Malta will benefit from €92 million in EU funds for projects in the fields of migration and national security over the next five years, as well as possible additional funding through the EU’s emergency mechanisms.

The budget has been allocated to Malta for the 2014-2020 period under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Internal Security Fund (ISF).

The comparable funds for the previous funding period, 2007-2013, was €85 million, excluding emergency measures, which went towards 173 projects in various sectors.

The funds will go towards a number of projects, with one of the main long-term objectives being the development of a reception facility specifically built to cater for all the needs of asylum seekers.

Other priorities include facilitating integration and promotion the voluntary return of migrants who do not qualify for protection.

Also planned are projects related to the implementation of the common visa policy, upgrading border management, combatting crime, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Addressing a European conference this morning, parliamentary secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said the priority should be saving lives at sea and offering shelter for those fleeing from war.

Prevention, through tackling people smuggling and helping countries of origin enhance their capacity for border management, was also crucial, he said.

Dr Borg called for greater cooperation with third countries on return and readmission agreements, and for an overhaul of the Dublin regulation to ensure a fair distribution of asylum responsibility throughout the EU.