EU adopts new projects for Syrian refugees in the region

BRUSSELS, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- The European Union Trust Fund announced Monday that it has adopted projects worth 122 million euro (USD 138 million) to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable local communities in Jordan, Turkey and in Iraq.
In view of the continued impact of the crisis and the current 5.6 million Syrian refugees, the Trust Fund Board in a statement today said it is confirming its commitment to continue the support to Syrian refugees and their host communities.
With this new package, the overall value of EU regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis so far mobilised, reaches 1.6 billion euro (USD 1.8 billion). Currently 55 projects have been contracted.
EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn commented that "these new projects will facilitate access to education and basic health care services for the most vulnerable people, provide livelihood opportunities and strengthen mother and child care services." The EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis was established in December 2014. An increasing share of the EU's support to help Syrian refugees and support Syria's neighbouring countries cope with the refugee crisis is provided through this fund. (end) nk.mt