Refugee fund

The Commission has just adopted the multiannual programme under the European Refugee Fund 2008-2013 for Malta for an estimated amount of € 4,8 million, together with the annual programme 2008:

Vice President, Jacques BARROT, responsible for the Justice, Freedom and Security portfolio, welcomed the adoption of the first multiannual programme for the implementation of the European Refugee Fund. "The launch of this multiannual programme constitutes the expression of the financial solidarity of the European Union towards a Member State like Malta, which is faced with significant challenges in this area".

Malta has chosen to focus on the three strategic priorities foreseen for the Fund, namely.

A. Implementation of the principles and measures set out in the Community acquis in the field of asylum, including those related to integration objectives;

B. Development of reinforcement tools and evaluation methodologies to assess and improve the quality of procedures for the examination of claims for international protection and to underpin administrative structures in an effort to respond to the challenges brought forward by enhanced practical co-operation with other Member ;

C. Actions helping to enhance responsibility sharing between Member States and Third Countries.

The following are some of the projects to be financed in the 2008 annual programme in Malta: Provision of essential services for the management of reception centers, as well as provision of food supplies and medical support for persons residing in these centers; Strengthening infrastructure and integration services for residents through self-empowerment at the Marsa Open Centre..