The EU will provide €20 million in humanitarian aid for vulnerable refugees and host communities in Turkey in 2026

The European Union has allocated €20 million in humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable refugees and host communities in Turkey in 2026. 

Turkey continues to host around 2.3 million registered refugees, mainly from Syria, as well as from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, and remains one of the countries hosting the most refugees in the world. 

Whilst many refugees have access to basic services, hundreds of thousands still face significant obstacles due to socio-economic vulnerability, limited access to national systems and the lingering impact of the 2023 earthquakes.

EU humanitarian assistance in 2026 will prioritise the most vulnerable groups, including those with limited or no access to essential services. Funding will focus on protection, assistance to meet basic needs, health and education, thereby complementing the EU’s long-term support aimed at fostering self-reliance and inclusion within national systems.

Funding will be channelled through the EU’s humanitarian partners, who will work in close coordination with national authorities to address urgent needs such as protection, healthcare and education in emergency situations.

The Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, HadjaLahbib, said:

The EU continues to support people in need in Turkey with robust humanitarian assistance. And we are not forgetting the communities hosting refugees. They cannot bear this burden alone. Since 2012, the EU has provided over €3.5 billion in humanitarian aid in the country, supporting a wide range of programmes implemented by our humanitarian partners. With this new funding of €20 million, we are renewing our humanitarian support to continue providing vital assistance, helping the most vulnerable people to access essential services and maintain their dignity.

More information:European Commission.