© OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
© OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Stylianides launches EU aid programme

European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides has launched the EU’s flagship humanitarian aid programme to help one million refugees in Turkey.

The Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) project has an initial budget of €348m and will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay), in close collaboration with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

Speaking in Ankara, Turkey, Stylianides said: “I’m confident that EU humanitarian aid will make a real difference for refugees in Turkey, helping one million people.

“The launch of our new programme here in Turkey today is a clear example of the strong partnership of the EU and Turkey in finding together new innovative ways to address one of the most important humanitarian challenges of our times.”

Stylianides took part in the official launch of the ESSN alongside WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin.

As of October 2016, monthly cash-transfers to electronic cards will be given to refugees in need across Turkey. The card is a way of supporting families in purchasing what they most need. Refugees will be able to feed and house their families, and send their children to school.

The European Commission will work in close partnership with the implementing organisations and rigorously monitor the EU-funded projects to ensure efficiency and maximum humanitarian impact.