The European Union has allocated €20 million in humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable refugees and host communities in Türkiye in 2026.
Türkiye continues to host around 2,3 million registered refugees, primarily from Syria, as well as from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, remaining one the largest refugee-hosting country in the world.
While many refugees have access to basic services, hundreds of thousands still face significant barriers due to socio-economic vulnerability, limited access to national systems, and the lingering impact of the 2023 earthquakes.
The EU’s humanitarian assistance in 2026 will prioritise the most at-risk groups, including those with limited or no access to essential services. Funding will focus on protection, basic needs assistance, health and education, while complementing longer-term EU support aimed at fostering self-reliance and inclusion in national systems.
The funding will be implemented through EU humanitarian partners, working in close coordination with national authorities, to address urgent needs including protection, healthcare, and education in emergencies.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said:
‘The EU continues to support people in need in Türkiye with strong humanitarian assistance. And we are not forgetting communities hosting refugees. They cannot bear this weight alone. Since 2012, the EU has provided more than €3.5 billion in humanitarian aid in the country, supporting a wide range of programmes delivered by our humanitarian partners. With this new €20 million in funding, we renew our humanitarian support to continue providing life-saving assistance, helping the most vulnerable access essential services, and maintain their dignity.’
