EU approves €1.2m in 'emergency' funds for refugees in Malta

The European Commission has approved an additional €1.2 million in emergency funds for Malta under the European Refugee Fund 2011 programme. These emergency funds will be used for various initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection, the government said.

The measures include supporting existing national efforts with regard to the provision of food supplies in reception centres, enhanced security and safety as well as improved accommodation as part of the overall care offered to asylum seekers.

"The assistance provided through the EU Emergency Funds is an acknowledgement of Malta's increased efforts, particularly during the time of the Libyan crisis."

Actions under these European Refugee Fund emergency measures have an EU co-financing rate of 80%.

The government pointed out that €1,417,719.12 were already allocated under the European Refugee Fund 2011 annual programme under the annual allocation approved for Malta in early 2011.

The 2011 Annual Programme is supporting various initiatives targeting reception conditions and integration of beneficiaries of protection. Examples of measures financed by the European Refugee Fund include: skills profiling and language training for residents in open centres; provision of sheltered accommodation and other support services to vulnerable asylum seekers as well as capacity building activities for organisations handling the processing of request for asylum. A full list of the projects financed by the European Refugee Fund is available on the following website: http://www.ppcd.gov.mt/refugeefund?l=1

The approval of the additional funds under the emergency measures together with the annual programme allocation brings the total allocation for 2011 for Malta under the European Refugee Fund to €2,618,719. One should also note that for 2011, Malta as also been allocated a further €4,036,843 under other Funds falling within the General Programme Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows, the largest share being that under the European Borders Fund which is largely used to procure equipment and IT systems and software required for the protection of Malta's borders.

The allocation for 2012 under the same Programme has increased to €17,589,448. Once again, the largest chunk of this allocation is under the External Borders Fund and the funds will be used for the purchase of equipment to protect Malta's borders.

These Funds are managed by the Funds and Programmes Division within the Office of the Prime Minister. Calls for the 2012 Programme are expected to be launched in the coming weeks.