We have tried too many times - and also I am thinking again about Europe and whether we are really welcome there."
Ghassan and a friend from Syria entered Turkey in November and have since tried three times to cross the narrow waters between that country and one of the Greek islands.
Twice the Greek coastguard caught them and disabled their smugglers' boats, once the Turkish authorities intercepted and turned them back.
So what do Ghassan and his friend plan to do now?
"We will stay in Turkey legally and study," he said.
EU funding to boost education for Syrian refugees will soak up a significant part of the promised cash, Mr Timmermans said in Ankara on Monday, adding he was awaiting a list of projects for funding "so Syrian children can go to school".
Europe is also pressing Turkey to grant more work permits for Syrian refugees.