Turkey seeks extra €3bn in EU migrant deal

Turkey is seeking an extra three billion euros in aid under a deal with the EU to curb the flow of migrants to the continent, European Parliament head Martin Schulz said Monday.

Under a stalled deal clinched in November, the European Union has already pledged three billion euros ($3.3 billion) to aid refugees on Turkish territory in return for Ankara's cooperation in tackling Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II.

"The Turks have asked for more money: three billion euros before 2018," Schulz told reporters after attending the opening session of an EU-Turkey summit dedicated to the crisis.

"It will require additional (EU) budgetary procedures. The European Parliament is prepared to speed up the procedures," he said.

A European source, who spoke only on condition of anonymity, added that if agreed the extra money "would not be a blank check" and would come with specific demands of the Turks.

In Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised the EU for a four-month delay in disbursing the initial three billion euros.

"It's been four months. They are yet to deliver," Erdogan said in a speech in the Turkish capital, as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held summit talks with EU leaders.

"Mr prime minister is currently in Brussels. I hope he will return with the money," added Erdogan.

Davutoglu said Sunday he would discuss with his EU counterparts efforts to begin building schools and hospitals for refugees within weeks with the first tranche of aid.
Source :AFP