EU: Post-earthquake solidarity can turn a new page in EU-Turkey relations
The Development Committee of the European Parliament (EP) evaluated the humanitarian situation in Turkey after the earthquakes and in Syria, which was affected by the earthquakes, in the session attended by Lenarcic.
Lenarcic affirmed in the session that the EU mobilized all its tools after the earthquake and said: “We will continue to use all our tools.” saying.
“This support will need to continue beyond the EU for the foreseeable future and the broader international community will need to assist in reconstruction and rehabilitation.” Lenarcic said: “I think this earthquake tragedy is an opportunity to turn a new page, especially in our relations with Turkey.” he used his statements.
Referring to the international donor conference that the EU Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council will host in Brussels this month, Lenarcic said: “I hope that the funding raised at the donor conference will not only be generous, but which will also be well spent in terms of improving the future construction process.” she performed her assessment.
“WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING”
Lenarcic said: “So far we have allocated more than 8 million euros in humanitarian aid to meet the most urgent needs in the affected provinces of Turkey. Along with other parts of the commission, we are seeking additional funding.” saying.
Stating that in the first hours after the earthquake, 21 EU member states and other participants of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism sent 30 search and rescue teams and 6 medical teams, Lenarcic said that the search and rescue activities ended. on February 17, but medical teams are still in the field.
Lenarcic also stated that 18 EU member states sent goods such as shelter materials, medical equipment, food and clothing, and the number of such goods exceeded 2.6 million.
SYRIA
Regarding Syria, which was affected by the earthquakes in Turkey, Lenarcic emphasized that the sanctions against the Bashar Assad regime do not prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into the country, but that they are sensitive to prevent aid from falling into the hands of the regime. of Assad.
Lenarcic said that within 48 hours of the earthquakes, an additional 3.5 million euros in emergency humanitarian aid was sent and delivered through the EU humanitarian center in Beirut, via international partner organisations.
Expressing that 15 EU member states and Norway together have provided blankets, beds, heaters, tents, generators, medical supplies, sleeping bags, food and clothing so far, Lenarcic said: “Currently, it covers both northwestern Syria as the regions under the control of the regime, 6 flights were carried out and more than 420 tons of aid were delivered. saying.
MESSAGE “EUROPEAN FAMILY”
Sergey Lagodinsky, German Green/European Free Alliance MP, co-chairman of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee (KPK) on behalf of the EU, also noted that Europe is facing the second biggest humanitarian and reconstruction crisis. after the war in Ukraine.
Stating that he visited the earthquake zone last week, Lagodinsky said he thought the crisis could span a period of months or years.
Lagodinsky continued:
“Despite the tragedy, we also see an opportunity. This is an opportunity to renew our relations with our Turkish partners. We have difficulties. These challenges will remain in the political arena. Only this human dimension and human action can bring us closer. The EU can show that we are still a European family, regardless of whether it is a member or not.
Regarding the donor conference in Brussels, de Lagodinsky said: “I think we should be ready to provide assistance in a way that leaves no room for ambiguity, doubt or political accusation.” saying.
Lagodinsky noted that reconstruction activities in earthquake-damaged cities under the EU’s “green transformation” rules will also contribute to future Turkey-EU cooperation. (AA)