Increase in EU funding to help countries cope with migration flows

Although the movements of persons into, out of and within each EU State vary, each society shares similar migration challenges and opportunities. The EU is an area without internal borders, therefore migration bears great significance. MEPs voted on 6 February to increase EU money to help these countries cope with migration flows. Overcrowded refugee centres lacking even basic supplies have become a more frequent sight in many EU border-states in the wake of the crisis. The European Parliament adopted crucial proposals that enable an increased co-financing rate for Member States subject to financial support on actions concerning the management of migration flows (European Refugee Fund, the European Return Fund and the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals and External Borders Fund).

The proposal:

·         Covers 4 funds making up "Solidarity and management of migratory flows" framework: European Refugee Fund, European Return Fund, European Fund for Integration of third-country nationals and External Borders Fund.

·         Increased co-financing of the migration-related funds for member states included in the financial support mechanisms.

·         Co-financing (part financed by the EU) to increase 20 percentage points to 70%. For countries covered by the cohesion fund the increased rate would be maximum 95%.

For further information, the following link provides access to an interview with Finnish Liberal MEP Nils Torvalds, who is responsible for steering the plans through Parliament: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/content/20130201STO05566/html/More-funding-for-refugees-The-way-we-handle-asylum-seekers-is-unacceptable

Brophy Solicitors 

12.02.13