YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The European Commission signed two direct grants worth €600 million on September 28 to support Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey in the areas of education and health, "Armenpress" reports, citing the official website of the European Commission. 

Since March this year, the EU has mobilised more than €2 billion out of its total budget of €3 billion under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. The Facility supports the implementation of both the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan and the EU-Turkey Statement and is designed to address the most critical needs of Syrian refugees and host communities living in Turkey today.

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations said: "With the two direct grants signed today, almost half a million Syrian children will gain access to compulsory education. EU assistance will also provide the Syrian refugees with access to much needed health care services. This confirms the European Union's continuous commitment to improving the conditions of refugees living in Turkey. We will work hard to continue delivery and should sign further contracts in the areas of education, health, municipal infrastructure and socio-economic support to refugees in Turkey over the months to come."

The €600 million grants - €300 million for education and €300 million for health - are funded under the €1.415 billion Special Measure that was adopted by the Commission at the end of July. They help the Turkish authorities cover operational costs and access to compulsory education and healthcare services for Syrian refugees and their children.

The grants will serve to reimburse the Ministries of Education and Health for costs incurred in their efforts to integrate Syrian pupils and students into the Turkish education system, and to ensure Syrian refugees in Turkey have access to health care. The direct grant for education should enable around 500,000 Syrian students to receive education in the Turkish language. The direct grant in the area of health should ensure the provision of comprehensive health care for refugees in Turkey.