€100 million internal security fund launched

A €100 million fund for Malta’s internal security was launched today by deputy prime minister Louis Grech and parliamentary secretary Ian Borg.

€75 million will be coming from European funds whilst Malta is adding €25 million for the period 2014-2020.

The fund will be used to beef up the Police force in its fight against criminality and to better manage Malta’s and the EU’s funds. Funds will also be used for better control of visa procedures.

The funds will also be used to procure a new AFM patrol boat, a helicopter, surveillance equipment for the Police, bomb detection equipment and invest in research in organised crime including people smuggling and irregular migration.

“It is important that the EU member states to bolster their internal security systems,” Grech said during a press conference during which he expressed his solidarity with the French government over Friday’s attacks in Paris.

Borg added that government’s negotiations led to a total of €75 million which will be funded by the EU. “The starting figure was much lower,” he said.