Brussels is looking for money for the follow-up Turkey deal

For the extension of the refugee deal concluded by the European Union and Turkey, EUR 3 billion is also needed in the next two years.

The deal concluded in March 2015 provided for 3 billion euros for the reception of (mostly Syrian) refugees in Turkey. The contracts for that amount are closed. Over € 1.85 billion was paid out, including education for half a million children and humanitarian assistance to 1.2 million refugees. 'The valuable work must continue,' said EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos (Migration) on Wednesday. 'The cooperation with Turkey is crucial. ''

As a counterpart, Ankara promised to take back migrants who illegally traveled to Greece. The Greeks have to take decisions faster, but the deal is a success, according to Avramopoulos. Compared to the period before the agreement, 97 percent fewer migrants wished to cross over from Turkey, he said.