EU announces more projects under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey: €348 million in humanitarian aid to refugees in Turkey

The European Union announced on 8 September 2016 it had signed its largest humanitarian programme to date using direct cash-transfers to cover the everyday needs of the most vulnerable refugee families in Turkey.

The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), financed with €348 million by the EU and its member states under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, was considered to be the first social assistance scheme of its kind. Through it, the European Commission continued to respect its commitments under the EU-Turkey Statement.

The ESSN involved electronic cards being given to refugees in need across Turkey, through which they would receive monthly cash-transfers from October 2016. Giving them the dignity of choice, refugees would be enabled to feed and house their families and to send their children to school. The money, spent in local markets, would also boost the local economy.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 08.09.16: Stylianides’ plan to give refugees debit cards http://www.euractiv.com/section/development-policy/news/stylianides-plan-to-give-refugees-debit-cards/

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/16/2989, 08.09.16: Questions and answers: Support for refugees in Turkey through the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-2989_en.htm

ESO: Background information: EU-Turkey Cooperation: A €3 billion Refugee Facility for Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-turkey-cooperation-a-e3-billion-refugee-facility-for-turkey/

Swissinfo.ch, 08.09.16: EU grants 348 million euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/reuters/eu-grants-348-million-euros-in-aid-for-syrian-refugees-in-turkey/42431216

The Wall Street Journal, 08.09.16: EU to Provide Debit Cards, Cash to Refugees in Turkey as Part of Migration Deal http://www.wsj.com/articles/european-union-to-provide-debit-cards-and-cash-to-refugees-in-turkey-as-part-of-migration-deal-1473335668

Deutsche Welle, 08.09.16: Prepaid EU plastic for displaced Syrians in Turkey http://dw.com/p/1JyPc

TRT World, 08.09.16: EU launches largest humanitarian aid for refugees in Turkey http://www.trtworld.com/europe/eu-launches-largest-humanitarian-aid-for-refugees-in-turkey-182231

Politico, 08.09.16: EU to give debit cards to refugees in Turkey http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-to-give-debit-cards-to-refugees-in-turkey/

EurActiv, 27.09.16: EU launches programme to issue cash cards to migrants in Turkey http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/eu-launches-programme-to-issue-cash-cards-to-migrants-in-turkey/

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