The European Court of Auditors recently published a report evaluating the effectiveness of the EU’s multibillion-euro funding for refugees in Türkiye through the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The report highlights both positive outcomes and areas for improvement in the allocation and execution of the €6 billion funding.
Türkiye’s strategic geographic location has made it a crucial destination for refugees seeking asylum in Europe. The country currently hosts over four million registered refugees, with a significant majority of them of Syrian origin. In response to this complex humanitarian crisis, the EU established the Facility for Refugees in Turkey in 2015 to administer €6 billion in humanitarian and development aid.
While the funding has undoubtedly provided crucial support for refugees and host communities, the report by the European Court of Auditors signals areas where greater value for money and impact could have been achieved. The report raises concerns about the sustainability of the funded projects once EU support runs out and the need for more comprehensive assessment of project costs and impact on beneficiaries.
Despite the significant investment aimed at alleviating pressure on health, education, and municipal infrastructure, the report reveals delays and challenges in the execution of development projects. Factors such as stricter construction rules, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters have impacted the timely delivery of these projects. Furthermore, the report points out shortcomings in the monitoring and assessment of the impact of various initiatives, such as job training, business assistance, and educational projects for refugees.
Moving forward, ensuring the sustainability of the EU interventions and fostering co-ownership with the Turkish authorities is imperative. The report underscores the importance of enhancing the operating environment for international NGOs and emphasizes the conditional nature of EU aid, which is linked to Türkiye’s adherence to the 2016 EU-Turkey statement.
In response to the audit findings, the European Commission has taken steps to improve the effectiveness of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, including cost-saving measures and efforts to transfer project ownership to Turkish authorities. However, continued efforts are needed to address the shortcomings identified and ensure the long-term impact and sustainability of the funded initiatives beyond EU support.
The report serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in addressing the refugee crisis in Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the value of EU funding and fostering sustainable solutions for the benefit of refugees and host communities. As the EU continues to support refugees in Türkiye through various budget instruments, the findings of this report will serve as a critical guide for future interventions and collaborations aimed at addressing the evolving needs of refugees in the region.
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