EU approves Miriam Dalli’s proposed €500 million allocation for migration

Over €500 million will be allocated to help European Union countries deal with migration, after a legal proposal for the funds to be used for matters including relocation and resettlement efforts was approved by both the European Parliament and the member states.

The funds risked being lost, after EU countries did not fully absorb this category of funding in the past two years for actions focusing on migrant relocation, the Labour Party Euro-parliamentarian said in a statement on Tuesday.

Dalli, however, insisted that a portion of the migraton funds in question continue to be used for measures such as relocation and resettlement, which she said were “crucial for countries like Malta and for true solidarity to be implemented.

She argued in the text of her proposed legislation that the principle of solidarity and fair-sharing of responsibility is safeguarded under Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Labour Party MEP Miriam Dalli

On 30 November, the member states voted in their absolute majority in favour of the proposal, with the European Parliament giving its final seal of approval - with over two-thirds of the House voting in support - today, following weeks of negotiations within this institution and in the European Council’s relevant structures.

The approval of this legislation delivers a clear message in favour of solidarity amongst member states, especially for those on the frontlines like Malta, Dalli’s statement said. It also means that more funds are made available to the EU countries during the next two years to implement their national programmes.

“The negotiations to ensure a minimum of the funds are used for the solidarity action of relocation were not easy,” Dalli highlighted.

“Moreover, because of the urgent nature of this legislation, the negotiations were carried out in a short period of time. Nonetheless, I am satisfied with the positive result achieved as it means that we are supporting those most affected by irregular migration whilst encouraging each EU member to play its part,” she added.