Malta has been allocated €74.7 million in EU funds to help it manage migration and ensure a high level of security and crime prevention for the period 2014-2020.

As one of the frontline states, Malta has received over €53 million for the management of visas and borders. The EU also channelled €8.9 million towards police cooperation and crisis management and a further €12.6 million towards joint operations with other countries, including reintegration projects, the setting up of consular cooperation and joint repatriation.

The European Commission has approved 23 multi-annual national programmes across the EU with a budget of €2.4 billion for the period 2014-2020.

Frontline member states dealing with high migratory flows are the main beneficiaries.

Member states are facing unprecedented challenges in the fields of migration and security and the EU Commission was taking action in a spirit of solidarity, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said.

The Commission, he continued, was taking bold steps to improve migration management, foster cooperation and make Europe safer from organised crime and terrorism for our citizens.

The national programmes approved by the Commission provided significant financial assistance to the member states to address these challenges.

“We are determined to continue to put solidarity into practice.”

The funding supports national efforts to improve reception capacities, ensure that asylum procedures are in line with EU standards, integrate migrants and increase the effectiveness of return programmes.

The funding complements national efforts to improve member states’ border management and surveillance, in particular through the use of modern technologies.

It also supports cross-border law enforcement cooperation and strengthens member states’ capacity to effectively manage security-related risks such as terrorism, violent radicalisation, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and human trafficking.