Latvia will carry out its contribution to the Refugee Support Mechanism for Turkey over annually in accordance with a specific schedule, in accordance with which Latvia’s first payment of EUR 1,038,316 will be carried out before Q4 2016, as agreed upon by the Latvian government.

In order to further reduce the influx of refugees into the EU, an agreement was reached during last year’s EU-Turkey summit on 29 November in regards to close cooperation between EU and Turkish authorities.

Considering Turkey’s important role in managing the refugee crisis, the EU and Turkey have agreed upon the initial financial support for resettlement of refugees in Turkey. This financial support is currently estimated at EUR 3 billion.

In order to reduce the negative effect of the migration crisis in the EU, Latvia will also have to contribute financially to the Refugee Support Mechanism for Turkey.

In order to provide support, Latvia will have to transfer the first instalment of EUR 1,038,315 before Q4 2016. Money for this goal will be taken from the budget for emergencies.

In addition to allocating the aforementioned amount to the Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry will also have to review and increase the base expenses of the Payments to international organisations programme by EUR 1,541,262 in 2017, EUR 774,574 in 2018 and EUR 150,709 in 2019.

Ref: 102.109.109.9862