Eu Turkey Agreement Explained

The EU-Turkey Agreement Explained: What You Need to Know

In March 2016, the European Union (EU) and Turkey reached an agreement aimed at addressing the refugee crisis affecting Europe. The deal, known as the EU-Turkey Agreement, put in place measures that would help regulate the flow of refugees from Turkey to Europe. In this article, we will delve into the details of the EU-Turkey Agreement and what it means for refugees and the EU.

What is the EU-Turkey Agreement?

The EU-Turkey Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the EU and Turkey that aims to reduce the number of refugees and irregular migrants who make their way to Europe. The agreement establishes a framework for the return of refugees who arrive illegally on Greek islands back to Turkey. In return, the EU agreed to resettle Syrian refugees from Turkey in Europe and provide financial aid to Turkey to support refugees in the country. The agreement also includes measures to strengthen the EU`s border management and address the root causes of migration.

How does it work?

The EU-Turkey Agreement works in several ways. Firstly, it establishes a mechanism for the return of irregular migrants and refugees who arrive in Greece after March 20, 2016, back to Turkey. In exchange, the EU committed to resettle one Syrian refugee from Turkey for every Syrian returned to Turkey. However, the EU has been criticized for failing to meet its resettlement targets. Secondly, the agreement provides funding to Turkey to help manage the refugee crisis in the country. The EU pledged to provide €6 billion to Turkey in 2016 to support refugees hosted in the country. Finally, the agreement includes measures to prevent irregular migration, such as joint sea patrols and support for the Turkish coastguard.

What are the criticisms of the EU-Turkey Agreement?

The EU-Turkey Agreement has been criticized by human rights groups for violating international law and endangering the lives of refugees. Critics argue that Turkey is not a safe country for refugees, given its poor human rights record and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Additionally, the agreement has been criticized for putting too much emphasis on border control and not enough on addressing the root causes of migration.

Conclusion

The EU-Turkey Agreement is a significant development aimed at addressing the refugee crisis affecting Europe. While the agreement has been hailed as a success by some, it has also faced significant criticism from human rights groups. As with any major policy initiative, there are both positives and negatives to the agreement. Ultimately, the success of the agreement will depend on the EU`s ability to effectively implement its provisions and address the underlying causes of migration.