Brussels, 8 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Turkey is to receive EU financial aid totalling €400 million following the devastating earthquakes a year ago.

The amount is the largest ever granted from the European Union Solidarity Fund to an EU candidate country, the responsible EU Commissioner Elisa Ferreira announced on Wednesday after signing the financing agreement.

The money is to be used for the restoration of infrastructure and emergency accommodation, but also to protect the country's wealth and cultural heritage.

The earthquakes on February 6, 2023 killed more than 60,000 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. Shortly afterwards, the EU pledged support totalling €1 billion at a donor conference. The financial aid totalling €400 million is part of this package.

MIA file photo