EU-Turkey deal
29.10.2015
Question for written answer P-014256-15
to the Council
Rule 130
Hans-Olaf Henkel (ECR)
While the exact terms of the EU’s deal with Turkey are still being worked on, it has emerged that Turkey will receive up to EUR 3 billion from Member States destined for increasing border control, hosting Syrian refugees and repatriating irregular migrants. Turkey has also used this momentum to demand visa-free travel and the reopening of EU accession talks, in return for deeper cooperation on the refugee crisis. Given the imminent elections in Turkey, one cannot help but wonder whether the timing for such a deal is right, as Mr Erdogan and his party could directly or indirectly benefit from this agreement. In light of the high level of corruption prevalent in the country, it is crucial to understand whether any control mechanisms will be set in place to ensure that this money does indeed go to help the two million refugees in the country.
What conditions and control mechanisms have been set in place to ensure that refugees benefit from European help and that these funds are not misused?