While Turkey has demonstrated remarkable resilience in absorbing over 3.4 million refugees over the past six years, social resentment and hostility towards refugees has been on the rise. This panel discussion aims to inform participants about the underlying reasons for rising frictions between host communities and refugees and the impact of integration policies on social cohesion. In this context, Crisis Group will present its new report "Turkey’s Syrian Refugees: Defusing Metropolitan Tensions" and discuss the findings of its field research in refugee-dense neighbourhoods of Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, where inter-communal tensions run high.

In a second step, panelists will identify and discuss ways in which Ankara - with support from international donors - can ensure sustainable long-term integration of Syrians in Turkey, while addressing host community grievances and rising social tensions. In the discussion, panelists will particularly focus on the role that the European Union and its member states can play to support these efforts, especially through their future funding for refugees in Turkey.

Participants: The event will bring together approximately 20 participants from across the EU institutions, member states and civil society experts.

Format: The meeting will be public. The discussion among panelists will be followed by a Q&A and an interactive debate with participants. Coffee and tea will be served.

9.30-9.40: Welcoming remarks by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and International Crisis Group

9.40-9.50: Presentation of the findings of Crisis Group’s Turkey report "Turkey’s Syrian Refugees: Defusing Metropolitan Tensions", by Nigar Göksel, Project Director Turkey, International Crisis Group

9.50-10.10: Moderated panel discussion with 

• Nigar Göksel, Project Director Turkey, International Crisis Group; 
• Berkay Mandıracı, Turkey Analyst, International Crisis Group; 
• Senior EU official (TBC);

Moderator: Marc Pierini, Visiting scholar, Carnegie Europe.

10.10-11.00: Q&A and interactive debate

Wednesday 7 February, 9.30 am – 11.00 am
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Rue d'Arlon 15, 1050 Brussels

To register, please RSVP, by Monday 5 February, by filling in this form, or writing an email to icg.events.brussels@crisisgroup.org.
Please note that participation is limited. We therefore kindly recommend to register early.