The European Commission pledged Monday to support Turkey with one billion euros for the reconstruction of the areas hit by the devastating earthquake last February.
This was stated by the head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during the international donors’ conference “Together for the Turkish and Syrian People” held in Brussels.
“I am pleased to announce that the European Commission alone will support Turkey with 1 billion euros for post-earthquake reconstruction,” said von der Leyen.
-Advertisement-
“Houses, schools and hospitals must be rebuilt with the highest earthquake safety standards in mind, and water and sanitation facilities and other critical infrastructure must be repaired,” she added.
The European official stressed that the European Union not only wants to help earthquake victims “to survive, but also to rebuild their lives.”
It also announced an additional €108 million package for humanitarian aid and early recovery in Syria.
On February 6, 2023, two successive earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 hit southern Turkey and northern Syria, followed by thousands of violent aftershocks, which left great losses in lives and property.
