European External Action Service

06/19/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/19/2026 11:31

Ambassador Orav Attends the EESP SOP Social Impact Analysis and Closing Conference

Every project tells a story. And the story of more than 250 projects reminds us that the most important investment we can make is an investment in people.

Yesterday, the European Union and Türkiye came together at the closing conference of the Employment, Education and Social Policies Sectoral Operational Programme. The event brought together Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Vedat Işıkhan and the Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Aivo Orav, to reflect on the results and impact of investing in people.

© European Union, 2026



As Ambassador Orav noted, the Programme represents "not simply projects completed or funds spent, but lives improved, opportunities expanded and futures strengthened."

© European Union, 2026



The programme invested €323 million in Türkiye, supported more than 250 projects and directly benefited more than 300,000 people.

But the real impact goes beyond the numbers: new skills, greater opportunities, stronger communities and a more inclusive society.

© European Union, 2026



Together, the EU and Türkiye continue to invest in people, opportunities and a more inclusive future.

© European Union, 2026



European External Action Service published this content on June 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 19, 2026 at 17:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]