1.5 million refugees in Turkey supported by EU’s biggest ever humanitarian programme

Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides, visiting Turkey to mark the occasion, said: “1.5 million refugees in Turkey are now able to meet their basic needs and live in dignity. The European Union, in cooperation with Turkey, is bringing a real change in the lives of the most vulnerable refugees. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. Jointly with Turkey we will continue this support, focusing on making our assistance sustainable.”

The EU humanitarian aid programme provides monthly cash transfers via a debit card to help refugees buy what they need the most, such as food, medicines, or paying rent. Another flagship programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer for Education, has surpassed its initial goals and now supports the families of more than 410,000 children who attend school regularly.