European Union – Donors’ Conference for Turkey and Syria (20 March 2023)

Following the February 6, 2023, earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria, France is increasing aid to the Turkish and Syrian people, with a contribution totaling €35 million. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna announced this contribution today in Brussels. Thanks to the efforts of the UN, this aid will make it possible to respond to Turkey’s urgent needs and early recovery needs, as well as the fundamental needs of the people impacted by the earthquake in Syria, in particular, internally displaced persons, women and children.

At the request of President Macron, France immediately took action the day following the disaster, providing assistance and medical care to those impacted in Turkey and Syria, in coordination with France’s European partners in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EU CPM).

Two civil security detachments and one Crisis and Support Center team were dispatched to the disaster areas in Turkey. Then, a field hospital was set up on site with 87 doctors and nurses as part of the emergency medical assistance. The cities and regions of France also mobilized significant efforts in support of the Turkish people. Working with our European partners, the French Development Agency (AFD) will also provide additional reconstruction assistance in the areas of Turkey that have been destroyed.

In the days immediately following the earthquake, France worked with NGOs and the UN to provide emergency assistance to all the disaster areas in Syria. These efforts made it possible to meet urgent needs with regards to healthcare, shelter, water, hygiene, sanitation and food security.

In these difficult times, the Turkish and Syrian people can continue to count on the support of France and the EU.