. Today’s signature brings the total assistance under EU support to refugees and host communities in Türkiye close to €10 billion since 2011.
Member of the European Commission for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Mr. Olivér Várhelyi and the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mrs Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş and the President of Türk Kızılay, Prof. Dr. Fatma Meriç Yılmaz attended the signing ceremony in Ankara.
Member of the European Commission for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Mr. Olivér Várhelyi, said:
“It is my pleasure to sign today a €781 million agreement with Türkiye to continue support to most vulnerable refugees - the single biggest EU contract ever signed. It demonstrates the continued EU solidarity and steadfast support for Türkiye to host the largest refugee community in the world, bringing our assistance close to €10 billion. We remain committed to continue our support, in close cooperation with the Turkish authorities, also beyond 2023.”
The new contract will ensure greater efficiency and synergies in continuation of two previous EU assistance programmes: the Complementary Emergency Social Safety Net and the Emergency Social Safety Net.
Background
Türkiye welcomed more Syrian refugees than any other country, giving them access to healthcare and education. In addition, the EU has been providing monthly monetary transfers to eligible refugees allowing them to cover part of their basic needs. Eligible refugees can withdraw their monthly allocation to a cash machine using a dedicated card. This has been set up in close cooperation with Kizilay, the humanitarian assistance institution of the Turkish Government.
To this date, the EU has provided close to €10 billion in funding, for humanitarian assistance, education, health, municipal infrastructure, socio-economic support and migration management. Part of the funds also helps address the consequences of the February 2023 earthquakes.
For more information about EU Support to Refugees in Türkiye:
Contacts for media:
Ms Miray Akdağ
E-mail: Miray.AKDAG@eeas.europa.eu
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