EU proposes €2 billion for refugees in Turkey by August

BRUSSELS (AA) – The European Commission on Thursday proposed an additional €1.4 billion for refugees in Turkey, following a meeting in Brussels of the group’s steering committee.

The committee was established to provide financial support for Syrian refugees in Turkey and said it wanted to raise the total amount for the Facility for Refugees in Turkey program to €2 billion by end of next month.

Subject to approval by EU member states, from a €3 billion total, €740 million has been allocated, of which €150 million has been contracted and €105 million disbursed.

The committee also decided that the fund would be used in support of education, health, municipal and social infrastructure, and socio-economic assistance for refugees in Turkey.

It also welcomed the progress of humanitarian assistance distribution that has been fast tracked in recent past months.

The committee is made up of representatives of EU member states and Turkey.