EU grants €112 million to Malta

The EU yesterday granted Malta €112 million from the budget for the next five years to be in a better position to face the immigration problem. The money is over and above the €855 million allocated to Malta under the present seven-year EU budget and are considered to be extra funds specifically dedicated to migration.

The allocation is one of the biggest ever made by EU under its External Borders Fund; only Italy and Greece received bigger grants.

According to government plans approved by the European Commission, most of the funds will be dedicated to the purchase of four brand new patrol boats for the army's maritime squadron and new operating equipment, including boats for the police and other border authorities.

Malta will also be using part of the funds to modernise the communications infrastructure supporting maritime border control activities, surveillance equipment and the upgrade of security features in the visa section of the island's overseas missions.

"This is tangible proof that our voice is being heard," an upbeat Justice Minister, Carm Mifsud Bonnici said shortly after the announcement was made in Brussels.

"The EU has decided to put its money where the biggest problems are and we are very satisfied that our efforts have been rewarded. This is a massive allocation which we will use intelligently to make our country much better equipped to fight illegal immigration," he said.

Asked whether the money could be interpreted as a move by the Commission to stop Malta's political pressure over the issue, Dr Mifsud Bonnici replied that "if that is the case, it's not going to work!"

"We would like to consider this decision by the Commission as true solidarity on the EU's part and Malta is very appreciative of the EU's efforts," he said.

EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the approval of the funds are an important step forward for the island, being one of the member states facing considerable challenges on the southern borders of the EU.

"Through the submissions under this programme, Malta has shown its commitment to strengthen its capacity for effective border control, thus contributing to the European common integrated border management system."

The European External Borders Fund is one of four financial instruments of the EU aimed at helping member states manage better their borders.