The European Parliament approved on Thursday Lm 1.7 billion (€4 billion, US$ 5.2 billion) for migration issues. The funding, which will cover the period between 2007 and 2013, formed part of the European Commission's Justice, Freedom and Security financial programme.
The Commission’s Vice-President Franco Frattini, warmly welcomed the European Council's commitment and Parliament decision, stating that "Migration is a key issue for European Union citizens and includes managing migration flows more effectively, integrating citizens and protecting the external borders, while fostering respect for fundamental rights.” In the recent years Malta has witnessed an ever-growing number of illegal immigrants reaching its shores.
“The approval of the funding programmes for 2007-2013 ensures we have the resources needed to underpin vital Justice, Freedom and Security work, including a comprehensive European migration policy which the Commission is committed to implementing,” added Vice-President Franco Frattini.
The majority of the migration funding will be allocated to Member States depending on their share of responsibilities and efforts for the Community as a whole. These funds, over Lm 128 million (€300 million,US$394 million) in 2007 alone, will help the Commission and Member States work together on wide ranging migration issues including fighting illegal immigration, enhancing dialogue with third countries, addressing the root causes of migration, tapping the potential of migration and respecting citizens and migrants' fundamental rights.
Four important funds have been created, among these the External Borders Fund, European Refugee Fund, Return Fund and Integration Fund.
The External Borders Fund supports the Schengen acquis, namely sharing responsibility for external border control. The estimated Lm 781 million(€1820 million, US$ 2393 million) for 2007-2013 provides for upgrading infrastructure along the 6.000km land and 85.000km coastline which make up the EU's external border. This funding will compliment ongoing activities undertaken by FRONTEX, the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union.
The European Refugee Fund will provide around Lm 300 million (€700 million, US$ 920 million) up to 2013 to support Member States in receiving refugees and displaced persons and apply consistent, fair and effective asylum procedures.
The Return Fund provides Lm290 million (€676 million, US$889 million) for 2008-2013. This emphasizes voluntary return and provides funding to help Member States counsel unsuccessful applicants. It also includes measures such as joint flights with other Member States to tackle the problem of 500.000 people illegally staying in the EU a year.
The Integration Fund is particularly targeted at new immigrants and provides €825 million (Lm354 million,US$1,085 million) to Member States to favour their integration process in our societies. It will support the forthcoming Framework Directive on the rights of legally residing migrants and projects fashioned to promote the Community integration strategy.
Read more about this issue on MaltaMedia's special feature:
Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra: Malta and its migrations.
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