EU commits to $460M for Türkiye's earthquake relief

The European Union (EU) has finalized an agreement to provide 400 million euros ($460 million) of the pledged 1 billion euro aid to Türkiye following the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes.

This financial assistance, announced during the International Donors Conference last year, marks the highest amount ever allocated by the European Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to a candidate country.

Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, and Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of the EU Presidency, signed the agreement in Brussels.

Ferreira highlighted the significance of this support, saying: "This is the first time Türkiye has received support from the fund," emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this aid.

The funds will be utilized over 18 months for rebuilding critical infrastructure in health, education, water, and sewage management.

Additionally, they will provide temporary housing and preserve Türkiye's rich cultural heritage. Following the expenditure period, Türkiye is required to submit a report to the EU detailing the use of the funds within six months.

This support comes in the wake of the earthquakes that struck 11 provinces in Türkiye and northern Syria on Feb. 6, 2023.

The International Donors Conference held a month after the earthquakes, succeeded in raising a total of 7 billion euros in aid for Türkiye and Syria.

The EU's commitment of 1 billion euros in financial aid to Türkiye is a significant portion of this total.

The EUSF, established in 2002, aims to provide financial assistance to EU member states and candidate countries in the event of major disasters.

This latest aid to Türkiye signifies the EU's commitment to solidarity and support in times of crisis.

Source: Newsroom