EU assistance programmes

Reference is made to the article Malta Failing To Apply For EU Assistance Programmes (October 6) particularly with reference to the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs.

This ministry is in the process of coordinating various project proposals to be submitted by Malta in connection with the Return and Argo Funds.

These projects, being drawn up by stakeholders including the police, the armed forces and the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure, are expected to be finalised and submitted to the EU Commission by the established deadline.

Moreover, discussions are ongoing with the International Organisation for Migration and with other EU member states in connection with a joint project to be financed out of these funds.

Moreover, a multi-annual programme 2005/2007 in connection with the planned utilisation of the European refugee funds has been submitted to the European Commission for consideration. Malta's share in this programme is estimated at about €530,000 annually.