EU Auditors Warn of Ineffectiveness of Turkey Migrant Deal Due to Human Rights Concerns and Economic Factors

EU auditors have expressed concerns that Turkey's poor human rights record and economic factors are weakening the effectiveness of the European Union's migrant deal with Ankara.

Signed in 2016, the agreement sees Turkey take back migrants who have crossed into Europe from its territory in exchange for EU aid to support over four million refugees living in Turkey.

The EU, which is holding elections for the European Parliament in June, has also struck similar deals with Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania.

However, the auditors warn that the human rights situation in Turkey and economic challenges are posing significant challenges to the deal's success.

The European Union's auditors expressed concerns about the ability of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to effectively carry out projects under a 6 billion euro deal with Turkey, due to the country's authoritarian turn since a 2016 coup and crackdown on dissent.

The operating environment for NGOs has worsened since 2015 and has been further exacerbated by the failed coup and subsequent legislation targeting them.

The European Court of Auditors report also highlighted the challenges of managing EU aid in Turkey's economic downturn and Ankara's backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights.

The European Commission's report on the EU's refugee aid facility was criticized for lacking a clear analysis of costs and uncertainties about what would happen once the aid ended.

Bettina Jakobsen, who led the European Court of Auditors (ECA) report, suggested improvements in demonstrating impact, ensuring sustainability, and value for money.

Rights groups and some politicians have previously accused the EU of disregarding human rights in its efforts to reduce illegal migration.