EU Summit: 3 billion Euro funding for refugees in Turkey

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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After the first day of the European Union (EU) Leaders' Summit in Brussels yesterday (June 24), the European Commission has announced that it has adopted a number of conclusions on Turkey.

EU heads of state and government began the two-day summit by discussing migration and called for a new migration strategy.

As the EU summit continued, the section of the summit statement on Turkey was shared with the public after the conclusion of the talks on Turkey.

"The European Council reverted to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union's relations with Turkey," the conclusions noted, adding, "It takes note of the start of work at technical level towards a mandate for the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union."

On the other side, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, has stated that the EU Commission submitted a report on how the migration deal with Turkey, which was signed in 2016, can be extended. She has said that it was agreed with an additional funding of 3 billion Euro:

We will continue the work on the customs union, and of course we expect constructive attitude from Turkey. We have also seen an improvement in the situation in the Mediterranean."

Customs Union

Referring to "the established conditionalities set out in March and in previous European Council conclusions", the conclusions on Turkey reiterated the "EU's readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner to enhance cooperation in a number of areas of common interest." The conclusions on Turkey briefly read as follows: 

"In line with this framework, it takes note of the start of work at technical level towards a mandate for the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union and recalls the need to address current difficulties in the implementation of the Customs Union, ensuring its effective application to all Member States. Such a mandate may be adopted by the Council subject to additional guidance by the European Council.

NOTE: The migration deal between the EU and Turkey also had an EU pledge for a modernization of the Customs Union. However, this pledge has not been put into effect by Brussels on the grounds of Erdoğan's harsh treatment of the opposition in domestic politics. The two sides started talking about the issue again a few months ago.

Request for formal proposals for Syrians

"It also takes note of the preparatory work for high level dialogues with Turkey on issues of mutual interest, such as migration, public health, climate, counterterrorism and regional issues.

"The European Council calls on the Commission to put forward without delay formal proposals for the continuation of financing for Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and other parts of the region, in line with the statement of the Members of the European Council of March 2021 and within the context of the EU's overall migration policy.

NOTE: In line with the migration deal signed in 2016, a funding of 6 billion Euro in total was allocated for 3.7 million Syrian refugees in Turkey in five years. Turkey has long been demanding that the EU agree on a new funding and send it to Turkey.

Cyprus

"The European Council recalls its previous conclusions and remains fully committed to the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

"It underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and calls for full respect of UN Security Council Resolutions, in particular Resolutions 550, 789 and 1251.It regrets that the informal meeting in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations did not pave the way for the resumption of formal negotiations. The European Union will continue to play an active role in supporting the process.

Deterioration in democracy

"Rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey remain a key concern. The targeting of political parties, human rights defenders and media represents major setbacks for human rights and runs counter to Turkey's obligations to respect democracy, the rule of law and women's rights. Dialogue on such issues remains an integral part of the EU-Turkey relationship.

"In line with the shared interest of the EU and Turkey in regional peace and stability, the European Council expects Turkey and all actors to contribute positively to the resolution of regional crises.

"The European Council will remain seized of the matter." (TP/SD)