The European Union has allocated €20 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees and host communities in Türkiye in 2026. Türkiye continues to host around 2.3 million registered refugees, primarily from Syria but also from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world.
Despite access to some basic services, hundreds of thousands of refugees still face barriers due to socio-economic vulnerability, limited integration into national systems, and the lingering effects of the 2023 earthquakes. The EU’s new funding will prioritize the most at-risk groups, focusing on protection, healthcare, education, and basic needs assistance, while complementing longer-term efforts to foster self-reliance and inclusion.
The aid will be implemented through EU humanitarian partners working closely with national authorities to address urgent needs. Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib emphasized that the EU remains committed to supporting both refugees and host communities, noting that since 2012, the EU has provided more than €3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Türkiye. With this new allocation, the EU aims to continue delivering life-saving assistance, ensuring access to essential services, and maintaining dignity for the most vulnerable.
