The EU has also signed similar deals with other countries, but the auditors raised concerns about the ability of NGOs to operate projects under the 6 billion euro deal due to Turkey's authoritarian turn since a 2016 coup and crackdown on dissent.

The EU, which is holding elections for the European Parliament in June, is under pressure to address illegal migration.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) report states that the operating environment for NGOs in Turkiye has worsened since 2015, with the situation becoming more challenging following the unsuccessful coup.

The report highlights the difficulties in managing EU aid during Turkiye's economic downturn and Ankara's regression on the rule of law and fundamental rights.

The European Commission, the EU's executive, was criticized for failing to provide a clear analysis of costs and an unclear plan for what would happen once the aid ended.

Bettina Jakobsen, who led the ECA report, emphasized the need for improvements in demonstrating impact, ensuring sustainability, and value for money for the EU aid facility for refugees and host communities in Turkiye.

Human rights groups and some politicians have criticized the EU for prioritizing the reduction of illegal migration over human rights concerns.

Florian Trauner, a professor at the Brussels School of Governance, stated that this focus leads to the EU overlooking human rights issues.

The EU Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, has initiated an investigation into human rights protections under the EU's new migration deal with Tunisia.