Malta is leading the race to host the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), with a preliminary decision on the bid expected tomorrow.
Intense lobbying has placed Malta ahead of Cyprus and Bulgaria as the preferred country to host the body tasked with strengthening cooperation among member states on asylum.
EASO will aim to help improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System by providing operational support to member states subject to strong pressure on their asylum systems. It will also provide scientific and technical assistance for EU policymaking and legislation in all areas having an impact on asylum.
A clear winner may emerge tomorrow at an EU Justice Ministers meeting in Brussels. If a conclusion is reached, the decision will then be endorsed by EU leaders during their end-of-year summit in two weeks' time.
"Malta is clearly the favourite and has acquired the support of the large majority of member states," Commission sources told The Sunday Times yesterday.
He added the decision also depended on the other two bidders realising they stood little chance and withdrawing their application.
The Sunday Times is informed that almost 20 of the 27 member states have pledged their support to Malta.
King Juan Carlos of Spain added his backing for Malta to host the agency during a visit to the island last week, after Italy, France and other countries had already declared their support.
In its bid, Malta is offering a new state-of-the-art building to host the 100-official agency with a budget of almost €50 million for its first three years of operation. The building forms part of the maritime centre complex built recently next to the sea passenger terminal in Valletta's Grand Harbour. Currently it also hosts the headquarters of the Malta Maritime Authority. The office is expected to be up and running next year.
Malta adopted a professional approach to its bid. Publicity material was prepared, including brochures, DVDs, as well as a dedicated website (www.easomalta.eu). Seminars and presentations were also held at Malta's Permanent Representation in Brussels.
Malta's previous bids to host agencies have failed, prompting criticism for over the lack of professional approach.
Malta is also in the running for the Galileo Agency - responsible for the creation and administration of a European satellite navigation system. But Commission sources said Galileo is unlikely to go to Malta, especially if the island manages to get the EASO.