15/12/2006
European Migration Policy Receives Funding

The European Council's ongoing commitment to viewing migration challenges and opportunities as one of the major priorities for the EU at the start of the 21st century has received a boost with the European Parliament's approval this week of the Commission's Justice, Freedom and Security financial programmes for 2007-2013 which allocates almost € 4 billion euros to migration issues.

Vice-President Franco Frattini, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, 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. 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. I wish to express my gratitude to the European Parliament for its constant and valuable support under the "Solidarity and Management of Migration flows" framework programme".

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 € 300 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. The Global Approach to Migration, adopted by the European Council in December 2005, and the Commission's Communication on Strengthening the Comprehensive European Migration Policy (November 2006) provide context. The forthcoming illegal employment Directive, together with a general framework Directive on the rights of legally residing third-country nationals and a highly-skilled labour Directive, will be key priorities for 2007.

The approval of the Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows framework programme supports these political priorities. The framework aims to facilitate a fair share of responsibilities between Member States managing the external border and the implementation of common asylum and immigration policies. Four important funds are created: External Borders Fund, European Refugee Fund, Return Fund and Integration Fund.

The External Borders Fund (starting 1 January 2007) supports the Schengen acquis, namely sharing responsibility for external border control. The estimated €1820 million for 2007-2013 provides for upgrading infrastructure (e.g. border crossing points, video surveillance) along the 6.000km land and 85.000km coastline which make up the EU's external border. Supporting the development of a common visa policy is also key to tackle illegal immigration and aid bona fide travellers in the EU. 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, based in Warsaw, and whose budget has been significantly increased for 2007 (€19 milion for 2006 and €34 milion for 2007) in order for it to be able to meet the migration challenges at the EU's external borders next year.

The European Refugee Fund will provide around €700 million up to 2013 to support Member States in receiving refugees and displaced persons and apply consistent, fair and effective asylum procedures. Some 300.000 people apply for asylum or subsidiary protection in the EU each year.

The Return Fund (starting 1 January 2008) provides €676 million for 2008-2013. This emphasises 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 (starting 1 January 2007) is particularly targeted at new immigrants and provides €825 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. This new instrument will also help Member States to share their experiences and best practices, thereby strengthening teamwork at European level. Programmes covering civic orientation, language, history and cultural are all supported. 2.2 million permits are granted each year to third-country nationals to reside or stay for employment, family or study reasons.

To find out more about Vice President Frattini's work please see his website http://www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/index_en.htm