The European Commission has denounced on Tuesday a claim by Turkish President Tayip Erdogan that the EU has not paid Turkey the 3 billion euro promised for the refugees support.
The EC’s position comes just days after they officially presented the results of this funding project, with the approval of the members of the Special Steering Committee for the implementation of the EU-Turkey declaration, also known by Turkish officials.
Commission Chief Spokesman Margaritis Schinas, responding to a relevant question, said that “first, refugee funding is not intended for the Turkish budget”. He then noted that “the 3 billion euro promised by the EU have been committed to specific programmes”, which aimed at Syrian refugees on the ground. He explained that “1.85 billion euros of this money has already been paid in 72 projects”. He made it clear that this is reasonable as many programmes such as monthly money transfers to the refugees themselves, are on-going.
“We have fulfilled our commitments,” said Shinas and pointed out that “Turkey should know it” as the results are known to the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Agreement in which Turkey participates.
The Chief Executive also reminded the Turkish side that “the Commission has decided to continue with the second instalment for the next 3 billion”.