Erdogan criticizes delay in EU refugee aid for Turkey

Turkey’s president on Monday criticized delays in the payment of a $3.3 billion EU support package for refugees.

Under a deal signed in November, Turkey agreed to step up efforts to stem the flow of refugees to Europe while the EU promised a financial aid package.

“They pledged that they would give us 3 billion euros,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a gathering to mark International Women’s Day in Ankara. “It’s been four months and they have yet to give it.”

“Our prime minister is in Brussels now,” Erdogan said. “Hopefully, he will return with this promised money.”