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

brussels - 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. One billion euros is available from the EU budget. The European Commission calls on the Member States to supplement the amount quickly. They have previously agreed in principle to extend the agreements.

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.